Agenda - Council - 04/08/2025 - Laserfiche WebLink

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8. 1. CC Regular Session Meeting Date: 04/08/2025 Primary Strategic Plan Initiative: Enhance City's communication through transparency and accountability. Title: Legislative Update Purpose/Background: The 2025 Minnesota Legislative Session began on January 14, 2025 and will adjourn on May 19, 2025. Annually, Ramsey adopts Legislative Priorities which provides staff direction to advocate for these priorities to lawmakers. Below is a summary of bills that have been introduced specific to Ramsey. Other bills not specific to Ramsey, but which may be of interest are also provided. SF1314/HF1036 City ofRamsey special tax increment financing authority modifications This bill amends past special legislation related to TIF District 14. The language clarifies that the city will be allowed to repay expenses from future tax proceeds so long as interfund loan requirements are met by December 31, 2025 for projects that are identified in the original 2010 Legislation. These projects include the city's share of the costs necessary to provide for the construction of the Northstar Transit Station and related infrastructure, including structured parking, a pedestrian overpass, and roadway improvements, (2) the cost of land acquired by the city or the housing and development authority in and for the city of Ramsey within the district prior to the establishment of the district, and (3) the cost of public improvements installed within the tax increment financing district prior to the establishment of the district. • Senator Ann Rest, Tax Committee Chair, supports this bill due to the provisions being included in the Senate's Omnibus Tax Bill in 2024. Unfortunately, in 2024 the language was removed from the final Omnibus Tax Bill. • SF1314 was heard in the Tax Committee on March 12, 2025. The bill was laid over for possible inclusion in the omnibus bill. SF1981/HF2638 Ramsey sales and use tax exemption for certain construction materials modification This bill amends 2023 approval related to the Water Treatment Plant project. In 2023, language only included the Water Treatment Plant and not the trunk watermain improvements. • Senator Ann Rest, Tax Committee Chair, supports this bill due to the provisions being included in the Senate's Omnibus Tax Bill in 2024. Unfortunately, in 2024 the language was removed from the final Omnibus Tax Bill. • SF1981 is scheduled for a hearing on March 26, 2025 in the Tax Committee. Staff will attend the hearing to testify. SF1467/HF2637 City ofRamsey clean water infrastructure bond issuance and appropriation This bill requests $6.8 million in state bonding appropriations for the Water Treatment Plant and Trunk Watermain improvements. • The city received $3.2 million in state bonding funds of our requested $10 million. Indications in 2023 were the remaining balance would be considered in 2024. A request in 2024 for $6.8 million was introduced, but not approved. • As part of the 2025 Legislative Priorities, the City dropped the request due to the completion of the project in 2025. • Senator Bahr introduced the 2025 bill following efforts in the two prior years. • Staff will advocate for the request based on any success in obtaining additional funding will aid in reducing future user fee increases. • Staff testified in front of the House Capital Investment Committee on April 3, 2025.