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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-01-17 City Council Work Session PacketAgenda City Council Work Session City of Edina, Minnesota city Hall Community Room Tuesday, January 17, 2023 5:30 PM I.Call To Order II.Roll Call III.2023 State Legislative Delegation Meeting IV.Adjournment The City of Edina wants all residents to be comfortable being part of the public process. If you need assistance in the way of hearing ampli(cation, an interpreter, large-print documents or something else, please call 952-927-8861 72 hours in advance of the meeting. Date: January 17, 2023 Agenda Item #: III. To:Mayor and City Council Item Type: Reports / Recommendation From:Scott H. Neal, City Manager Item Activity: Subject:2023 State Legislative Delegation Meeting Information CITY OF EDINA 4801 West 50th Street Edina, MN 55424 www.edinamn.gov ACTION REQUESTED: None. INTRODUCTION: Staff have invited Edina's legislative delegation to attend the City Council's work session. Representatives from the Municipal Legislative Commission, Metro Cities and the League of MN Cities are also invited. Staff proposes to have a discussion about the City's 2023 state legislative priorities and positions, which are detailed in the attached staff report and summary. ATTACHMENTS: Description Staff Report 2023 Legislative Priorities and Positions Summary 2023 Legislative Priorities and Positions January 17, 2023 Mayor and City Council Scott H. Neal, City Manager Gillian Straub, City Management Fellow 2023 City Legislative Priorities and Positions Information / Background: This staff report provides City positions and priorities on state legislative issues that may be considered in the 2023 state legislative session, beginning January 3, 2023. Priorities are issues specific to Edina and do not directly affect other communities. Positions are issues affecting cities in general and are not specific to Edina. Historically, staff presented positions and priorities together; this change allows for greater clarity of how the following priorities and positions affect Edina and other communities. In addition to the priorities and positions listed below, the City of Edina belongs to the Municipal Legislative Commission (MLC), Metro Cities (Association of Metropolitan Municipalities), and The League of Minnesota Cities (MLC). In most cases, the City of Edina’s interests align with these organizations both by virtue of the City’s participation in these organizations and the guiding purpose of the organizations. Each of these associations adopt legislative priorities annually, and these priorities are attached to this report. Staff contacts and a summary of the following priorities and positions are also attached. Priorities: 1 Sales Tax Exemption for the Community Health and Safety Center (Fire Station 2) The City of Edina is constructing a new Community Health and Safety Center, replacing the existing Edina Fire Station 2 and housing the Public Health division. See Priority 5 on page two for a description of all services to be provided from the Center. The City will seek a sales tax exemption for the material and supplies purchased for the construction of the Center, including infrastructure necessary for safe access to the property. 2 Sales Tax Exemption for Projects in Braemar Park Master Plan The City will make improvements with new local sales and use tax revenue in the Braemar Park Master Plan. The City will seek a sales tax exemption for the material and supplies purchased for the construction, reconstruction, upgrade, expansion of City facilities included in the Braemar Park Master Plan. STAFF REPORT Page 2 3 Sales Tax Exemption for Projects in Fred Richards Park Master Plan The City of Edina will make improvements and expansions with its new local sales and use tax revenue at Fred Richards Park, as outlined in the Fred Richards Park Master Plan. The City will seek a sales tax exemption for the material and supplies purchased for the construction, reconstruction, upgrade, expansion or remodeling of all projects included in the Fred Richards Park Master Plan. 4 LOST Expanded Spending Capacity The City is seeking additional spending capacity of the local sales and use tax that was approved by Edina voters in the November 2022 general election. The additional spending capacity is $31.7 million to fund an additional sheet of indoor ice at Braemar Arena. The proposal does not require an increase to the rate or duration of the approved sales and use tax. The City Council approved formal request for this additional spending capacity at their December 20, 2022 Council meeting. The City will seek support from its legislative team for this initiative. 5 Bonding for Community Health and Safety Center (Fire Station 2) The City requested $10 million in state funds to acquire land, predesign, design, construct, furnish and equip a new Community Health and Safety Center located in the southeast quadrant of Edina. The Center replaces the existing Edina Fire Station 2 and will house fire prevention and inspection services, fire suppression, Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance care, emergency management, public health, restaurant and swimming pool inspections, rental housing licensing and inspections services, and recycling and organics collection services. Co-locating Community Health with the Fire Department advances preventative services through proactive programming; prepares the City and region for current and future public health crises and emergencies; and provides services such as vaccination clinics, disaster medication distribution during community health events. State bonding for the Center is appropriate because the Center will provide regional benefits, such as expanded capacity for emergency management or community health events. The City purchased the site for the proposed center and incurred pre-construction costs. Representative Edelson first introduced this bonding request in H.F. 2703 in 2022. 6 Bonding for the South Metro Public Safety Training Facility The Facility is a Joint Powers Agreement owned jointly by a consortium of the cities of Edina, Eden Prairie and Bloomington and the Metropolitan Airports Commission. The facility is managed by the City of Edina. The Facility has been providing training space for their public safety personnel since 2004. In addition, the Facility maintains ongoing contracts with the City of Minnetonka, Department of Homeland Security, Federal Air Marshal Service and the Veteran’s Affairs Police Department. It also offers continuing education courses and firearms safety courses open to the general public. The SMPSTF consortium received a bonding bill appropriation in 2020 of $1 million for improvements and expansions related to the construction of a new tactical training structure which can be used year-round for STAFF REPORT Page 3 multiple training functions including a roof collapse simulator and a training maze with moveable walls, and it will house large equipment, keeping them out of the elements. The project was designed and let for public competitive bidding. The lowest responsible bidder was 60% higher than the project budget, so all bids were rejected. The board of directors for the facility decided to pursue additional funding through the 2023 bonding bill for the project. The board is requesting an additional $1 million to complete the project. State bonding for the Facility is appropriate because the Facility provides significant regional benefits, and the improvements and expansion will ensure it can continue to provide public safety training, otherwise unavailable in the area. Representatives Edelson, Kotyza-Wittuhn, Elkins, Carlson, and Howard first introduced this bonding request in H.F. 3080. 7 Bonding for the Pedestrian Bridge over Highway 62 The City will request $2 million for the replacement of the pedestrian bridge over Highway 62. The pedestrian bridge was struck twice in 2022, prompting closure of the bridge. Minnesota Department of Transportation owns the bridge. The bridge is critical for pedestrians and cyclists to get safely over T.H. 62 and access Edina parks, recreational facilities, medical facilities, grocery stores, and other businesses. Safe bike and pedestrian access is critical for Edina Aquatic Center employees who do not have access to cars. The current alternative pathway down Valley View Road or via France Avenue is less safe. The City is requesting funds because the replacement project will likely include Edina assuming long-term ownership and maintenance of the bridge, and the $2 million requested will finance Edina’s portion of the cost of the new bridge. STAFF REPORT Page 4 Positions: The following legislative positions are grouped into five categories: General Government (page 4-8), Affordable Housing (page 8-10), Environment and Sustainability (10-13), Transportation (13-14) and Public Safety (15-17). These positions represent issues which apply to Edina and other Minnesota cities. 