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• • CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM 3B STAFF ORIGINATOR: Jeff Karlson MEETING DATE: April 8, 2013 TOPIC: Resolution Supporting Street Improvement Legislation VOTE REQUIRED: 3/5 INTRODUCTION The Council is being asked to consider the adoption of a Resolution No. 13 -42, supporting legislation establishing municipal street improvement districts. BACKGROUND There is currently state legislation being proposed that would allow cities to create street improvement districts. This authority would allow cities to collect fees from property owners within a district to fund municipal street maintenance, construction, and reconstruction. It is modeled after Minn. Stat. 435.44, which allows cities to establish sidewalk improvement districts. This authority would establish a clear relationship between who pays fees and where projects occur. Fees would also be deductible just as property taxes are. If enacted, this legislation would provide cities with an additional tool to build and maintain city streets. Property owners would fund expensive projects by paying relatively small fees over time. The proposal at the Legislature is enabling legislation, which means cities can decide whether or not to use this type of funding mechanism. Existing funding mechanisms for street maintenance and reconstruction are inadequate. Special assessments can be onerous to property owners and are difficult to implement, which is especially true in Lino Lakes. Timely maintenance is essential to preserving streets and thereby protecting taxpayer investments. If the Council elects to approve this resolution, staff would send a letter of support from the Mayor to the League of Minnesota Cities, which would be presented to legislators during the testimony for this proposed legislation. RECOMMENDATION Adopt Resolution No. 13 -42, supporting legislation authorizing the establishment of municipal street improvement districts. • ATTACHMENTS Resolution No. 13 -42