Metro Cities Bill Tracking ReportFriday, July 30, 2010 |
 |
|||||||
Index
| Municipal Revenue & Taxation | General Legislation | Housing & Economic Development | Metropolitan Agencies | Transportation |
*
Secondary Policies: --
Omnibus Tax bill. Includes Dept of Revenue technical and policy bills,statewide pooling provision (drafting error prohibited final inclusion of this provision, see SF 2255),local TIF provisions, local sales tax provisions, fiscal disparities study, conditional use deed reform provisions, and other miscellenous provisions. Does not include TIF for transit oriented development. Committee adopted TIF pooling for market rate housing but language was inadvertently omitted from final draft. We will seek correction at beginning of next session.
support in part
**
Secondary Policies: --
The bill repeals the exemption on the clothing sales tax, with some proceeds paying back the K12 payment shift, and a reduction in the sales tax rate.
monitor
*
Secondary Policies: --
Bill would allow chairs and ranking minority members of Finance and Ways and Means to request local impact notes. Chairs of Tax committee already have authority.
monitor
**
Secondary Policies: --
the bill requires the Legislature to pass a balanced budget before passage of other legislation.
monitor
***
Secondary Policies: --
Limits annexation procedures. If an annexation agreement is approved, a municipality may not annex property by another mechanism, nor shall another municipality annex property.
monitor
**
Secondary Policies: --
the bill modifes the authority of the MMB (Finance) Commissioner to unallot expenditures by limiting this authority until after July 1st of an even numbered year.
monitor
*
Secondary Policies: --
the bill establishes a commission to review and potentially sunset tax expenditures. The bill also lays out a plan for the automatic expiration of all tax expenditures.
monitor
**
Secondary Policies: 1G --
the bill would make supplemental appropriations to comply with the unallotment actions of July 2009.
monitor
**
Secondary Policies: 1G --
Overall budget reduction bill. Reduces K12 funding, reduces the MVHC from $304 to $266 and reduces phase out rate from $9 to $12 per $1K of value above $76K. Reduces LGA to citeis from $526M to $380M for aids in 2011 and after. Reduces County Aids from $227M to $149M for 2011 and after. No Senate companion.
monitor
*
Secondary Policies: --
the bill expands the LGA study group from 10 to 12 members (from 5 to 6 by each legislative body) and requires that at least two members represented must be from from a city in the metro area not of the first class or be a legislator not of the first class in the metro region.
support
**
Secondary Policies: --
the bill scales back the PTR program by reducing the maximum income eligible for a refund, decreasing the maximum refund allowed and eliminating the annual inflation adjustment of the income brackets and maximum refund amount.
oppose
*
Secondary Policies: --
the bill would change factors for the Market Value Homestead Credit that would reduce the credit to homeowners by $42 million in 2012 and $43 million in 2013.
support
**
Secondary Policies: --
the bill limits market value growth for agricultural properties.
oppose
*
Secondary Policies: --
the bill requires the Commissioner of Revenue to study the metropolitan fiscal disparitise program. The study is paid for by a $100K levy on the fiscal disparities pool for 2011. The study is due to the Legislature in 2012.
support
**
Secondary Policies: --
Thje bill requires the market value of property classified as residential homestead to be valued by the assessor as residential, regardless of the property's zoning, effective for assessment year 2010 and thereafter.
monitor
**
Secondary Policies: --
the bill modifies the in-lieu host agreement for electric generation facility properties by striking the $600,000 cap.
monitor
**
Secondary Policies: --
the bill expands the sales tax exemption for water used directly in providing fire protection by a fire dept, fire protection district, or fire company providing services to the state or local governments.
support
*
Secondary Policies: --
the bill would exempt from the sales tax purchases of water used directly in providing public safety services by an organized fire department, fire protection district, or fire company regularly charged with providing fire protection to the state or a political subdivision.
support
**
Secondary Policies: --
the bill exempts purchases for public safety equipment from the sales tax.
support
**
Secondary Policies: --
the bill exempts railroad carriers and properties from storm water assessments, levies or charges.
oppose
***
Secondary Policies: --
The bill creates a temporary tax exemption for charitable contributions to local governments by allowing the taxes paid by lawful gambling organizations to be reduced by the amount of contributions made by lawful gambling organizations to local governments. The exemption sunsets after 2013.
