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MINUTES <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />APRIL 9, 2025 <br />for tree removal and replacement and any grant dollars could help to supplement that. He reported that <br />the Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed this request and made a motion recommending that the <br />City Council support the submission of the grant application and include a letter of support. <br />Kwapick acknowledged the devastation the emerald ash borer has caused and agreed that this would be <br />a good opportunity. He asked how the grant dollars would be used, if received, and whether the <br />plantings would be spread out and only planted on public land or also on private land. The Parks and <br />Recreation Director replied that the grant dollars would supplement removal and replacement of ash <br />trees on the west side and if additional dollars are available, they would plant on city property. He <br />stated that this would help to support a diverse species in order to prevent a single species devastation. <br />Mayor Fischer introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: <br />RESOL UTION NO. 2025-4-58 - A UTHORIZING A LETTER OF SUPPORT TO BE <br />INCLUDED IN THE CITY OF LITTLE CANADA'S APPLICATION TO THE <br />METROPOLITAN COUNCIL'S COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING PROGRAM <br />The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Gutierrez. <br />Ayes (5). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. <br />RESOLUTION SUPPORTING RETENTION OF CITY ZONING AUTHORITY <br />Mayor Fischer noted that the next three items are also resolutions of support but related to legislative <br />matters, which is not something the city normally does. He recognized that this is an unusual year, and <br />the city has become far more active in working with its representatives. <br />The Acting City Administrator stated that requests have been received from a number of various <br />agencies requesting letters of support for different legislative items. She stated that the first action is <br />related to City zoning authority. She noted that a request was made by the League of Minnesota Cities <br />for the City to adopt this resolution. She stated that the Council discussed this at a previous workshop <br />and directed staff to bring forward the resolution. <br />Kwapick stated that he is supportive of the resolution. He stated that while everyone supports finding <br />ways to incorporate affordable housing across the community, there is concern with these particular <br />pieces of legislation, which are more of a one -size -fits -all all approach. He explained that the City is <br />not opposed to the goals of the legislation but simply believes this is not the right approach. <br />Mayor Fischer stated that the city has been doing its share, which is evident in recent projects. He <br />echoed the comments of Kwapick. <br />Miller also echoed the comments of Kwapick, noting that Little Canada has limited open space and is <br />working on its own to ensure projects include affordable elements. He agreed that the city needs to <br />retain its ability to continue to manage its own projects. <br />Kwapick introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: <br />RESOL UTION NO. 2025-4-59 — EXPRESSING CONCERNS REGARDING STATEWIDE <br />ZONING PREEMPTION PROPOSALS BILLS AND SUPPORTING LOCALLY LED <br />HOUSING SOLUTIONS <br />0 <br />