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`'1- 145 University Avenue West, St. Paul, MN 55103-2044 League of Minnesota Cities Phone: (612) 281-1200 - (800) 925-1122 Cities promoting excenence Fax: (612) 281-1299 - TDD (612) 281-1290 July 2, 1996 Dear Mayor Ranallo and Members of the St. Anthony City Council; By now, you are probably aware of the rights of way issue facing cities in Minnesota. US West's challenge to local management of the public rights of way is one of the most critical issues cities have faced in years. It was a topic of considerable discussion at the Annual Conference, where member cities supported the League Board of Directors decision to move forward with an aggressive work program and financing plan to counter this challenge. We need your city to make a special payment to this fund and help put the work plan into action. The work plan developed by the Rights of Way Task Force and approved by the Board could cost$325,000 or more. This assumes that a large portion of the work plan will be coordinated by and implemented through League staff. The Board has agreed to allocate $125,000 from the current League budget for the work plan and is asking member cities to voluntarily pay $200,000. • Based on your city's 1995-96 League dues, your suggested minimum payment is $601. Please consider this request in July and submit your payment by August 15, 1996 if at all possible. If each city meets their minimum payment, the $200,000 target is reachable. However, because it is unlikely that all cities will join this voluntary effort, we encourage members to allocate more if this initiative is of particular importance to them. Two important points should be made: First, this is a voluntary payment. As a member of the League of Minnesota Cities, you are not required to take part in this effort. However, if total city payments fall significantly short of the $200,000 goal, the League will not be able to fully undertake the work plan. Second, your voluntary payment should not be confused with your League membership dues which will be billed at the beginning of September. The Board of Directors and I understand that this issue must be weighed against the priorities in your city. However, we believe that the prospect of losing local control of public property warrants this extraordinary effort. This is a complicated issue, please consider it carefully. Enclosed is a brief information sheet to help you in your deliberations. If you have any questions, contact me at (218) 643-1431, League Executive Director Jim Miller at (612) 280- 1205 or(800) 925-1122, or any member of the Board of Directors. Sincerely, • Blaine C. Hill President, League of Minnesota Cities cc: City Manager, A*R?11PffP% ATY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER