07-13-11 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL JULY 13, 2011 ordinance is adopted, it will be difficult to enforce. He pointed out, however, that having the ordinance in place makes the City eligible for grant money to clean up PAH contamination, should that ever occur. The Administrator reported that Maplewood, Roseville, and White Bear Lake have adopted ordinances with this prohibition. The Council discussed the issue and agreed that an ordinance should be adopted to ensure the City's eligibility for grant funds, if necessary. The consensus was that the ordinance should be similar to that adopted by the City of White Bear Lake. The Council directed the City Administrator to draft the ordinance and bring it back for consideration. RAMSEY The City Administrator reported that St. Paul's Mayor is urging suburban COUNTY Ramsey County cities to oppose a Ramsey County sales tax that would SALES TAX help fund a potential Vikings Stadium. The Cities of North St. Paul, TO FUND Shoreview, St. Paul, Maplewood, and White Bear Lake have adopted STADIUM resolutions opposing the sales tax. Arden Hills is in favor of the tax and the Cities of Vadnais Heights and Falcon Heights will be considering the issue at upcoming meetings. The Administrator reported that the basis for the opposition is that this cost burden should not be borne by just Ramsey County taxpayers. Some of the resolutions adopted by Ramsey County cities oppose the sales tax while declaring support for the stadium. Blesener agreed with this approach and suggested a modified resolution. Blesener pointed out that the stadium will be a state -wide amenity and should be financed on a state -wide basis. Keis expressed concern that once the sales tax is in place, it would never go away. McGraw felt that the decision on whether or not the stadium goes on the Arden Hills site was between Arden Hills and the County. Once that decision is made, financing becomes a different question. McGraw also pointed out the development that has occurred on the other side of the river, as well as the economic development benefit that the Xcel Center has been to St. Paul. McGraw indicated his support for a Vikings Stadium on this side of the river. Keis pointed out that while the City can indicate its opposition to a Ramsey County sales tax, the decision will not be that of the impacted cities, but rather the Ramsey County Board. Keis indicated that he supported the stadium, but agreed that financing should be on a state -wide basis. Blesener noted that the sales tax proposed is low, but again stated that the project should be financed through state -wide means. Montour 9