monitor
*
Secondary Policies: --
Provides grants to units of government to acquire, construct, or renovate public land to be used for cooperative facilities. Included in Senate Bonding bill at $2M. Included in conference committee report at $1M, but was line item vetoed.
support
*
Secondary Policies: --
Establishes a collaborative governance council to identify and remove obstacles to government collaboration at all levels of government. The council shall consist of major statewide governmental entities and nongovernmental statewide organizations with a stated interest in collaborative government. 12 member council. Council must develop recommendations designed on how to increase government collaboration.
support
*
Secondary Policies: --
Creates a coalition for innovation and collaboration. Includes non profits, private and public sector to address high priority needs. Coalition should seek and promote ideas for addressing high priority community needs.
monitor
*
Secondary Policies: --
Provides $40 million in bonds to acquire, construct, or renovate public land for cooperative facilities. At least three units of government must participate to be eligible. Funded at $1 million in bonding bill, but line item vetoed.
support
*
Secondary Policies: --
Establishes a Commission on Service Innovation whose goal is to provide the legislature with a plan to redesign the delivery of state or local services. Amended to SF3134, omnibus state government policy bill.
monitor
***
Secondary Policies: --
Imposes a moratorium on unfunded mandates to businesses and local units of government. Creates an 11-member Local Government Mandate Relief Commission to recommend ways to eliminate unfunded mandates. Seven members must represent local governments, the other four members would legislators from the majority and minority parties. Also creates a separate Business Mdnate Relief and Paperwork Reduction Commission.
support
*
Secondary Policies: --
Reestablishes board of Innovation. Board can award grants to local units of governments for innovative service delivery, sharing services, and collaboration efforts. Board would then create list of efficiencies to implement statewide. Passed in HF 2227
monitor
**
Secondary Policies: --
the bill allows property taxes and delinquent property taxes to be paid through electronic means.
monitor
***
Secondary Policies: --
the bill states that to be eligible for a loan or grant a public water supplier serving more than 1,000 people shall establish and fund an enterprise account to provide funding for future construction, reconstruction, repair, enlargement, or other improvement.
oppose
***
Secondary Policies: --
the bill craetes a preference for communty banks and credit unions for the state's general account. The bill also requires a study of possible further use of community banks by the state and municipalities.
monitor
***
Secondary Policies: --
Bill states that a local unit of government owes a special duty of care for the protection of residential property owner's and occupants when conducting a sub-sewage inspection or inspection of residential property.
monitor
*
Secondary Policies: --
the bill expands the exemption for public safety radio systems
monitor
*
Secondary Policies: --
Allows cities to enforce property maintenance codes that address safety and health concerns, as long as the codes do not conflict with the state building code.
support
***
Secondary Policies: --
Defines "Urban" and "Suburban" for purposes of Annexation. Adds urban and suburban as a factor for consideration under annexation.
monitor
***
Secondary Policies: --
Requires a city that annexes property from a town to reimburse the town for the loss of property taxes under the town tax rate. Caps the reimbursement from a city to a township for negotiated annexations to 8 years worth of property taxes.
monitor
***
Secondary Policies: --
Allows for annexation to be decided by referendum. A city council could petition for a referendum by resolution if they receive a petition signed from at least 20% of voters from previous election.
monitor
***
Secondary Policies: --
Requires public water suppliers to charge the lowest residential water and sewer rates in manufactured home parks.
monitor
*
Secondary Policies: --
Bill prohibits city council members from being employed by city that the individual represents.
monitor
*
Secondary Policies: --
Bill updates the 1941 law on use deeds. Other than paying full value for land, it can be obtained through use deed and only can be used for specified use. Bill updates "public authorized use" definition, gives local units new alternative authority, and deals with ruling from courts on the meaning of "parks". Included in Senate Omnibus Tax Bill, SF 3327. Included in House Omnibus Property Tax bill.
monitor
***
Secondary Policies: --
Incorporates new requirements in Department of Health rulemaking and makes grants available to upgrade ventilation systems.
oppose
***
Secondary Policies: --
Prohibits the use and sale of coal tar sealant products. Cities are currently required to ban the use if they need to apply for state grants to assist in the cleaning of retention ponds contaminated by coal tar products.
