2017.03.06 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Hugo City Council Meeting Minutes for March 6,2017 Page 2 of 6 Approval of the Agenda Weidt made motion, Klein seconded, to approve the agenda as amended to add an update on the Washington County Transit Improvement Board. All Ayes. Motion carried Recognition of the Retirement of Sergeant Wayne Johnson Washington County Sergeant Wayne Johnson had retired from the Sheriff's Office after serving the City of Hugo since January 2011. Sheriff Hutton attended the meeting to recognize Wayne for his 22 years with the Washington County Sheriff's Office and the past nine years as the sergeant in Hugo. Wayne work in the Water, Parks, and Trails Division, was an Honor Guard and worked in high-profile investigations. Hutton shared the little known fact that Sergeant Johnson is a self-taught bag piper, which added another dimension to the Honor Guard. Wayne will continue to volunteer in that role and help around the state in water, parks, and trails. Washington County Commissioner Fran Miron commented on how well the contract was managed under Sheriff Hutton and Chief Deputy Starry, stating that Hugo is unique in its style. The patrols take an interest in the community, and he was pleased that Hugo continues to be represented under that contract. The Council shared their many positive encounters with Sergeant Johnson and thanked him for all he had done for the community. Mayor Weidt call for a short break. The meeting reconvened at 7:55 p.m. Update on Counties Transportation Improvement Board (CTIB) City Administrator Bryan Bear talked about recent media coverage regarding CTIB and asked County Commissioner Fran Miron to provide an update. Miron explained that in 2008, five counties —Anoka, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey and Washington—formed the CTIB in order to levy a quarter-cent sales tax along with the vehicle excise tax that generates approximately $7 million a year in Washington County alone. It is combined with other money in CTIB and in partnership with Federal and State the Board moves transit forward. There have been projects completed in Ramsey and Hennepin Counties and work done on projects in Washington County but no significant projects completed. One project being worked on was the Rush Line Corridor. About $51 million has been collected in Washington County since 2008, and a little over $14 million is in guaranteed funds to the County. Miron explained that the vote in 2008 to be a part of CTIB was very controversial, winning by a 3 to 2 vote. Conversations after the recent election brought to question whether the State was going to be a reliable partner in funding. To avoid the unknown, discussions began on disbanding the CTIB and continuing to tax under state statute 993. Outstate counties can levy up to one half percent. CTIB Counties are prohibited from collecting more than the quarter percent tax; however if CTIB no longer existed, counties could levy up to one half percent under that