05-28-2024 CC (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council May 28, 2024 Regular Meeting Page 2 6. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS A. Troy Olson – North Metro Mayors – Session Wrap Up. Troy Olson, North Metro Mayors, provided the Council with a wrap up on the recently completed legislative session. He explained North Metro Mayors was an organization that was made up of 15 communities in the North Metro that collaborates on issues of importance, such as infrastructure, to the region. He thanked Mounds View for being a part of the coalition. He commented on how important it was to have a collective voice on infrastructure issues. He discussed how the session ended noting there was not enough support to pass the bonding bill, which was disappointing to the region. Mayor Lindstrom asked what happened with the ERA bill. Mr. Olson reported a vote was not taken in the Senate on this bill. City Administrator Zikmund inquired if the legislature would be holding a special session. Mr. Olson did not believe a special session would be held. Acting Mayor Meehlhause questioned if the North Metro had any victories for the region. Mr. Olson stated the bill regarding local control and affordable housing did not move forward, which was considered a victory for the region. Acting Mayor Meehlhause asked if there were any cities that received local sales tax authorization and had a bonding request. Mr. Olson explained he was uncertain but noted there was a lot of conversation around how the State was to consider local sales tax requests without coming to the legislature. Mayor Lindstrom requested further information on what community the affordable housing bill was aimed at. Mr. Olson indicated the advocates cast their net pretty wide, noting they were looking at Minneapolis and growing suburbs, more than outstate Minnesota. Mayor Lindstrom commented on how this change would incentivize developers to purchase normal single family homes to be redeveloped into small, unaffordable rental units. He anticipated this bill would continue to drive the price of housing up and would not be equitable for those with lower income. City Administrator Zikmund explained the City belongs to three professional organizations, North Metro Mayors, Metro Cities and the League of Minnesota Cities. He commented further on the focus for each of these organizations. He stated the North Metro Mayors was a unique organization that worked effectively to collaborate for the region as a formidable force within the legislature. Council Member Gunn requested further information on the Blue Line. Mr. Olson reported the Met Council would have oversight on the Southwest Line (Green Line). He indicated the Blue Line continues to move forward and funding was allocated for those who have been displaced for the line. He stated this line would run from Minneapolis through Robbinsdale and up into Brooklyn Park.