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MINUTES <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />SEPTEMBER 25, 1991 <br />on tax issues for metro cities. Long further reported <br />that AMM produces detailed computer tax analyses of <br />various tax bills and their impact on cities. Long <br />explained that AMM is not just a membership <br />organization, but is membership driven. <br />Representatives of inember cities serve on committees <br />of£ering ideas for legislative agenda. <br />Long stated that AMM would like Little Canada to join <br />the organization, which he indicated is doing an <br />excellent job for metro cities. <br />Long presented the City with a video tape that can be <br />played on the City's cable access channel which <br />contains a description of the essential services that <br />cities provide. <br />The Council expressed some concern with the dues Little <br />Canada would have to pay as a member of AMM, pointing <br />out the very tight financial situation that cities are <br />faced with. <br />The City Administrator stated that there is advantage <br />to the City in AMM's evaluation of the impact of <br />various legislative bills, and stated that the City <br />would have to become actively involved to make good use <br />of this information. The same information is provided <br />by the League of Minnesota Cities, however, the <br />Administrator stated that the information may not be <br />available in as timely a manner as AMM's. <br />Long again pointed out the extensive Legislative <br />contact system that is available through AMM. Long <br />indicated that AMM has both in-house and contract <br />lobbyists which provide excellent access to a variety <br />of legislators. <br />Blesener pointed out the Legislature's actions <br />drastically reducing local government aids. Blesener <br />also indicated that Little Canada will reap the <br />benefits of AMM's efforts even if it does not join <br />since the larger metro cities will support AMM. <br />However, the question is whether Little Canada should <br />pick up its fair share. Blesener stated that his <br />feelinq was that Little Canada should pay its fair <br />share, however, pointed out that the 1992 budget will <br />be very tight. Blesener suggested that membership be <br />considered at budget time. <br />Peterson agreed that there is very little left in terms <br />of local government aids, however, Little Canada is <br />still receiving a significant amount of HACA, which is <br />of great help in keeping property taxes down. Peterson <br />reported that AMM is emphasizing the protection of HACA <br />for cities. <br />Page 6 <br />