1 GENERAL GOVERNMENT 1.1 Realign Motor Vehicle Lease Sales Tax Allocation In 2015, state legislation reallocated $32 million of the sales tax collected from leased vehicles from the State's general fund, half to Greater Minnesota and half to metro counties through the County State Aid Highway Fund. To balance funding for transit and roads/bridges, the new law excluded Hennepin and Ramsey Counties from receiving their percentage of funding. Instead, the other five metro counties split the proceeds generated in Hennepin and Ramsey Counties. With the elimination of the Counties Transit Improvement Board (CTIB) in 2017, all seven metro counties now collect their own local transportation sale tax, but the exemption still blocks Hennepin and Ramsey Counties. The City of Edina advocates for returning to the original intent by eliminating the exemption of Hennepin and Ramsey Counties and distributing the sales tax on lease vehicles, per the county state aid formula, to all metro counties. The City support re-aligning the distribution because:  Distributing Hennepin and Ramsey County proceeds to the other five metro counties puts cities in Hennepin County at a disadvantage when it comes to accessing county funds for road and bridge projects.  This change would provide an estimated $10.7 million in additional funding to Hennepin County for roads and bridges. 1.2 Preserve Legal Structure for Utility Franchise Fees The current legal structure for utility franchise fees allows costs to be shared by all users rather than only property owners. The City advocates for preserving this structure because:  Edina uses utility franchise fees for the Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety (PACS) and Conservation and Sustainability (CAS) funds. Both funds are vital to the City's progress in sustainability and pedestrian and cyclist safety. 1.3 Public Notices in Newspapers State statute requires publishing public notices in newspapers. The City supports legislation eliminating outdated and unnecessary city publications and giving cities the authority to a) Determine whether web publication should replace or supplement newspaper publication; b) Designate an appropriate publication that reaches the maximum number of residents possible; c) Use alternative means of communication to fulfill statutory requirements such as city newsletters, cable television, video streaming, email, blogs and city websites; d) Expand the use of summaries where information is technical or lengthy by removing the requirement for Council approval of summary publications. The City supports eliminating unnecessary requirements because:  Some requirements are no longer relevant or representative of the technology that has significantly increased access to government. STAFF REPORT Page 5  These requirements are unnecessarily costly to the city. In 2019, Edina spent approximately $21,052 on public notices.  Cities determining whether web publication should replace or supplement newspaper publication best meets the unique needs of each community. 1.4 Data Practices The purpose of the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA) is to provide open and transparent information to the public, while protecting personal information from indiscriminate disclosure. The City supports mechanisms to define and regulate reasonable data requests, and charges that better reflect the actual costs of responding to data requests because:  Cities are experiencing increases in repetitive, overly broad, and far-reaching data requests.  These requests require significant staff time to locate government records, redact private data or data unrelated to the request, and assemble documents to be provided in order to comply with requirements to provide access to public government data. 1.5 Increase Purchasing Agency The city manager is the chief purchasing agent of statutory Plan B cities. State law requires the city manager to recommend purchases and contracts over $20,000 and requires additional approval by the city council. This approval is obtained through requests for approval on the consent agenda. The City supports a raise in the legal maximum to at least $100,000, with the ability for individual city councils to set lower thresholds at their discretion because:  The $20,000 statutory threshold has not been raised since 2004. This does not account for standard inflation over the past 18 years.  Most city purchases are well over $20,000. Allowing the city manager a higher purchasing threshold makes purchasing more efficient, while maintaining compliance and oversight of budget.  Neighboring charter cities with the council-manager form of government have significantly higher limits, including St. Louis Park at $175,000, and Bloomington and Richfield have city manager purchasing authority in excess of $20,000. 1.6 Repeal Statutory Salary Limitation on City Employees Minnesota law limits the salaries of city employees to I10% of the governor's salary, with an annual inflationary adjustment based on the Consumer Price Index. The Legislature should end the salary cap all together because:  In 1998 and 2003, the Legislature exempted entities, including school districts, hospitals, clinics, and health maintenance organizations owned by a government organization, from the salary limitation. During the 2018 session, the Legislature expanded that exemption by allowing the Metropolitan Airports Commission to be exempt from the salary limitation. This puts cities at a specific and unique disadvantage when competing with other political subdivisions for talent.  No other state in the nation has a similar cap, which puts Minnesota cities at a disadvantage when recruiting nationally.  Locally elected city council members and mayors are in the best position to determine the needs of their communities, including the compensation of city employees.  The artificial cap results in salary compression making it difficult to fill leadership positions. STAFF REPORT Page 6  Public employee salaries are public data. In addition, Minnesota law already requires that each political subdivision post the salaries of its three highest-paid employees on its website, so the salaries of key employees are readily known to the local taxpayers and voters who provide the ultimate check on the actions of city councils. 1.7 Implement Rank Choice Voting System Minnesota Law currently allows only charter cities to consider and adopt rank-choice voting as an alternative voting method in local elections. Edina, as a statutory city, cannot adopt this voting choice. The City supports legislation that would give statutory cities the same authority as charter cities to adopt rank- choice voting. The City of Edina also supports implementing statewide standards for those cities that choose to adopt rank-choice voting. The City supports these positions because:  They would ensure elections are consistent throughout the state.  They would reinforce confidence in the fairness of the alternative process and confidence in the outcome of such elections. 1.8 Change Group Home Regulation Licensed residential facilities do not have any distance separation requirements in single-family residential use zones in Edina. State statute 245A.11 has distance requirements of 1,320 feet between licensed residential facilities, but these requirements do not apply to Edina. The City supports regulation that requires this distance separation because:  Grouping facilities on the same block in a single-family residential neighborhood is detrimental to the neighborhood and the individuals in the facilities.  Neighborhoods experience an increase in traffic, parking needs, deliveries, and other activities compounded by numerous facilities on the same block.  Individuals no longer reap the benefit of enjoying a normal residential setting with a diversity of households. When entire blocks are acquired for licensed residential facilities, the setting is more similar to a large institutional campus.  Grouping facilities effectively turns a residential area into a commercial area. 1.9 Authorize Statutory Cities to Collect Park Dedication Fees for Multifamily Redevelopment Projects Current state law does not allow statutory cities to capture park improvement district fees from certain types of multifamily buildings because they are not subdivisions. The City supports legislative authorizing cities to collect park dedication fees from multifamily development projects if the project creates new demands on the park system because:  Multifamily buildings and apartments generate significant demands to parks and outdoor amenities.  Fees would more evenly distribute the costs for maintaining and creating new parks. Municipal Liquor Positions 1.10-1.14 all relate to municipal liquor. Edina has operated a municipal liquor store since it was established by local referendum in 1948. The liquor operation generates over $1 million annually in profit. These profits fund Edina’s recreate facilities, including the ice arena, art center and aquatic center, allowing the City to reduce user fees and allow greater access. The City recreation program serve children and STAFF REPORT Page 7 families from all over the metro area, not just Edina. Continual support of liquor stores and their ability to generate profit allows municipal liquor stores to benefit the community and region through local programs and amenities. 1.10 Reinforce the Open Wholesaling Systems through Legislation In 2021, Miami-based Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits filed a lawsuit against the State of Minnesota seeking elimination of a Minnesota law called the Coleman Act, which contains the open wholesaling system of spirits distribution. Open wholesaling of spirits requires that all spirit brands (with some exceptions) be available for sale to all licensed Minnesota-wholesalers. This encourages healthy competition among wholesalers that benefits both sellers and customers. If Southern Glazer's lawsuit is successful, more than half of the spirit brands in Minnesota may become exclusive with Southern Glazer's. The City opposes this lawsuit and supports an amendment of the Coleman Act to reinforce a system of open wholesaling because without protections for open wholesaling:  Wholesale prices will increase.  