support
***
Secondary Policies: --
Bill provides funding for an NFL stadium at a non site specific site. Team would pay $264 million up front and then finance the remaining $527 million over 40 years. It would raise money through hotels, jersey purchases, rental cars, and a sports themed scratch off game.
monitor
***
Secondary Policies: --
Earmarks $2 million from Amateur Sports Commission bond proceeds to finance grants to local units of government to help indoor ice arenas replace air exchange systems to improve air quality in indoor ice arenas.
support
*
Secondary Policies: --
Overall cuts of $315 million to state agencies, aids/credits etc, including LGA cuts of $105M. Cuts to higher education, environment, energy, natural resources, agriculture, veterans affairs, economic development, transportation, public safety, judiciary, and state government. No cuts to health and human services, or aids and credits. Conference Committee report passed both senate and house cutting $315M, $105 of which is cuts to city and county aids.
oppose in part
***
Secondary Policies: --
Expanding the authorization of low interest loans to local units of government to finance community or publicly owned small scale renewable energy systems to include conservation measures. The bonding authority is also increased from a maximum of $20 million in outstanding bonds to $100 million.
support
*
Secondary Policies: --
Changes to forfeiture laws including the giving of receipts upon seizure, petition for remission or mitigation and changes to the distribution of proceeds upon sale of forfeited property among others.
monitor
***
Secondary Policies: --
Would expand the authority of local units of government or peace officers to impound vehicles for non-traffic related offenses, alcohol related offenses and driving without a license.
monitor
***
Secondary Policies: --
Extends civil immunity to municipalities that donate public safety equipment unless a claim is a direct result of intentional misconduct.
monitor
***
Secondary Policies: --
Expansion of open meeting laws for materials and notices to be opsted on applicable websites. Does not eliminate posting in newspapers.
monitor
*
Secondary Policies: --
Allows cities to grant additional cable franchise rights to telephone companies if they already offer local exchange telephoone service.
monitor
***
Secondary Policies: --
Proposes $5 million in matching grant money from bond proceeds for local governments to aquire and better natural and scenic areas.
monitor
*
Secondary Policies: --
Sets statewide goals for the deployment and high speed of state broadband, so that all residents have access by 2015, and that Minnesota be in the top five states for broadband access.
support
*
Secondary Policies: --
Authorizes fire departments to check criminal history data on current employees.
monitor
*
Secondary Policies: --
This bill rewrites the multi jurisdictional gang and drug task force statute including changes to the make-up of the board and new oversight regulations.
monitor
*
Secondary Policies: --
Changes petitions and veto powers for housing improvement areas. Petitions change from 25 to 50 percent of housing units subject to fees and from 35 to 45 percent for veto powers.
monitor
***
Secondary Policies: --
Allows for the cities of Arden Hills, Hilltop, New Brighton, Shoreview, and St. Anthony Village to establish housing replacement TIF districts and allows for the TIF pooling authority (10%) to be used for market rate housing with certain conditions.
support
**
Secondary Policies: --
Provides for a state low income housing tax credit. Minnesota Housing Finance Agency would determine eligibility based on federal standards. Credit would last for 5 years.
monitor
*
Secondary Policies: --
The bill provides $10 million in bonds for rehabilitation and preservation of public housing. Bonding bill passed both Senate and House with $10M. Was line item vetoed from the bonding bill.
monitor
*
Secondary Policies: --
Expands low income housing construction tax exemption to limited liability corporations. Included in Omnibus Tax bill HF 3729, Art.4, sec 6.
monitor
***
Secondary Policies: --
Bill provides for a challenge program bond account under the housing development fund. Allows for agency to award bonds or transfer to other housing and economic development accounts. Bonds are not considered public debt or subject to state taxation for debt service.
monitor
***
Secondary Policies: --
Bill would appropriate a portion of mortgage registry and deed tax in the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency to be used for affordable housing.
support
*
Secondary Policies: --
Authorizes cities to amend their comprehensive plans for affordable housing developments with a simple majority of city council, rather than a two-thirds vote by all members. Metro Cities testified in support of bill in Senate and House State and Local Govt committees. Bill passed and signed by Governor.
