Agenda Packets - 2011/05/23 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council April 11, 2011 Regular Meeting Page 2 to wrap up May 23rd and all parties involved would be working diligently to close the gaps in the 1 State’s deficit. 2 3 4 Senator Pam Wolf introduced herself to the Council, thanked them for their time, and stated she 5 appreciated the invitation to speak this evening. It was noted that all Omnibus bills went through 6 the Senate. Senator Wolf explained LGA would be holding for Mounds View at the same level 7 as 2010 and after 2011, LGA levels would be unknown. 8 9 Council Member Gunn questioned what was proposed within the Education Bill. Senator Wolf 10 indicated cuts were proposed, with the goal being to move toward reforms that would emphasize 11 proficiency in the learners. The State would like to see children become proficient readers by 12 Grade Three. Funding for Special Education would be difficult in the short term but better in the 13 long term. 14 15 Council Member Mueller asked if the State was investigating how to reduce unfunded mandates, 16 to reduce the burden being passed along to municipalities. Representative Tillberry indicated a 17 reduction bill was being discussed but there has not been support to date. 18 19 Council Member Mueller requested additional information from the Transportation Committee 20 and the proposed light rail system in St. Paul. Senator Wolf stated the Omnibus bill prioritized 21 the bussing systems and would work towards greater efficiencies before raising fares. The light 22 rail connection between Minneapolis and St. Paul had not been greatly discussed. The focus at 23 this time was the Central Corridor. 24 25 Council Member Stigney questioned how the State was breaking down the budget reductions 26 based on the three R’s. Senator Wolf indicated the primary goal of the Senate at this time was 27 for the State to live within its means without raising taxes. There has been discussion on 28 increased sales taxes, but no determination has been made to date. 29 30 Representative Tillberry further reviewed how he would continue to work on LGA to create a 31 more fair system. 32 33 Dan Mueller, 8343 Groveland Road, commented on the sacrifices that would be made to 34 education. He recognized the sacrifices that were also being made by residents throughout the 35 State with lost jobs, decreased wages and high gas prices. Mr. Mueller stated the residents are 36 running out of wealth. 37 38 Mayor Flaherty thanked the representatives for presenting the Council and residents with 39 valuable information this evening. He encouraged Senator Wolf and Representative Tillberry to 40 continue to work towards reform that benefits their constituents. He noted the unfunded 41 mandates that trickle down to the cities have greatly stressed municipalities given the fact LGA 42 has been cut. He suggested the House and Senate work together and find common ground for the 43 benefit of the State and its residents. 44 45