09-22-2021 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 22, 2021 Mr. Isaacson stated that he is the lead for the redistricting efforts and after the 2020 Census was completed, Minnesota was able to keep all of our legislative seats by about 84 people. He explained that his district is technically the perfect size, but there are many districts that are off by quite a bit, so there will definitely be changes to district boundaries. He stated that work is being done now to make new maps. Keis explained that I-35E splits Little Canada in half, and Little Canada Road is the only way across the freeway. He stated that the City would like to have other pedestrian crossings across I-35E and I-694. Mr. Isaacson stated that he would be happy to meet with city staff in order to get more information. Fischer stated that the Little Canada Road bridge over I-35E is very dangerous for any type of pedestrian to use. McGraw stated that he walks almost every day, and drives across the bridge and parks at City Hall in order to walk on the east side of the freeway. Torkelson asked how long the temporary status will last of keeping the Local Government Aid (LGA) amount the same. Mr. Isaacson stated he will find out and let city staff know. Keis asked what the long-term goal of LGA is for the State. Mr. Isaacson stated that everyone has different opinions, and his goal is to keep it as stable and predictable as possible. He stated he has not heard anything about getting rid of it, but knows that people talk about it going both ways. He asked the Council if they need anything from the Legislature and how things were going for the city during the pandemic. Keis stated that the intersection at I-35E, Little Canada Road and Country Drive is a mess. He explained that this area has been on and off the State's radar for years, but it will be hard to improve it. Mr. Isaacson stated he will reach out to MNDOT to see if they have any plans and possibly timing, but does not know what the solution is due to the lack of space without losing any existing businesses that are located there. PRESENTATION — DR. JENNY LOECK, ROSEVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT Dr. Loeck stated that she is a long-time Roseville School District employee and is privileged to now be the new Superintendent. She stated that the last 18 months have had a lot of change. She noted that Little Canada Elementary School was remodeled after the bonding referendum passed in 2017. She stated that this school continues to grow and is the largest elementary school in the district. She reviewed the levy questions that are on the 2021 General Election ballot. Fischer asked Dr. Loeck to explain where the funding for the free meals that are being provided for students and families comes from. Dr. Loeck stated that the Federal Government is contributing all of the funds for student meals. Fischer stated that he has heard questions about whether funds were being taken from learning costs to pay for the free meals. CONSENT AGENDA Fischer introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: 2