Service levels on certain brands will decrease.  Purchase and delivery schedules will reduce.  Sale margins will be compressed. 1.11 Oppose Changes to Tap Room Retail Operations Due to changes during the COVID-19 pandemic, tap rooms can offer direct-to-customer bulk sales via carryout. These sales are controlled by quantity, and the product must use different packaging than the product supplied wholesale to liquor stores. The City opposes changes to tap room retail operations because:  The changes allowing retail operations were implemented in October 2021. More time is needed to understand their effect on the market, customer, and other retailers.  Changes could allow bulk or exclusive sale from tap rooms. 1.12 Protect Customer Data As a municipal operation, municipal liquor stores may be subject to data practices requests. The City supports protections for customer data because:  Customer data that may be subject to request could include purchase history and personally identifying information.  The threat of data requests erodes trust with the customer.  It may put municipal liquor stores at a competitive disadvantage.  The City’s municipal liquor discontinued its customer rewards program, because without clarity of what information is subject to a data request, the City would not hold personally identifying information and purchase history that could be subject to a data request. 1.13 Clarity on THC-Infused Products With the passage of state statute 151.72 in July 2022, products containing THC are permitted for sale. The City seeks clarification on if retail liquor stores can sell THC-infused beverages because:  There are currently no guidelines on labels separating THC-infused products from alcoholic beverages. STAFF REPORT Page 8  There is currently no employer licensing system or program that allows for effective enforcement of and compliance with the law.  The current guidance from the Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety does not allow any retail liquor operation to sell CBD, hemp or THC- infused beverages.  Without federal passage of the SAFE banking act, cannabis-related legitimate operations cannot generate proceeds from unlawful activity, and banking institutions can be penalized by federal authorities for providing services to a cannabis-related business. 1.14 Maintain Constraints on Off Sale Liquor Currently, grocery and convenience stores can sell 3.2% alcohol, while all other alcohol products are sold at liquor stores. Some grocery stores opt to apply for an off-sale liquor license and can sell beer, wine and liquor at the store, with some adjustments, including a separate entrance. The City of Edina supports maintaining the constraints on off sale liquor because:  Claims that the off-sale liquor license inhibits growth are rebutted by several grocery stores opting for some locations applying for the off-sale liquor license.  The constraints allow for smaller private and municipal liquor stores to compete on an even playing field. 1.15 Adult Use Cannabis The Governor and State Legislative leaders have made numerous public statements that they will pursue the liberalization of state’s laws around adult use of cannabis during the 2023 legislative session. A bill to accomplish that goal, House File 600 has been filed. This bill designates the State as the licensing and regulatory authority, and as the sole recipient of tax revenues generated. If the Legislature passes HF 600 or a similar bill, the City of Edina would support the following amendments:  The retail sale of adult use cannabis should be licensed and regulated by both the state and the local governments.  The revenue stream from taxation of adult use cannabis should be shared between state and local governments.  Local governments should have the option to establish municipal dispensaries in the model of municipal retail liquors stores. 1.16 Hearing Aid Affordability Currently, hearing aids are not classified as durable medical equipment (DME) and therefore are not covered under many health insurance plans. Without health insurance coverage, many who need hearing aids are unable to get them, as they cost three to six thousand dollars. The City of Edina supports programs or policy changes which reduce the cost of hearing aids and increase access to them because:  Cochlear implants, which cost $80 thousand to $120 thousand, are typically covered by health insurance while hearing aids are not.  Without health insurance coverage, hearing aids are not affordable for those living on a fixed income. Both Edina seniors on a fixed income and youth who age out of hearing aid support cannot access hearing aids because of cost.  Hearing aids are critical devices for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. STAFF REPORT Page 9 2 AFFORDABLE HOUSING Affordable housing includes three focuses: regulatory tools for affordable housing (2.1, 2.2), new funding sources for affordable housing (2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6), and protecting low- and moderate-income tenants (2.7, 2.8). Regulatory Tools for Affordable Housing 2.1 Apply the 4d Property Tax Classification to Community Land Trust Properties Community Land Trust properties are currently taxed as the 1a – Residential Homestead classification, at up to a 1.25% rate, which does not best fit the use and purpose of the Community Land Trust properties. The City supports a change to the 4d property tax classification, which is applied to low-income rental properties at up to a 0.25% rate because:  Homeowners lease, and do not own, the land from the Land Trust.  The property is required to be affordable as memorialized through the ground lease.  The Land Trust is designed to create affordable home ownership opportunities, but requiring the homeowner to pay property taxes on the value of the house and the land at the single-family homestead rate makes homes less affordable.  Due to both leasing the land and the requirement that it stay affordable, 4d is a more appropriate tax classification than 1a.  Edina has 21 land trust residential properties, with property values in the city rapidly increasing. High property values and corresponding taxes impact the ability of land trust homeowners to remain in their home. 2.2 Protection of and Taxation for Housing Purchased by Corporations for Renting The City supports legislation that authorizes a tax on the sale of these properties to corporations and protections prohibiting the conversion of single family residences in to rental properties by developers and corporations. The City supports SF 3147, which imposes the tax, and SF 4313, which prohibits the conversion, because:  The City and surrounding communities have seen an increase in the number of residences converted from single family homes owned by the residents to rental properties.  Such conversion negatively impacts ownership opportunities for residents. New Funding Sources for Affordable Housing 2.3 Use Pooled Tax Increment Financing (TIF) for Affordable Housing Currently, state statute allows for the pooling of TIF to be utilized for affordable housing within the defined redevelopment area of the city. However, the pooled TIF must be maintained in a separate fund with ongoing annual reporting requirements. The City supports legislation allowing the City to deposit pooled TIF for affordable housing in Edina's Affordable Housing Trust Fund, because:  It would allow for greater flexibility in the use of the pooled TIF for qualified costs to facilitate the construction and rehabilitation of affordable housing.  It would alleviate the administrative burden of annual reporting.  Similar special legislation has been approved for Minnetonka, Richfield and St. Louis Park. STAFF REPORT Page 10 2.4 Additional Affordable Housing Financing Bonding Authority The Legislature provides bonding authority to construct affordable housing. The City supports an effective bonding bill that provides Housing Infrastructure (HIB) and General Obligation (GO) Bonds to fund affordable housing to serve low-income households because:  The demand for affordable housing continues to rise, meriting the need for additional financing. 2.5 Establish Revenue Resource for Affordable Housing Currently, the need for affordable housing in the State has grown to crisis proportions, without funding to meet the need. The City supports establishing a financing source to fund local and regional programs to facilitate the creation and preservation of affordable housing because:  Increased state funding can enable local jurisdictions to enact programs facilitating the creation and preservation of affordable housing, including subsidized and Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (NOAH). Protecting low- and moderate-income tenants 2.6 Protect Tenants in Affordable Housing Property Ownership Changes State statue currently prohibits any local adoption of an ordinance to control rents on private residential properties unless the ordinance is approved in a general election. The City supports first, a statewide tenant protection plan, and second, an amendment to State statue 471.9996 to allow for a 90-day tenant protection period following the transfer of naturally occurring affordable housing (NOAH) property ownership because:  Investment buyers have been purchasing NOAH multi-family residential properties, rehabilitating properties and increasing rents.  