support
*
Secondary Policies: 3J --
The bill would amend eminent domain to expand the public purpose definition of abandoned properties to allow cities to acquire vacant, abandoned and unmaintained properties to help mitigate the effects of foreclosures on neighborhood stability. Metro Cities has been working with other stakeholders to advocate for this bill. The bill passed the Senate but was not acted upon in the House.
support
*
Secondary Policies: --
Requires mortgager to provide detailed information of homeowners' rights during the redemption period. The information includes details of what a homeowner has to do in order to keep the house. The redemption period cannot begin until notice is received. Also, included in SF2549
monitor
*
Secondary Policies: --
Reduces time to request a hearing to secure a property from 14 to 6 days. Requires foreclosure notices to be sent to cities. Passed in SF 2430, sec. 8/14
support
*
Secondary Policies: --
Changes redemption period to 6 months, or 11 months if the original redemption period was 12 months.
monitor
*
Secondary Policies: --
Authorizes the development of a virtual assistance network to entrepreneurs. Goal of network is to grow current business ventures and attract new ones.
monitor
*
Secondary Policies: --
the bill changes the requirements for economic development authorities to define economic development districts by eliminating the requirement that a district be defined according to requirements outlined in 469.174 for (redevelopment districts).
monitor
*
Secondary Policies: 3I --
Omnibus economic development/jobs bill that includes tax credits for business, historic structure rehabilitation, expanding permitted uses of TIF (compact development), repeal of restrictions on MOA site and expansion of housing replacement. Bill passed both bodies and is on its way to the Governor. The bill includes the repeal of the low income fuel tax credit.
support in part
***
Secondary Policies: --
Bill would merge the Greater Minnesota Business Infrastructure and Bioscience Business Development grant progams.
monitor
***
Secondary Policies: --
Expands economic development grant program eligibility for non-metro cities to include metro cities with populations under 10,000. Bill was laid over for possible inclusion in Senate. Chair indicated he would like to find a way to help smaller suburban cities without opening up rural grant program.
monitor
*
Secondary Policies: --
Omnibus Bonding Bill. Includes $3M for I and I, $3M for shade/diseased tree removal, $1M for cooperative facilities grants, $10.5M for regional parks, $43.5M for transit capital improvements, and $5M for the redevelopment account. Procedurally, the bill was pulled back to the senate floor and not sent to the Governor. Conference Committee has now passed the bill, and the bill is again awaiting action by both bodies. The amended bill is funded at $1.1 billion. Bill was line item vetoed. Overall cost of bill was reduced to $686M. Inflow and Infiltration was funded at $3M, Redevelopment account at $5M, Shade Tree Grants at $3M. $43.5M in transit was vetoed
support
*
Secondary Policies: --
Would add Clean Energy Business as a recipient of the Bio-science business development public infrastructure grant program. Defines clean energy business as a business that further develops Minnesota's green economy.
monitor
*
Secondary Policies: --
The bill allows the Commissioner of Commerce to provide rebates to owners who install soloar photovoltaic modules manufactured in Minnesota. Qualified owners include residence, business, multi-family units, and publicly owned buildings.
monitor
**
Secondary Policies: --
Bill allows for a modification of the start time of TIF district No 12 in Cottage Grove.
monitor
*
Secondary Policies: --
the bill authorizes the city of Ramsey to to create a redevelopment TIF district without meeting redevelopment district requirements.
monitor
***
Secondary Policies: --
Includes transit improvement areas within the definition of economic development district. Allows for increment to be used to support activities for which area was designated including clearing land, soil remediation, walkways, bridges, streetscapes, new affordable, senior or disabled housing, parks, etc. Pooling language of bill was amended to SF 2919 and laid on the table for possible inclusion. Pooling language advocated for by Metro Cities included in SF 2929.
support
*
Secondary Policies: --
Allows the 10% pooling authority to be used for market rate housing (in addition to affordable housing, allowed under current law). Authorizes Brooklyn park to establish districts and reauthorizes for St Paul and Fridley. Metro Cities, LMC and MN Solutions initiative. Language to extend HR districts included in jobs bill; Pooling provision included in Senate Omnibus Tax bill, SF 3327, Article 5, sec 2/3. Passed conference committee but drafting error resulted in omission from Conference Committee report. We will seek to correct immediately in 2011.
