11-13-2002 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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1 Response: The Legislature should encourage local government implementation of GTS through grants and /or the dedication of a revenue source such as real estate 3 transaction fees. In addition, cities should be involved in the development of county land 4 records modernization plans. 5 6 SD -16. State Appropriation for Government Training Service (CG) 7 8 Issue: In 1977, Government Training Service (GTS) was created in order to provide a 9 coordinated response to the training needs of state and local governments. GTS was charged with 10 coordinating the needs of the state, cities, counties, townships, and school districts, with the 11 delivery capability of the state's institutions of higher learning and other continuing education 12 service providers. 13 14 State financial support of GTS is important. Many cities and other local governments find 15 it difficult to adequately fund city official and staff training. GTS provides a cost - effective 16 mechanism for taking advantage of the efficiencies of cooperation. 17 18 Response: The League supports the state general fund appropriation for 19 Government Training Service. 20 21 SD -17. Public Safety Spectrum Needs (AH) 22 Issue: Cities are concerned about the trend of increased concentration of ownership of 2,4 wireless spectrum licenses, particularly for cell phones, radio, TV, and satellite broadcasting. 25 Cities' concerns arise from the implications of the availability of additional spectrum necessary 26 for interoperability and access to the technology required to respond to disasters, terrorism, and 27 other emergencies. 28 29 Response: The federal government must take immediate action to provide 30 broadcast channels needed to allow Local public safety agencies to respond to accidents, 31 disasters, and criminal activity that cross jurisdictional boundaries. Federal and state 32 officials should encourage regional public safety communications planning and address the 33 shortage of broadcast channels to meet future public safety needs. 34 35 Cities should receive fair and inunediate compensation for transfers associated with 36 state or federal regulations for cities to change frequencies and /or channels in order to 37 operate public safety and emergency communications. 38 39 The federal government should also take immediate steps to ensure that emergency 40 warning systems are linked to make sure that all areas are protected in the event of 41 national, statewide or regional emergencies. 42 43 SD -18, Legalization of Fireworks (AF) 44 Issue: The 2002 Legislature passed a bill (Chapter 350) that allows for the sale and use 46 of non- aerial, non- explosive consumer fireworks including sparklers, party poppers, snakes, and 47 other novelty items, relaxing the ban on consumer fireworks in place in Minnesota since 1941. 29