Some new owners have non-renewed the leases of existing tenants with minimal notice and/or substantially increased the rent with minimal notice.  A 90-day tenant protection period would prohibit rent increases and non-renewals and allow time for residents to seek alternative housing. 2.7 Reform Eviction Expungement Records of unlawful detainer filings, or eviction lawsuits, remain on a tenant’s public record regardless of whether the matter was settled or dismissed prior to the court hearing or if the tenant prevails at the hearing. The City supports legislation that would expand the eligibility for discretionary and mandatory expungements for eviction case court files because:  In these cases, the eviction record is not a reasonable predictor of future tenant behavior and should be expunged.  The existence of this record impedes the ability of the renter to secure suitable rental housing in the future. STAFF REPORT Page 11 3 ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY Environment and sustainability has five thematic focuses: energy management and environment (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4), right to repair (3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9), sustainable transportation (3.10), local environmental public health programs (3.11) and water resource management (3.12, 3.13) Energy Management and Environment 3.1 Adopt a more advanced state energy code and/or allow for local adoption of more efficient building standards The state building code, which includes enforcement of the energy code, precludes cities from adopting a more progressive building code. Minnesota is required by law to review and adopt a new commercial energy code when the U.S. Department of Energy issues a determination that the new commercial energy code is more efficient than the previous one. Minnesota currently adheres to the 2018 International Energy Code, with some amendments. The City supports legislation to adopt a more advanced state energy code, and/or allow for local adoption of more efficient building standards because:  Minnesota’s current process of adopting energy codes years after they are issued by the US Department of Energy will not meet state or Edina climate action goals.  State adoption of base energy codes every three years instead of six will allow Edina to meet climate action goals.  Allowing cities to pass a local, voluntary, advanced energy building standard would allow Edina to meet climate action goals. 3.2 Increase the State's Renewable Energy Standard The current Renewable Energy Standard, governed by the state Department of Commerce, requires that 25% of electricity generated by utilities come from renewable sources by 2025. However, Minnesota’s Climate Action Plan calls for establishing a standard to achieve 100% carbon-free electricity and 55% renewable electricity by 2040. The City supports increasing the State’s renewable energy standard because:  This standard has not been updated since 2007.  The standard does not establish requirements that adequately address the climate crisis or meet state and city climate action plan goals.  Edina needs the State to accomplish its own climate goals as an enabling condition for the City to achieve ours. 3.3 Increase Funding and Research on Reducing On-site Fossil Fuel Use The City supports research and funding to explore the reduction of on-site fossil fuel use for electricity and heat because:  It may reduce community member exposure and public health effects. 3.4 Adopt Local Environmental Protection Measures The City requests the Legislature adopt enabling legislation allowing local governments to devise and implement environmental protection measures, including measures such as plastic bag and Styrofoam food packaging bans and maintain authority for fees of said products because:  It would allow cities to adopt protection measures best suited to their communities. STAFF REPORT Page 12  It would allow Edina to meet climate action goals. Right to Repair 3.5 Allocate I 00% of State Revenue from the Solid Waste Management Tax (SCORE) to County Waste Management Activities Currently, the City is awarded a portion of the SCORE funds annually for residential recycling, residential organics recycling and participation in both at the multi-family building level. The City strives to spend 100% of the funds on allowable purposes. The City supports continued SCORE funding because:  The funds advance waste reduction, reuse, recycling and organics programs to meet city, county and state recycling goals.  SCORE funding allows the City to conduct critical outreach. 3.6 Support Efforts for the Proper Labeling of Compostable Products The City supports promoting only vetted manufactures because:  Working with only vetted manufactures reduces the likelihood of products with misleading claims to be sold or distributed in Minnesota.  It reduces City contamination in the recycling process.  It simplifies education on which certifications customers can look for. 3.7 Fund Expanded Infrastructure at the Local Level for the Creation of Compost Processing Sites and Anaerobic Digesters. The City supports additional funding for counties creating compost processing sites and anaerobic digesters because:  Landfilling all waste in the county and metropolitan area is no longer a viable option.  Compost processing sites and anaerobic digesters provide more options for waste haulers. 3.8 Support Extended Producer Responsibility Extended Producer Responsibility initiatives require manufacturers to finance all costs associated with collection, reusing, recycling, or safe disposal of their products such as carpets, mattresses, and electronics. The City supports this and similar efforts because:  The goals align with the City’s focus on reuse events and building partnerships. 3.9 Develop and fund-zero waste initiatives Zero-waste initiatives manage all discarded materials to their highest and best use according to the waste management hierarchy set forth in the Waste Management Act. The City supports the development of these initiatives because:  They will aid local governments reaching recycling and composting goals.  The City’s waste reduction goals mirror those set by the state, county and Edina’s climate action plans. STAFF REPORT Page 13 Sustainable Transportation 3.10 Support Funding and Technical Assistance to Electrify Public and School Buses Currently, less than one percent of Metro Transit’s fleet of buses run solely on electric power; 12% are hybrid-electric buses. There are very few electric public-school buses in Minnesota, and none in Edina. The City supports efforts to increase electrification of public and school buses because:  It would support transportation equity and reduce overall GHG emissions.  Carbon emissions from traditional diesel buses disproportionally impact populations that rely on this mode of transportation, including children, elders, low-income households and BIPOC communities. Local Environmental Public Health Programs 3.11 Continue Support for Local Environmental Health Regulatory Programs Currently, the State delegates authority to operate food, pool and lodging establishment regulatory programs to cities and counties. The City of Edina supports continuing local operation of these public health services and programs, because:  It allows cities to provide services to meet local needs. Water Resource Management 3.12 Support Funding Research, Training, and Legislation for Applicators of Chloride- Containing De-Icing Chemicals Salt is a pollutant and causes damage to infrastructure and the environment. Private contractors tend to over-apply salt on parking lots and sidewalks, often because they are afraid of “slip-and-fall” lawsuits. The City supports state funding for research and training for public and private applicators of chloride-containing de-icing chemicals, and legislation to address liability concerns of private deicing salt applicators because:  Waterbodies throughout the state, including within and downstream of Edina, fail to meet the water quality standards for chloride (salt) established by the state and so have been added to the federal register of impaired waters as required by the Clean Water Act.  The proposed legislation, which is modeled on similar laws passed in New Hampshire and Illinois, would provide liability exemption for contractors who attend training, get certified, and document their practices, reducing the over-application of salt. 3.13 Inflow and Infiltration (I/I) Municipal Grant Program Inflow and infiltration (I/I) are terms for the ways that clean water (ground and storm) makes its way into sanitary sewer pipes and gets treated, unnecessarily, at regional wastewater plants. The Metropolitan Council identifies cities contributing excessive 1/1 into the regional wastewater system and charges the city for the excess. The City supports state financial assistance to cities for metro area 1/1 mitigation, such as the Municipal State Bond Grant Program because:  I/I mitigation supports efficient use of the regional system for waste treatment. STAFF REPORT Page 14  I/I mitigation slows the need for capacity upgrades. 4 TRANSPORTATION 4.1 Continue Municipal State Aid (MSA) Funding The City has 40.85 miles of roads designated as MSA. This state funding is vital to maintain these high-quality connections. The City asks for continued support of municipal state aid funding because:  The state aid road system was developed to provide vital, high-quality connections necessary for the overall state highway network to work well.  