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Mounds View City Council August 28, 2000 <br />Regular Meeting Page 2 <br /> <br /> Ayes – 4 Nays - 0 Motion carried. <br /> <br />Council Member Marty was not present for the vote. <br /> <br />5. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS <br /> <br />Mayor Coughlin noted the attendance of Senator Steve Novak who was present to give his final <br />legislative update. <br /> <br />Senator Novak provided a update on the results of the 1999-2000 Legislative session, noting it <br />may or may not be his last report in an official capacity as he is running for Congress. He stated <br />this was a significant legislative session as it was the fourth year in a row where there as a <br />significant tax cut or rebate, a more significant tax/rebate cut than approved by any other State. <br />In addition, they were able to significantly increase State support for the schools and, more <br />directly, in the formula which has helped the Mounds View school district. <br /> <br />Senator Novak reported on three pieces of economic legislation, one of which brought about the <br />construction of the Metronic World Headquarters that is expected to bring close to 5,000 new <br />jobs at an average salary of over $55,000. He stated this is a mega-project on a Statewide basis. <br />He stated he also authored an extension of the Redevelopment Act which has been important for <br />communities like Mounds View that have tried to develop properties that have come off the tax <br />rolls by creating development criteria to make them eligible for redevelopment in an effort to <br />bring the properties back on the tax rolls. He stated this redevelopment initiative is working very <br />well. <br /> <br />Senator Novak reviewed his effort with the Environmental Legacy Fund for wildlife set-asides, <br />habitat rehabilitation, and water resource provision. He also advised of the largest housing bill in <br />the history of the State to provide $250 million in funding matches with governments, and <br />partnerships with private development to encourage affordable housing redevelopment. <br /> <br />Senator Novak thanked the Mayor and Council Members for their efforts in reaching a long term <br />settlement with the Anoka County Airport. He stated he is confident there is now a plan in place <br />that provides a resolution to satisfy the residents in this area for a century. He thanked the <br />citizens of Mounds View for the kind way he and his family have been treated during his work <br />with the Senate, and in particular to Council Member Gary Quick for his work on many joint <br />projects. He stated he looks with pride at how Mound View has coordinated with the State on a <br />number of difficult issues due to circumstances beyond their control, such as the issues with the <br />pipeline explosion and polluted water resources at the Arsenal. Senator Novak stated solutions <br />were created to solve problems locally which has resulted in the creation of a pattern to better <br />educate the State and, in the case of the gas pipeline explosion, federal regulation that impacted <br />the safety of the nation. <br /> <br />Senator Novak commented on an enjoyable event when Governor Perpich declared a <br />Government Day and paid visits throughout the State. That involved a visit by Governor Perpich <br />to Mounds View to coordinate with the community, local business, and students. He extended <br />his appreciation to the citizens of Mound View, the courtesies extended to him, and the