02/22/1993 Council Minutes (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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40 COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 22, 1993 REGULAR AGENDA OPEN MIRE Doug Swenson, State Representative District No. 51B - Representative Swenson explained that he is in his fourth term as a state representative. He has represented northern Washington County. After the redistricting in 1992, Lino Lakes and Centerville were added to his district. He noted that he holds three (3) or four (4) town meetings each year and thanked the City Council for the use of the chambers for his meeting this evening. Representative Swenson also noted that he had a meeting with Mr. Schumacher and Mr. Schneider this afternoon and is familar with the Lake Drive/Highway 49 intersection improvement project. He will be pursuing this matter with the MnDOT district engineer. Representative Swenson explained his purpose for coming this evening was to conduct the town meeting, let the City Council know the he does want to hear from them and will try to be responsive to their concerns. He noted that various committees that he is serving on in the legislature. Mayor Reinert noted that a petition was received from 798 voters in this area requesting that the Lake Drive/Highway 49 - intersection be upgraded with traffic lights. A copy of the petition was given to Representative Swenson. Mayor Reinert explained that Lino Lakes is in a growth mode and expressed concern regarding the attempt by the Governor to "dip" into Local Government Aid (LGA) to balance the state budget. He explained that LGA is very important to a developing city and should not be used by the State to shift taxes from the state to local governments. Representative Swenson said that his position is to preserve LGA as much as possible as well as the Homestead, Agricultural Credit Aid (HACA). Mayor Reinert explained that when the trust fund was instituted, the state promised that it would not be touched. Mr. Swenson explained that this is where the LGA is now coming from and he understood the need to preserve it as much as possible. He also noted that the governor is proposing to increase HACA somewhat. Council Member Neal noted that there is no senior congregate dining available to Lino Lakes seniors and asked if he could do anything about this. Representative Swenson explained that this has been done through the Volunteer's of America and not through any state agency. He noted that Washington County provided some funding for its seniors through the federally funded Ramsey PAGE 2 1 1 1