The roads that are on the state aid system typically carry heavier traffic volumes, connect major points of interest and provide an integrated and coordinated road system. 4.2 Allow Cities to Create Street Improvement Districts Cities do not have the ability to create street improvement districts and use a variety of other funding sources for street improvement. The City supports enabling legislation allowing cities to create street improvement districts because:  Almost 85% of municipal streets are ineligible for municipal state aid (MSA) funds and must be paid for with property taxes, special assessments or other funding sources such as franchise fees. Cities need greater resources and flexible policies to meet growing demands for street improvements and maintenance.  Maintenance costs increase as road systems age, and no city is spending enough on roadway capital improvements to maintain a 50-year lifecycle. For every one dollar spent on maintenance, a road authority, and therefore taxpayers, save seven dollars in repairs.  State statute 435.44 already allows for similar sidewalk improvement districts.  These districts could serve as a long-term replacement plan of special assessment financing of local street improvement projects. 4.3 Increase Local Bridge Replacement Program (LBRP) Funding The Local Bridge Replacement Program provides local agencies transportation funding for the reconstruction, rehabilitation or removal of bridges or structures. The program is financed by the passage of specific legislation allocating general obligation state bond funds, but regularly does not receive enough funding. The City supports funding dedicated to the Local Bridge Replacement Program to provide safe bridges because:  In 2019, there were $36 million in waitlisted unfunded bridge projects.  The City had two projects which qualified for funding but were waitlisted: the Minnehaha Creek and Wooddale Avenue bridge.  The City has 27 local bridges. 4.4 Expansion of Public Transportation Frequency and Reach Edina, like much of the Metro area, has experienced multiple reductions on transit service frequency and reach as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and workforce shortages. The City supports additional funding to reverse the impact of recent service reductions, support operator hiring initiatives, and develop a connecting bus study for the METRO Green Line Extension (Southwest LRT) because: STAFF REPORT Page 15  Edina’s transit ridership prior to the pandemic was about half the average rate of Hennepin County.  To reach its climate action goals, Edina aims to double public transit ridership from 3% in 2019, to 7% by 2030. Adequate public transit offerings are essential to meeting Edina’s climate action goals.  Transit service supports many community goals, including improving mobility, relieving traffic congestion, reducing GHG emissions and promoting sustainable development and growth. 4.5 Support Tools and Strategies to Reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled In Edina, the transportation and land use section accounts for around 40% of citywide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and are projected to become the leading GHG emissions source in Edina as the electricity sector moves to more renewable energy sources. The City supports funding to provide alternative transportation infrastructure to decrease the use of single-occupancy vehicles and their associated negative impacts on air quality, traffic congestion and quality of life because:  Total vehicle miles traveled (VMT) in Edina in 2021 was more than 500 million miles, an increase from past years.  The City’s Climate Action Plan identified a goal to reduce VMT to seven percent by 2030.  Decreasing commuters driving alone by six percent to match the county-wide average would decrease VMT by up to 10 million miles. 5 PUBLIC SAFETY 5.1 Funding of Fire Resources, Training and Statewide Response Teams The Edina Fire Department relies on state funding for training through the Minnesota Board of Firefighter Training and Education (MBFTE). The City supports broader discretion in the use of the Fire State Aid it receives because:  The department relies on the appropriation of the dedicated revenue funds from insurance surcharge proceeds to fund vital functions of the Minnesota Fire Service.  The MN Fire Service requests approximately $13 million to be appropriated from the dedicated revenue account to fund the State Fire Marshal's office, the Minnesota Board of Firefighter Training and Education (MBFTE) and the Statewide Response Teams (HAZMAT, Task Force I Structural Collapse Team and Air Rescue Team).  Edina is one of the primary departments that makes up the MN Task Force I Statewide Response Team.  This funding has been approved by the Minnesota Legislature in the past. 5.2 Continue Railroad and Hazardous Substance Safety Training and Funding Railroads are required to provide training to responders and to share planning, response and rail line activity information with responders and emergency managers. The City supports continuing these requirements, because:  These requirements increase railroad safety.  Edina has one active railway that carries two freight trains a day through the City. 5.3 Residential Fire Sprinklers There are few statutory requirements for residential fire sprinklers. The City opposes efforts to statutorily limit the use of residential fire sprinklers and supports the inclusion of professionals and industry experts in STAFF REPORT Page 16 the creating or writing of any code parameters, particularly the installation of fire suppression systems in residential building code, because:  Sprinklers protect occupants, firefighters and property from fires.  Recent Minnesota studies show the cost of installing residential fire sprinkler systems averages $1.15 per sprinklered square foot, or approximately one percent of new home construction. 5.4 Support Funding for Auto Theft and Violent Crime Investigation The City supports the creation and funding of a multijurisdictional group of law enforcement officials focusing on investigations and prevention because:  Auto theft and violent crimes committed in stolen vehicles have dramatically increased. 5.5 Support Funding and Programming for Recruitment and Retention Needs The City supports a variety of funded recruitment and retention programs for law enforcement agencies. Programs include creating a grant program for bonuses, renewing part-time officer licenses for small agencies, paid health care for licensed police officers who retire at 55 after 10 consecutive years of service with a Minnesota city, county or tribal government and scholarship programs with higher education partners. The supports these funded programs because:  Agencies of all sizes are having trouble recruiting and retaining officers.  Out of state agencies are recruiting Minnesota officers away from the state. 5.6 Continue Law Enforcement Training Funding Beginning in 2018, the required POST (Peace Officers Standards and Training) Board training was reimbursed to local agencies. The City supports continuing financial support of the POST Board training because:  The allocated training funding covers mandated training.  The training includes topics critical to law enforcement officers, such as: recognizing and valuing diversity and cultural differences, conflict management and mediation, crisis intervention and mental illness crises. 5.7 Require K12 Threat Assessments The City supports legislation which would require school districts to study and address general and specific school safety issues because:  Previous funding, including the grants passed by the Legislature in 2018, has only provided for infrastructure improvements.  Further assessment of school safety issues, beyond physical infrastructure, is needed. 5.8 Increase Funding for Public Safety Disability Requirements In 1997, the legislature passed state stature 299A.465, requiring cities to pay the costs of health insurance benefits for firefighters and law enforcement officers disabled in the line of duty, including their dependents, until the employees are 65 years old. The law required cities to first pay the costs, then the Department of Public Safety was to reimburse the full costs paid by the city annually. By 2002, state funding was deficient, and the law was amended, removing the Department of Public Safety’s obligation to reimburse cities. The STAFF REPORT Page 17 City supports the State either fully funding the post-employment health insurance costs or provide these benefits directly to firefighters and law enforcement officers, eliminating cities as a pass through because:  The number of disability retirements and the cost of providing health insurance continues to increase significantly.  In 2020, the City was reimbursed for only 20% of its costs, contradicting the original intent of the law and placing the financial burden on cities. 5.9 Focus on Mental Health and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support for Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters In 2019, worker’s compensation legislation passed that presumes a diagnosis of PTSD is work-related for law enforcement officers and firefighters. The City supports efforts focusing on treatment and support for employees to safely and effectively return to work if possible. The City also supports programs and funding for emotional trauma training and for advancing wellness and mental health support as a component of any law enforcement reform. The City supports these positions because:  Law enforcement officers and firefighters are responsible for caring for the public in traumatic situations. As employers, it is critical to recognize, help prevent and support those at risk for PTSD.  