support
*
Secondary Policies: --
For the city of Landfall TIF district 1-1 the bill would extend the five year for activities to eight years from the date of certification.
monitor
*
Secondary Policies: --
the bill extends Coon Rapids TIF districts until 2025.
monitor
*
Secondary Policies: --
Extends Oakdale TIF district number 6 until 2024.Included in Jobs bill.
monitor
*
Secondary Policies: --
the bill authorizes transit improvement TIF districts along transit lines. The bill stipulates qualifying expenditures including the acquiring of transit stations, streetscape improvements etc. The Senate Tax Committee amended pooling language from SF 975, advocated for by Metro Cities, into the bill.
monitor
*
Secondary Policies: --
Bills allows for the use of TIF from the Homeless Assistance TIF District in Minneapolis. Allows for increment to be reimbursed for cost accrued before establishment of district. Included in Jobs Bill.
monitor
***
Secondary Policies: --
the bill allows the Metropolitan Council to acquire U of M property for the Central Corridor LRT through eminent domain.
monitor
*
Secondary Policies: --
The bill exempts eminent domain awards and property tax adjustments from increased interest rates on certain judgments.
monitor
*
Secondary Policies: --
When eminent domain laws were changed in 2006, an exemption was allowed for public service corporations, which includes all municipal utilities. This bill, as originally drafted, proposed to remove this exemption, which could greatly increase costs for easements by municipal utilities. The bill was amended to allow city utilities to keep their exemption.
monitor
*
Secondary Policies: --
the bill amends eminent domain statutes to modify right of first refusal offers to include property obtained through transit funding.
monitor
***
Secondary Policies: --
Expands discharge of eminent domain to include portion of easement, rather than entire easement.
monitor
***
Secondary Policies: --
The bill allows homeowners to defer property valuation increases resulting from repairs or home improvements.
support
*
Secondary Policies: --
Allows municipalities to impose special assessments for construction or improvement of an on site energy conservation and renewable energy system.
monitor
***
Secondary Policies: --
Requires metropolitan municipalities to maintain a 10 to 14 foot buffer around storm ponds located on city owned land.
monitor
***
Secondary Policies: --
In development contracts bill would not allow municipalities to require conditions relating to transportation fees, park fees, building permit fees, or off-site improvements unless they are directly related to subdivision or required by law.
monitor
**
Secondary Policies: --
the bill transfers oversight of the Met Council from the Legislative Commission on Metropolitan Governance to the Legislature.
monitor
***
Secondary Policies: --
The bill requires approval of local government exceptions to lower St. Croix River standards.
oppose
*
Secondary Policies: --
Authorizes $2M of the clean water legacy account to be used for local inflow and infiltration mitigation. This bill is intended to assist with private/homeowner mitigation. The bill was heard in Environment Policy on 3/11/10. The debate centered on whether this was an appropriate use for Clean Water Legacy funds. The Chair adjourned the meeting without acting on the bill.
support
*
Secondary Policies: --
Metro Cities proposal to provide funding to metro cities for inflow and infiltration mitigation to public infrastructure. The bill was included in the Omnnibus Bonding package bill funded at $3 million, by the Legislature and has been signed by the Governor. Criteria are now being developed for distribution of the grant funds. A public hearing will be held at the Met Council on July 13th to take comments on the grant program.
support
*
Secondary Policies: --
The bill requires that for a public water supplier serving more than 1,000 people the charges for services shall cover the cost of furnishing the services. Any charges in excess of the costs of furnishing the services shall be used to pay for future construction, reconstruction, repair, improvement, maintenance. In order to be eligible for a loan or grant, a public water supplier serving more than 1,000 people shall operate so that the sum of all charges made for services rendered shall be sufficient to cover the cost of furnishing the services to all those receiving services.
oppose
***
Secondary Policies: --
Appropriates $500K from the Clean Water Legacy Account to the Met Council to support water supply planning activities. Also, it eliminates the sunset of the Metro Area Water Supply Advisory Committee. Amended on to SF3138
monitor
*
Secondary Policies: --
The House and Senate eliminated the fee from the outdoor heritage bill,sf3275, but will spend the $5 million state share to start setting up the monitoring network.
