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CONSIDER BUDGET AMENDMENT TO ALLOCATE FUNDING FROM THE COUNCIL CONTINGENCY FOR THE LEAGUE OF MINNESOTA CITIES RIGHTS-OF-WAY WORK PLAN By: Jessie Hart, Finance Officer Background: By now, you may be aware of the rights-of-way issue facing cities in Minnesota. US West's challenge to local management of the public rights-of-way is one of the most critical issues cities have faced in years. It was a topic of considerable discussion at the Annual Conference, where member cities supported the League Board of Directors decision to move forward with an aggressive work program and financing plan to counter this challenge. The League is asking all member cities to make a special payment to the fund and help put the work plan into action. The work plan developed by the Rights-of-Way Task Force and approved by the Board could cost $325,000 or more. This assumes that a large portion of the work plan will be coordinated by and implemented through League staff. The Board has agreed to allocate $125,000 from the current League budget for the work plan and is asking member cities to voluntarily pay $200,000. Based on Ramsey's 1995-96 League dues, our voluntary suggested minimum would be $1,008. If each city meets their minimum payment, the $200,000 target is reachable. However, because it is unlikely that all cities will join the effort, the League is encouraging member cities to allocate more if this initiative is of particular importance to them. Two important points should be made: First, this is a voluntary payment. As a member of the League of Minnesota Cities, we are not required to take part in this effort. However, if total city participation falls significantly short of the $200,000 goal, the League may not be able to fully undertake the work plan. Secondly, this voluntary payment should not be confused with the League membership dues. The League believes that the prospect of losing local control of public property warrants this extraordinary effort and realizes it is a complicated issue that must be weighted against other priorities in the City. The League has provided the attached information sheet to assist in answering questions that might arise regarding this issue. Staff Recommendation: Because this issue of public right-of-way should be considered a priority in the City of Ramsey, staff recommends funding this request at the requested amount of $1,008, or an amount higher, through a reallocation of the Council Contingency Fund.