The current duty disability under PERA and worker’s comp are not always compatible with goals of treatment, support, and return to work if possible. 5.10 Arbitration Reform In the current system of police arbitration under the Minnesota Public Employment Labor Relations Act (MPERLA), individual arbitrators are allowed to override the professional discipline and termination decisions made by city manager and police chiefs. City managers and police chiefs make these decisions to ensure professional, safe and effective policing. Ultimately, arbitrators can, in their sole judgement, require a city to return an officer to the streets, when the city has determined the officers is not meeting the standards required of the department and community, without an appeals process for the city. The City supports using administrative law judges and instituting a standard of reasonableness focused on if the facts presented show that the employer’s actions were reasonable and consistent with city and department policies. The City supports these positions because:  The current system undermines the ability of elected and appointed officials, including police chiefs, to make lasting discipline or termination decisions.  These decisions help ensure a public safety department meets the needs of the community, which it cannot do under the current system of police arbitration. Recommended Action: Staff recommends adopting the legislative positions and priorities. STAFF REPORT Page 18 City of Edina Staff Contact Information Priorities 1 Sales Tax Exemption for the Community Health and Safety Center (Fire Station 2) Scott Neal, City Manager SNeal@EdinaMN.gov 952-826-0401 Lisa Schaefer, Assistant City Manager LSchaefer@EdinaMN.gov 952-826-0416 2 Sales Tax Exemption for Braemar Ice Arena 3 Sales Tax Exemption for Fred Richards Park 4 LOST Expanded Tax Capacity 5 Bonding for Community Health and Safety Center (Fire Station 2) 6 Bonding for the South Metro Public Safety Training Facility 7 Bonding for the Pedestrian Bridge over Highway 62 STAFF REPORT Page 19 Positions 1 GENERAL GOVERNMENT 1.1 Re-align Motor Vehicle Lease Sales Tax Allocation Scott Neal, City Manager SNeal@EdinaMN.gov 952-826-0401 Lisa Schaefer, Assistant City Manager LSchaefer@EdinaMN.gov 952-826-0416 1.2 Preserve Legal Structure for Utility Franchise Fees 1.3 Public Notices in Newspapers 1.4 Data Practices 1.5 Increase Purchasing Agency 1.6 Repeal Statutory Salary Limitation on City Employees 1.7 Implement Rank Choice Voting System 1.8 Change Group Home Regulation Cary Teague, Community Development Director CTeague@EdinaMN.gov 952-826-0460 1.9 Authorize Statutory Cities to Collect Park Dedication Fees for Multifamily Redevelopment Projects 1.10 Reinforce the Open Wholesaling Systems through Legislation Josh Furbish, Liquor Operations General Manager JFurbish@EdinaMN.gov 952-903-5732 1.11 Oppose Changes to Tap Rooms Retail Operations 1.12 Protect Customer Data 1.13 Clarity on THC Infused Products 1.14 Maintain Constraints on Off Sale Liquor 1.15 Adult Use Cannabis 1.16 Hearing Aid Affordability Scott Neal, City Manager SNeal@EdinaMN.gov 952-826-0401 Lisa Schaefer, Assistant City Manager LSchaefer@EdinaMN.gov 952-826-0416 STAFF REPORT Page 20 2 AFFORDABLE HOUSING 2.1 Apply the 4d Property Tax Classification to Community Land Trust Properties Stephanie Hawkinson, Affordable Housing Development Manager SHawkinson@EdinaMN.gov 952-833-9578 2.2 Protection of and Taxation for Housing Purchased by Corporations for Renting 2.3 Use Pooled Tax Increment Financing for Affordable Housing 2.4 Additional Affordable Housing Financing Bonding Authority 2.5 Establish Revenue Resource for Affordable Housing 2.6 Protect Tenants in Affordable Housing Property Ownership Changes 2.7 Reform Eviction Expungement 3 ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY 3.1 Adopt a More Advanced State Energy Code and Allow for Local Adoption of More Efficient Building Standards Grace Hancock, Sustainability Coordinator GHancock@EdinaMN.gov 952-826-1621 3.2 Increase the State's Renewable Energy Standard 3.3 Increase Funding and Research on Reducing On-Site Fossil Fuel Use 3.4 Adopt Local Environmental Protection Measures 3.5 Allocate I 00% of State Revenue from the Solid Waste Management Tax (SCORE) to County Waste Management Activities Twila Singh, Organics Recycling Coordinator TSingh@EdinaMN.gov 952-826-1657 3.6 Support Efforts for the Proper Labeling of Compostable Products 3.7 Fund Expanded Infrastructure at the Local Level for the Creation of Compost Processing Sites and Anaerobic Digesters. 3.8 Support Extended Producer Responsibility 3.9 Develop and Fund-Zero Waste Initiatives 3.10 Support Funding and Technical Assistance to Electrify Public and School Buses Andrew Scipioni, Transportation Planner AScipioni@EdinaMN.gov 952-826-0440 STAFF REPORT Page 21 3.11 Continue Support for Local Environmental Health Regulatory Programs Jeff Brown, Community Health administrator JBrown@EdinaMN.gov 952-826-0466 3.12 Support Funding Research, Training, and Legislation for Applicators of Chloride-Containing De-Icing Chemicals Jessica Wilson, Water Resources Coordinator JWilson@EdinaMN.gov 952-826-0445 3.13 Inflow and Infiltration (I/I) Municipal Grant Program Ross Bintner, Engineering Services Manager RBintner@EdinaMN.gov 952-903-5713 4 TRANSPORTATION 4.1 Continue Municipal State Aid (MSA) Funding Chad Millner, Director of Engineering CMillner@EdinaMN.gov 952-826-0318 Andrew Scipioni, Transportation Planner AScipioni@EdinaMN.gov 952-826-0440 4.2 Allow Cities to Create Street Improvement Districts 4.3 Increase Local Bridge Replacement Program (LBRP) Funding 4.4 Expansion of Public Transportation Frequency and Reach 4.5 Support Goals and Strategies to Reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled 5 PUBLIC SAFETY 5.1 Funding of Fire Resources, Training and Statewide Response Teams Andrew Slama, Fire Chief ASlama@EdinaMN.gov 952-826-0332 5.2 Continue Railroad & Hazardous Substance Safety Training and Funding 5.3 Residential Fire Sprinklers 5.4 Support Funding for Auto Theft and Violent Crime Investigation Todd Milburn, Police Chief TMilburn@EdinaMN.gov 952-826-0487 5.5 Support Funding and Programming for Recruitment and Retention Needs 5.6 Continue Law Enforcement Training Funding 5.7 Require K12 Threat Assessments Lisa Schaefer, Assistant City STAFF REPORT Page 22 5.8 Increase Funding for Public Safety Disability Requirements Manager LSchaefer@EdinaMN.gov 952-826-0416 5.9 Focus on Mental Health and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support for Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters 5.10 Arbitration Reform Draft 2023 Summary of Legislative Priorities and Positions January 3, 2023 Priorities: 1 Sales Tax Exemption for the Community Health and Safety Center (Fire Station 2) The City of Edina is constructing a new Community Health and Safety Center, replacing the existing Edina Fire Station 2 and housing the Public Health division and will seek a sales tax exemption for the construction of the Center. 2 Sales Tax Exemption for Projects in Braemar Park Master Plan The City will make improvements with new local sales and use tax revenue in the Braemar Park Master Plan and will seek a sales tax exemption for the construction. 3 Sales Tax Exemption for Projects in Fred Richards Park Master Plan The City of Edina will make improvements and expansions with its new local sales and use tax revenue at Fred Richards Park, as outlined in the Fred Richards Park Master Plan, and will seek a sales tax exemption for the construction. 4 LOST Expanded Spending Capacity The City is seeking additional spending capacity of the local sales and use tax for $31.7 million to fund an additional sheet of indoor ice at Braemar Arena. The request does not require an increase to the rate or duration of the approved sales and use tax. 5 Bonding for Community Health and Safety Center (Fire Station 2) The City requested $10 million in state funds to complete a new Community Health and Safety Center replacing the existing Edina Fire Station 2 and housing the Public Health division. State bonding for the Center is appropriate because the Center will provide regional benefits, through emergency management or community health events. The City purchased the site for the proposed center and incurred pre-construction costs. Representative Edelson first introduced this bonding request in H.F. 2703 in 2022. 6 Bonding for the South Metro Public Safety Training Facility The Facility is a Joint Powers Agreement owned jointly by a consortium of the cities of Edina, Eden Prairie and Bloomington and the Metropolitan Airports Commission, and it is managed by the City of Edina. The Facility provides training space for their public safety personnel, other agencies public safety personnel and the public. The SMPSTF consortium received a bonding bill appropriation in 2020 of $1 million for a new tactical training structure. After design and public competitive bidding, the lowest responsible bidder was 60% higher than the project budget, so all bids were rejected. The board is requesting an additional $1 million to complete the project, due to the regional benefit of the Facility. Representatives Edelson, Kotyza-Wittuhn, Elkins, Carlson, and Howard first introduced this bonding request in H.F. 3080. 