Minutes - 2006/02/13 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council February 13, 2006 Regular Meeting Page 2 • other items that may reduce this predicted surplus, and that it is unlikely there will be any funds remaining for Local Government Aid (LGA) or spending purposes. Senator Betzold stated there will be a bonding bill this year that will affect Mounds View due to the Medtronic project last year and minor corrections needed for language regarding County Road J. He commented that both Ramsey County and City staff are working on that language. He stated that a bill was pre-introduced by Senator Keith Langseth that is separate from the bonding bill to try to get it out as quickly as possible. Senator Betzold urged the City to contact him if there are other things that need to be brought to attention. Senator Betzold reviewed other issues coming up such as eminent domain, electronic waste recycling, clean water legacy, accessibility to drivers' license data, and stadium issues. He stated he would love to see attempts to reduce property tax increases, and the restoration of local government aid. Senator Betzold offered to answer questions, and noted he will be back at the end of the legislative session. Stan Meyer, 2812 Sherwood Road, asked what is being done to reduce spending. Senator Betzold responded that this was not a budget year and several spending cuts were done in previous years. He explained that of the State's budget, approximately one-half goes to education, one-fourth goes to human services (i.e. nursing homes), and another $1 billion goes to . corrections. He stated there are several demands on the State's budget. Mayor Marty asked Mr. Betzold if there will be special legislation to clean up County Road J. Senator Betzold responded that it was part of the bonding bill last year, and the language was not correct when the bonding bill was passed. He noted Senator Langseth is carrying a bill that is separate from the bonding bill that will address this. Mayor Marty asked if it will be on the table to start off the legislative session. Senator Betzold responded the Senate had pre-filing of bills that ended last week, and that nothing can be done until the legislative session starts on March 1, but the bill is out there and expects the companion bill to be introduced in the House. He commented that both the House and Senate will have the bills ready before the session begins. Mayor Marty stated he hoped the bill would be at the beginning of the session, because language problems were discovered and legislation is required to straighten it out. Senator Betzold responded he did not know how quickly the bill will be brought up because of the legislative session starting late and because the bills from the rural legislators will be discussed first. Councilmember Flaherty asked if there were further cuts expected for LGAs. Senator Betzold responded there is not unless the budget forecast shows a large deficit, but this is not expected. • Councilmember Flaherty mentioned that last year Mounds View had $0 for LGAs, and asked how realistic reinstatement is for the future. Senator Betzold explained that LGAs are mainly