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St. Anthony City Council Work Session <br />February 26, 2024 <br />Page 2 <br />Mr. Yunker provided the 2023 St., Anthony Legislative Priorities for reference, as well as 2024 legislative <br />priorities from the League. Staff has been recently made aware of two other items that would impact St. <br />Anthony: <br />League of Minnesota Cities 2024 Legislative Priorities <br />“Missing Middle Housing” bill HF 4009/SF3964 <br />Required Even-Year Elections bill HF 3881 <br />The League’s Intergovernmental Relations Staff is asking for comments from cities that currently hold <br />odd-year elections. Staff does not foresee any negatives switching to even year elections, but comments <br />on that proposed legislation from the Council that staff can relay to the League would be appreciated. <br />Mayor Webster asked the Council if there were some of the 2023 Legislative Priorities they would like to <br />carry over to 2024. The 2023 Legislative Priorities were: <br />Cannabinoid Regulation <br />Local Control/Preemption <br />LGA/Aid to Cities <br />Police and Fire Disability Benefits <br />Sales Tax Exemption on Construction Materials <br />Councilmember Jenson asked about Local Control and if that is the same as Local Control and <br />Exemption. Mr. Yunker stated it is very similar. Councilmember Jenson requested Local Control be on <br />the list for 2024. <br />Councilmember Doolan requesting Missing Middles be added to the list. Mr. Grittman suggested the <br />issue is the policy level of pursuing housing as a goal vs. the State saying how it needs to be done. The <br />language of the proposed legislation with amendment changing from 5,000 to 10,000 removes a City’s <br />ability to provide for multiple units on single lots. Councilmember Jenson stated St. Anthony has spent a <br />lot of money redoing many of the roads with new storm sewers. When decreasing the amount of <br />impervious the storm sewers will be overwhelmed. Mayor Webster stated she was thinking about the <br />Kenzie Terrace road which will be re-developed. There is an opportunity to make sure all things are <br />coming into play to support the higher density and transportation hub. Councilmember Doolan stated <br />there is the aspect of parking requirements near transportation hubs. Mr. Grittman stated large parking <br />lots can be an environmental issue. <br />Councilmember Randle stated he would like to continue to focus on police and fire disability benefits. <br />Mayor Webster noted 15% of the police budget is for workers compensation. <br />Councilmember Doolan asked if the 2023 priorities were included in the fiscal budget. Mayor Webster <br />agreed to keep police/fire disability benefits on for 2024. <br />Councilmember Jenson stated the sales tax exemption on construction materials should be broadened <br />to include City vehicles. <br />Councilmember Randle asked about local sales taxes and how St. Anthony might benefit from that. Mr. <br />Yunker stated a moratorium has been put in place as that was intended for a City with services that <br />attract people from outside the community. <br />3