7 Bonding for the Pedestrian Bridge over Highway 62 The City will request $2 million for the replacement of the pedestrian bridge over Highway 62. The City is requesting funds because the replacement project will likely include Edina assuming long-term ownership and maintenance of the bridge, and the $2 million requested will finance Edina’s portion of the cost of the new bridge. Positions: 1 GENERAL GOVERNMENT 1.1 Realign Motor Vehicle Lease Sales Tax Allocation Hennepin and Ramsey Counites contributions to the County State Aid Highway Fund for roads and bridges are allocated to the other five metro counties, while all seven metro counties now collect their own local transportation sales tax. The City of Edina advocates for distributing the sales tax on lease vehicles, per the county state aid formula, to all metro counties, because it puts Hennepin and Ramsey Counties at a disadvantage in funding needed roads and bridge projects. 1.2 Preserve Legal Structure for Utility Franchise Fees The current legal structure for utility franchise fees allows costs to be shared by all users rather than only property owners. The City advocates for preserving this structure because the funds are used for the Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety (PACS) and Conservation and Sustainability (CAS) funds. 1.3 Public Notices in Newspapers The City supports legislation eliminating outdated and unnecessary city publications and giving cities the authority to select a publication, publication method, and use summaries, as the requirements are no longer relevant and are costly. 1.4 Data Practices The City supports mechanisms to define and regulate reasonable data requests, and charges that better reflect the actual costs of responding to data requests due to increases in data requests and increased staff time required for repetitive, broad and far-reaching requests. 1.5 Increase Purchasing Agency The city manager purchasing limit in statutory Plan B cities is $20,000; any purchase in excess of that requires approval by the city council. The City supports a raise in the legal maximum to at least $100,000, with the ability for individual city councils to set lower thresholds at their discretion because the current limit has not been raised since 2004, many city purchases exceed $20,000 and neighboring cities have higher limits. 1.6 Repeal Statutory Salary Limitation on City Employees Minnesota law limits the salaries of city employees to I10% of the governor's salary, with an annual inflationary adjustment. The Legislature should end the salary cap all together because numerous other government organizations are exempt, no other states have a similar cap, leading to recruiting disadvantages and salary compression. The City supports local elected leaders determining the needs of their community and recognizes that salary information is already made transparent through the required publishing of top salaries. 1.7 Implement Rank Choice Voting System The City supports legislation that would give statutory cities the same authority as charter cities to adopt rank-choice voting and statewide standards for rank choice voting to ensure consistency, fairness and confidence in the outcomes of all elections. 1.8 Change Group Home Regulation The City supports regulation that requires distance separation for licensed residential care facilities because without this regulation, neighborhoods experience an increase in traffic, parking needs, and deliveries; individuals no longer reap the benefit of enjoying a normal residential setting with a diversity of households; grouping residential facilities is more similar to a large institutional campus and commercial area, rather than a residential one. 1.9 Authorize Statutory Cities to Collect Park Dedication Fees for Multifamily Redevelopment Projects The City supports legislation authorizing cities to collect park dedication fees from multifamily development projects due to the significant demands generated to parks and outdoor amenities and the more even distribution of costs of parks through fees. 1.10 Reinforce the Open Wholesaling Systems through Legislation The City supports reinforcement of the open wholesaling system because without open wholesaling, wholesale prices will increase, service levels on certain brands will decrease, purchase and delivery schedules will reduce, and sale margins will be compressed. 1.11 Oppose Changes to Tap Room Retail Operations In October 2021, tap rooms began offering direct-to-customer bulk sales via carryout, with controls on quantity and packaging. More time is needed to understand their effect on the market, customer, and other retailers. 1.12 Protect Customer Data The City supports protections for customer data that may currently be subject to data practices requests because it requests erodes trust with the customer, puts municipal liquor stores at a competitive disadvantage, and led to the discontinuation of Edina’s municipal liquor customer rewards program. 1.13 Clarity on THC-Infused Products As of July 2022, products containing THC are permitted for sale. The City seeks clarification on if retail liquor stores can sell THC-infused beverages because there are currently no guidelines on labels, no employer licensing system ensuring compliance with the law, state guidance from the Department of Public Safety does not allow it, and profits generated would be considered unlawful activity. 1.14 Maintain Constraints on Off Sale Liquor Minnesota allows off sale liquor for grocery stores which apply for the appropriate license, which some have done. Other grocery and convenience stores sell the 3.2% alcohol allowed in stores without an off sale liquor license. The City supports maintaining the constraints on off sale liquor because grocery stores can apply for the appropriate license and the current licensing system allows smaller private and municipal liquor stores to compete. 1.15 Adult Use Cannabis The Governor and State Legislative leaders have made numerous public statements that they will pursue the liberalization of state’s laws around adult use of cannabis during the 2023 legislative session, including filing House File 600. HF 600 prioritizes the State as the licensing, regulatory and taxing authority. If the Legislature passes a bill such as HF 600, The City supports provisions for licensing and regulation by state and local governments, shared taxation revenue between state and local governments and the option to establish municipal dispensaries, like municipal liquor stores. 1.16 Hearing Aid Affordability Hearing aid health care coverage and costs make these critical devices unattainable for those who are on a fixed income and youth who age out of hearing aid support programs. The City of Edina supports programs or policy changes which reduce the cost of hearing aids and increase access to them, due to the critical role they play and the cost which prohibits people from accessing these devices. 2 AFFORDABLE HOUSING 2.1 Apply the 4d Property Tax Classification to Community Land Trust Properties The City supports changing the tax classification for Community Land Trust properties from 1a – Residential Homestead to 4d – Low-income Rental, because homeowners do not own the land, the trust is should create affordable home ownership opportunities, which is difficult when the higher 1a tax rate makes the home less affordable. 2.2 Protection of and Taxation for Housing Purchased by Corporations for Renting The City supports legislation authorizing a tax on the sale of these properties to corporations (SF 3147) and protections prohibiting the conversion of single family residences in to rental properties by developers and corporations (SF 4313). The City and surrounding communities have seen an increase in the number of residences converted from single family homes owned by the residents to rental properties, and such conversion negatively impacts ownership opportunities for residents. 2.3 Use Pooled Tax Increment Financing (TIF) for Affordable Housing The City supports legislation allowing the City to deposit pooled TIF for affordable housing in Edina's Affordable Housing Trust Fund to increase flexibility in the use of the pooled TIF for affordable housing, alleviate the burden of annual reporting, and because similar special legislation has been approved for Minnetonka, Richfield and St. Louis Park. 2.4 Additional Affordable Housing Financing Bonding Authority The City supports an effective bonding bill that provides Housing Infrastructure (HIB) and General Obligation (GO) Bonds to fund affordable housing to serve low-income households to meet rising need. 2.5 Establish Revenue Resource for Affordable Housing The City supports establishing a financing source to fund local and regional programs facilitating the creation and preservation of affordable housing to meet need that has grown to crisis proportions. 2.6 Protect Tenants in Affordable Housing Property Ownership Changes Local adoption of an ordinance to control rents on private residential properties is prohibited unless the ordinance is approved in a general election. The City supports first, a statewide tenant protection plan, and second, allowing for a 90- day tenant protection period following the transfer of naturally occurring affordable housing (NOAH) property ownership due to increased investment purchases of NOAH multi-family residential properties, leading to rehabilitating properties and increasing rents, and non-renewing leases of existing tenants with minimal notice and/or substantially increased the rent with minimal notice. 