07-26-1999 CC - Laserfiche WebLink

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Representative Haake stated that she had been to the Anoka County Airport, and had communicated with pilots, and received many letters from the public regarding their concerns. She stated that they had emphasized their desire for 5000 -foot runways with an ILS, to assist in landing and safety concerns. She noted that this would also bring in slightly larger aircraft, adding that the local airport was already slated for four runways. She stated that she was attempting to communicate to the pilots that although they are in favor of the larger runways, they would have to understand, if they are allowed, they would no longer be considered a "pasture" airport. She stated that when the Metropolitan Airport Commission acts upon something they generally have a "grand plan," and if they agree to allow the larger runways, the Anoka County Airport will probably end up being the intermediate airport for the Twin Cities. Representative Haake stated that Metropolitan Council and Metropolitan Airport Commission's Aviation Guide of 1986 indicated a plan that involved researching another reliever airport site in the northwest portion of the Twin City area. She stated that this was not noted in the new plan, which indicated to her that they believed they would have their way, and that the site will probably be the Anoka County Airport. She stated that they had offered a compromise to this possibility, however, it was rejected. Representative Haake stated that amidst the negotiations, her bill is still alive, and will come back for consideration in the February Session. She stated that it has progressed to the Rules Committee, and that Speaker of the House Sviggum, and Majority Leader Pawlenty had promised they would provide assistance to her in regard to the bill, however, not until next year. Representative Haake stated that she had always believed that the word "politics" stood for "people, principle and policy." She remarked that she had recently learned that politics is power, and that politics were involved in the decision making process on this issue. She stated, however, that this would not deter them from their goals. She stated that City Attorney Long and Attorney John Choi had worked very diligently to get this bill passed, however, by the time it got to the Transportation Committee, it was subject to a straight party line vote. She stated that she believed the decision was made based upon power, and not the good policy of the bill. Mayor Coughlin expressed his appreciation to Representative Haake for her leadership in the airport issue, and numerous other issues not as well known. He added that he thanked her very much for the tenacity she has shown in the airport issue, and that it was fascinating to have been a participant in the process in a small way, testifying with her and working closely with her. He stated that it has been an honor and a pleasure to work with her on this and other issues. Mayor Coughlin inquired regarding the process that determined that City purchases are still subject to sales tax. Representative Haake stated that the process was in consideration of the entire tax cut menu, and that they had wanted to see how they could reach the most people, most effectively. She stated that the underlying consideration was if they made cities purchases exempt from tax, they would 12 c:\admin\minutes\7-12-99.cc