monitor
***
Secondary Policies: --
Requires municipal wastewater treatment facilities to at least recover costs of providing services. Excess charges are eligible to pay for future costs. Also, makes facilities eligible for grants and loans provided by the Public Facilities Authority.
monitor
*
Secondary Policies: --
the bill allows the Met Council to reduce the transfer from the SAC reserve fund to the wastewater fund if funds are not sufficient, so that the wastewater charge pays more of the debt service costs for SAC. The bill stipulates in an increase of the metropolitan sewer availability charge that does not exceed six percent or three percent more than the annual increase in the Consumer Price Index for the previous year, whichever percent is greater. The bill states that the Council may make this determination only after appropriate study and a public hearing. Metro Cities is working with Met Council staff on amendments to precisely define the 'trigger' that would allow this flexibility, a sunset provision, and language providing for a shift back of funds if the SAC fund becomes sufficiently solvent. These amendments are included in the bills. The Met Council will hold a public hearing on June 16th to discuss this year's transfer amount.
support
*
Secondary Policies: --
$67 million to replace or rehabilitate deficient bridges. In the final conference committee report.
support
***
Secondary Policies: --
Transportation and Met Council capital improvements and bond issue appropriations. $256,940,000 for transportation and $50,000,000 for Met Council.
support
***
Secondary Policies: --
Creates a transportation economic development assistance program that will administer grants to help fund transportation projects with economic development impacts. The funding for the program will come from a petroleum tank release cleanup fee.
support
**
Secondary Policies: --
The bills provide $40 million in bonding money to pay for local road improvements in corridors with regional or statewide significance.
support
*
Secondary Policies: --
Requires MNDoT to prioritize all bridges for improvements not completed by 2018.
monitor
*
Secondary Policies: --
Authorizes $200 million in bonding for highway construction for 2011 and 2012 and $100 million for each year 2013 to 2016.
support
*
Secondary Policies: --
the bill allows for capital expenditurse for Met Council transit for $34.6 m.
support
***
Secondary Policies: --
Governor's transportation budget recommendations.
monitor
***
Secondary Policies: --
Requires an annual report to the legislature on the status of all transit guideway projects currently in construction, study, planning, development or in the transportation policy plan. This is bill was developed by the Chamber of Commerce
monitor
***
Secondary Policies: --
the bill modifies restrictions on the Dan Patch commuter rail line to allow study and planning.
support
*
Secondary Policies: --
Increases deputy registrar fees to help licensing offices retain sufficient revenues to stay open.
support
*
Secondary Policies: --
Allows for Met Council to award contracts for purchase of transit vehicles offering the best value. The best value is not limited to price, and can include environmental concerns, quality, and vendor performance.
monitor
*
Secondary Policies: --
Allows cities to minimally plow private streets in uncompleted subdivisions and charge the cost of maintenance to all lots, sold and unsold, which must be paid before transfer of ownership can be completed. Amended to tighten up liability for reasonable care.
support
***
Secondary Policies: --
Enacts a moratorium on erection or conversion to electroninc advertising billboards until June 30, 2013.
monitor
*
Secondary Policies: --
Adds bicycle to statute allowing motorcylces to run red lights if they have stopped completely, the light will not turn green for an unreasonable time and it is safe to enter the intersection.
monitor
*
Secondary Policies: --
This closely resembles the policy bill vetoed by the Governor last session. It includes provisions to mitigate transportation project impacts on businesses and a policy to include bicycle and pedestrian accomodations on new bridge construction after 2012. The bill in the Senate now includes $70 million for interchange construction that would promote economic development.
monitor
*
Secondary Policies: --
Allows MNDoT to enter in into public private partnerships with government or nongovernment entities to finance transportation projects, depending on the availability of state monies. Amended in the Senate to require a yearly report to the legislature.
support
*
Secondary Policies: --
Allows for an additional $100 million in trunk highway bonding including $70 million to pay for interchanges with an economic development impact.
support
*
Secondary Policies: --
the bill extends the moratorium on advertising or promoting local sales taxes to May 31, 2012. (Under current law the moratorium expires on May 31, 2010).
oppose