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January 12, 2005 To: The local government units comprising the Vadnais Lake Area Water Management Organization (VLAWMO) Cities of Gem Lake, Lino Lakes, North Oaks, Vadnais Heights, White Bear Lake, Town of White Bear and Board of Water Commissioners — Saint Paul; Re: Special Purpose Taxing District (levy authority) Request for Resolution of Support Members Gem Lake Lino Lakes North Oaks St. Paul Regional Water Service Vadnais Heights White Bear Lake White Bear Township The Board of Commissioners of the Vadnais Lake Area Water Management Organization (VLAWMO) is pursuing special legislation at the capital which would provide levy authority to the watershed management organization. This levy authority was important to many of the VLAWMO members during our organizational discussions over the past year at least in part because of tax equity issues. The VLAWMO board has investigated the process necessary (attachment A) to be designated as a Special purpose taxing district (levy authority) and feels that a resolution of support from all of the members is vital to this effort (attachment B). The VLAWMO Board, with the best interests of water resources in mind, hopes you will put this request for support on your next agenda. Timing is critical. VLAWMO would like an indication your support of this effort by our February 9th meeting if at all possible. At the January 12th Board meeting a variety of factors were considered important to this discussion: The legislative session this year is very short and starts soon. In order for this effort to proceed this year, it must pass through a policy committee by March. • We have potential legislative authors, but they are awaiting your letters or resolutions of support. • Receiving levy authority from the legislature is still several steps away from using it. o Our current Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) does not allow it. It should be noted that even if the legislature grants this watershed levy authority comparable to watershed districts, we CANNOT use it without an updated JPA. 4701 Highway 61, White Bear Lake, MN 55110; 651 - 429 -8522, Fax: 651 - 429 -8500 website: www.vlawmo.org; email: office @vlawmo.org