Minutes - 2017/06/12 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council June 12, 2017 Regular Meeting Page 3 $7,964 from Twin Cities Gateway and explained the funds would be disbursed to the Community Center ($1,000) and to Festival in the Park ($6,964). MOTION/SECOND: Meehlhause/Bergeron. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 8770, Accepting the Twin Cities Gateway Grant. Ayes – 5 Nays – 0 Motion carried. 7. PUBLIC INPUT None. 8. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. End of Session Legislative Update from Representative Randy Jessup. Representative Randy Jessup provided the Council with an “end of session” Legislative update. He stated he was pleased by the amount of bonding and budget work that was completed. He described the changes coming to the affordable health care act and proposed tax relief for social security benefits. He explained that the State was working to relieve student debt for college graduates. He commented on the transportation projects that would be funded in the coming years. He provided an update on the small cell tower initiative with the Council. He reviewed the licensure changes that were being proposed for Minnesota educators. He was pleased to report that the “per pupil” funding would be increased in 2018 and 2019. Lastly, he reported the State passed a Real ID bill and Sunday liquor sales. Council Member Meehlhause asked if the Rice Street Bridge project was fully funded. Representative Jessup explained this project was fully funded between Ramsey County and MnDOT. Council Member Meehlhause questioned why the tobacco tax was being reduced. Representative Jessup stated he would have to investigate this further, but it was his understanding there was a premium tax on cigars and this was the tax being decreased. Council Member Meehlhause inquired why there was such a divide regarding rapid transit. Representative Jessup explained he supported the blue and green line, but did not support the southwest line. He commented on the correlation between the concentration of people and the need for transit. He discussed the large investment that would be needed for the southwest light rail and believed these funds could be better used by increasing the number of rapid bus routes. Council Member Gunn asked if the State had discussed funding the shovel-ready I-35W MnPASS lane project. Representative Jessup understood this project was a priority and stated this would be a topic of discussion in the next legislative session. He explained he would continue to push for this project and the sound wall.