Minutes - Council - 04/02/2024 - Special

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on this, the more they are likely to move forward with it. He said the angrier the City is about this, the more the legislature will listen. He added that the League of Minnesota Cities is currently fighting a tough battle as they are facing this, and many other, issues. Councilmember Woestheoff asked which bill City Attorney Knaak finds most concerning. City Attorney Knaak said HF4010 is the most concerning to him. He added that HF4009 seems to be stalled. He explained that they should not be deceived as revisions can always be made between Committees. He said nothing in these bills seem like a good idea. Acting Mayor Riley asked if the Council was in agreement that they are not in support of these bills. The Council was in unanimous agreement. Councilmember Woestehoff said he would like to send a letter to the legislation as well as forming a coalition against this. He added that they can direct Staff to reach out to all of the State and Local Government Finance and Policy Committee members so they can be aware if these bills are getting hearings again. He agreed with City Attorney Knaak that these bills are not the solution to this problem that would result in putting cities at disadvantages that are not necessary. Councilmember Musgrove agreed. She noted that since this is in Committee, they know they can get a letter out quickly. She shared that she has spoken with other cities who have been sending these letters to their legislators. Acting mayor Riley asked if they would be able to build the coalition off of what the League of Minnesota Cities or the North Metro Mayors Association are already doing. City Administrator Hagen stated that the League of Minnesota Cities is watching this and testifying on behalf of all cities as a part of their legislative platform that was adopted. He explained that when the League signs up to testify in various Committees they will often bring a member of their Board, which is made up of elected officials and staff members. He said the League is a great avenue to speak for cities. He added that letters from cities will also bring strength in numbers. He noted that anyone can sign up to testify on bills. Councilmember Howell agreed that they should send an initial letter right away then spend some time looking at what other cities have done. She said coalitions have been averaging around six cities per coalition. She stated they could gather all of these cities and send out a larger letter with the support of their legislatures who can deliver the letter on the floor to the other legislatures. She added that she knows of some cities who would be interested in signing on to their coalition. Councilmember Woestehoff suggested talking to Coon Rapids and all of Anoka County to get all of them on board. He noted that one of the members of the State and Local Government Finance and Policy Committee is Jerry Newton who is a member of the DFL party from Coon Rapids. City Council Special Session / April 2, 2024 Page 4 of 7