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Metropolitan Agencies <br />process by using gross rather than net square feet in making determinations, combining <br />use categories, adjusting the grandfather credit date and not requiring a new SAC <br />determination for business remodels that do not change the use of the property. These <br />changes are intended to help simplify the SAC program for users, and to reduce incidents of <br />"surprise" SAC charges. <br />Metro Cities supports current SAC policy that enhances flexibility in the SAC credit <br />structure for redevelopment purposes, and supports continued evaluation of SAC fees to <br />determine if they hinder redevelopment. <br />Metro Cities supports the Metropolitan Council providing details on how any changes to <br />the SAC rate are determined. Metro Cities supports a periodic review of MCES' customer <br />service policies, to ensure that its processes are responsive and transparent to communities, <br />businesses and residents. Metro Cities supports continued outreach by MCES to users of <br />the SAC program to promote knowledge and understanding of SAC charges and policies. <br />Any modifications to the SAC program or structure should be considered only with the <br />participation and input of local officials in the metropolitan region. <br />Metro Cities supports a "growth pays for growth" approach to SAC. If state statutes are <br />modified to establish a "growth pays for growth" method for SAC, the Metropolitan Council <br />should convene a group of local officials to identify any technical changes necessary for <br />implementing the new structure. <br />Metro Cities supports allowing the Council to utilize the SAC `transfer' mechanism <br />provided for in state statute when the SAC reserve fund is inadequate to meet debt service <br />obligations. Any use of the transfer mechanism must be done so within parameters prescribed by <br />state law and with appropriate notification and processes to allow local official input and should <br />include a timely `shift back' of any transferred funds from the wastewater fund to the SAC <br />reserve fund. Efforts should be made to avoid increasing the municipal wastewater charge in use <br />of the transfer mechanism. <br />4-0 Funding Regional Parks & Open Space <br />In the seven -county metropolitan area, regional parks essentially serve as state parks, and the <br />state should continue to provide capital funding for the acquisition, development and <br />improvement of these parks in a manner that is equitable with funding for state parks. State <br />funding apart from Legacy funds should equal 40 percent of the operating budget for regional <br />parks. Legacy funds for parks and trails should be balanced between metro and greater <br />Minnesota. <br />Metro Cities supports state funding for regional parks and trails that is fair, creates a <br />balance of investment across the state, and meets the needs of the region. <br />4-P Livable Communities <br />The Livable Communities Act (LCA) provides a voluntary, incentive -based approach to <br />2019 Legislative Policies <br />48 <br />