HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-01-07 Council Work Session MINUTES
OF THE WORK SESSION OF THE
EDINA CITY COUNCIL
HELD AT CITY HALL
JANUARY 7, 2014
5:35 P.M.
Mayor Hovland called the work session of the Edina City Council to order at 5:35 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Answering roll call were: Members Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson and Mayor Hovland.
Edina's legislative delegation, Senator Melissa Franzen, Representative Ron Erhardt and Representative
Paul Rosenthal attended the meeting.
Edina City Staff attending the meeting: Jennifer Bennerotte, Communications and Technology Services
Director; Annie Coyle, City Manager Intern; Karen Kurt, Assistant City Manager; Debra Mangen, City Clerk;
Chad Millner, Interim City Engineer; and Scott Neal, City Manager. Also attending were Erin Campbell and
Tom Poul, Messerli & Kramer, on behalf of the Municipal Legislative Commission (MLC).
2014 MUNICIPAL LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
Tom Poul and Erin Campbell reviewed the 2014 MLC Legislative Program which consists of three main
themes: 1) promote accountability and transparency in the State/local fiscal relationship; 2) invest in job
retention and growth; and 3) support local government policies that promote fairness and equity. The
Council and legislators discussed the various areas furthering this program might impact including: changes
to the property tax system, changes to DEED's tools and incentive for attracting and retaining business,
supporting flexibility in Tax Increment Financing (TIF) policies, opposing unfunded mandates and the
possibility of supporting street improvement districts. It was noted that the 2014 session would not begin
until February 25th and has been dubbed the "Unsession" by Gov. Dayton.
AREAS OF INTEREST SPECIFIC TO EDINA
Manager Neal introduced for discussion with the legislators and City Council the following areas of interest
to Edina: 1) potential special legislation allowing the renewal of the Southdale TIF District; 2) legislation
that could impact municipal liquor operations; 3) clarifying legislation regarding municipal sales tax
exemption; and 4) aviation noise, the perceived increase in levels and subsequent impact on property
values.
The City Council and legislators had discussion about possible legislation and how the City could assist in
forwarding their positions on the areas of interest.
Mayor Hovland adjourned the meeting at 6:58 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra A. Mang , City Clerk
Minutes approved by Edina City Council,January 21, 2014.
James B. Hovland, Mayor