2.7 Reform Eviction Expungement Records of unlawful detainer filings, or eviction lawsuits, remain on a tenant’s public record regardless of whether the matter was settled or dismissed prior to the court hearing or if the tenant prevails at the hearing. These records are not a reasonable predictor of future tenant behavior, yet they impede renters from securing housing in the future. Therefore, the City supports legislation that would expand the eligibility for discretionary and mandatory expungements for eviction case court files. 3 ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY 3.1 Adopt a more advanced state energy code and/or allow for local adoption of more efficient building standards The state building code, which includes enforcement of the energy code, precludes cities from adopting a more progressive building code. Minnesota adheres to the 2018 International Energy Code, with some amendments. The City needs a more advanced state energy code, or local adoption of more efficient building standards because to meet climate action goals. 3.2 Increase the State's Renewable Energy Standard The Renewable Energy Standard from the state Department of Commerce, requires that 25% of electricity from utilities come from renewable sources by 2025, but this goal contradicts the Minnesota’s Climate Action Plan’s call for establishing a standard to achieve 100% carbon-free electricity and 55% renewable electricity by 2040. The City supports increasing the State’s renewable energy standard because it has not been updated since 2007, and without an increase, the state and city cannot accomplish their goals. 3.3 Increase Funding and Research on Reducing On-site Fossil Fuel Use The City supports research and funding to explore the reduction of on-site fossil fuel use for electricity and heat because of public health effects. 3.4 Adopt Local Environmental Protection Measures The City requests the Legislature adopt enabling legislation allowing local governments to devise and implement environmental protection measures so that cities can adopt the protections best suited to their communities. 3.5 Allocate I 00% of State Revenue from the Solid Waste Management Tax (SCORE) to County Waste Management Activities The City supports continued SCORE funding because the funds advance waste reduction, reuse, recycling and organics programs to meet city, county and state recycling goals. 3.6 Support Efforts for the Proper Labeling of Compostable Products The City supports promoting only vetted manufactures because it reduces the sale of products with misleading claims, reduces recycling contamination and simplifies education. 3.7 Fund Expanded Infrastructure at the Local Level for the Creation of Compost Processing Sites and Anaerobic Digesters. The City supports additional funding for the programs because landfilling all waste in the county and metropolitan area is no longer a viable option. 3.8 Support Extended Producer Responsibility Extended Producer Responsibility initiatives require manufacturers to finance all costs associated with collection, reusing, recycling, or safe disposal of their products such as carpets, mattresses, and electronics, which aligns with the City’s focus on reuse events and building partnerships. 3.9 Develop and fund-zero waste initiatives Zero-waste initiatives manage all discarded materials to their highest and best use. The City these initiatives because they will aid state, county and city governments reaching recycling and composting goals. 3.10 Support Funding and Technical Assistance to Electrify Public and School Buses There are very few electric public-school buses in Minnesota, and none in Edina. The City supports efforts to increase electrification of public and school buses because it would reduce overall GHG emissions and the impact of carbon emissions on populations that rely on this mode of transportation. 3.11 Continue Support for Local Environmental Health Regulatory Programs Currently, the State delegates authority to operate food, pool and lodging establishment regulatory programs to cities and counties. The City of Edina supports continuing local operation of these public health services and programs, allowing cities to provide services to meet local needs. 3.12 Support Funding Research, Training, and Legislation for Applicators of Chloride- Containing De- Icing Chemicals Salt is a pollutant and causes damage to infrastructure and the environment. Private contractors tend to over-apply salt on parking lots and sidewalks, often because they are afraid of “slip-and-fall” lawsuits. Research, training and certification is needed to decrease salt application, liability concerns, and improve water quality. 3.13 Inflow and Infiltration (I/I) Municipal Grant Program Inflow and infiltration (I/I) are terms for the ways that clean water (ground and storm) makes its way into sanitary sewer pipes and gets treated, unnecessarily, at regional wastewater plants. I/I mitigation through the Municipal State Bond Grant Program supports efficient use of the regional system for waste treatment and slows the the need for capacity upgrades. 4 TRANSPORTATION 4.1 Continue Municipal State Aid (MSA) Funding The City has 40.85 miles of roads designated as MSA. The City asks for continued support of this vital funding because high-quality connections are necessary for the overall state highway network to work well, and the roads on the state aid system typically carry heavier traffic volumes, connect major points of interest and provide an integrated and coordinated road system. 4.2 Allow Cities to Create Street Improvement Districts The City supports enabling legislation allowing cities to create street improvement districts because 85% of municipal streets are ineligible for municipal state aid (MSA) funds and must be paid for with property taxes, special assessments or other funding sources, yet cities face growing demands for street improvements and maintenance. Similar sidewalk improvement districts are allowed under state statute, and a system for street improvement could eliminate the need for special assessment financing. 4.3 Increase Local Bridge Replacement Program (LBRP) Funding The Local Bridge Replacement Program provides local agencies transportation funding for the reconstruction, rehabilitation or removal of bridges or structures, but the program does not receive enough funding, with $36 million in waitlisted projects in 2019, including two Edina projects. The City supports funding dedicated to the Local Bridge Replacement Program to meet local need. 4.4 Expansion of Public Transportation Frequency and Reach The City supports additional funding to reverse the impact of recent service reductions, supports operator hiring initiatives, and developing a connecting bus study for the METRO Green Line Extension (Southwest LRT) to increase ridership to meet climate action goals and community goals. 4.5 Support Goals and Strategies to Reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled Transportation and land use account for 40% of Edina’s citywide greenhouse gas emissions and are likely to become the leading GHG emissions source. The City supports funding to provide alternative transportation infrastructure to decrease the use of single-occupancy vehicles to reduce their negative impacts on air quality, traffic congestion and quality of life and meet climate action goals. 5 PUBLIC SAFETY 5.1 Funding of Fire Resources, Training and Statewide Response Teams The Edina Fire Department relies on state funding for training through the Minnesota Board of Firefighter Training and Education (MBFTE). The City supports broader discretion in the use of the Fire State Aid it receives in order to fund vital functions of the Minnesota Fire Service, including Task Force I Statewide Response Team, which Edina is a primary member of. 5.2 Continue Railroad and Hazardous Substance Safety Training and Funding The City supports continuing current training and planning requirements to increase railroad safety. 5.3 Residential Fire Sprinklers The City opposes efforts to statutorily limit the use of residential fire sprinklers and supports the inclusion of professionals and industry experts in the creating or writing of any code parameters, particularly the installation of fire suppression systems in residential building code because of the protection that sprinklers provide at low costs. 5.4 Support Funding for Auto Theft and Violent Crime Investigation The City supports the creation and funding of a multijurisdictional group of law enforcement officials focusing on investigations and prevention due to the increase of auto theft and violent crimes committed in stolen vehicles. 5.5 Support Funding and Programming for Recruitment and Retention Needs The City supports a variety of funded recruitment and retention programs for law enforcement agencies, including bonuses, part-time officer licenses, paid health care in retirement, and scholarship programs. These programs will help address the difficult hiring and retention landscape that agencies of all sizes are facing. 5.6 Continue Law Enforcement Training Funding Beginning in 2018, the required POST (Peace Officers Standards and Training) Board training was reimbursed to local agencies. The City supports continuing financial support of the POST Board training because the training is mandatory and critical. 5.7 Require K12 Threat Assessments The City supports legislation which would require school districts to study and address general and specific school safety issues to address concerns beyond physical infrastructure, which has been addressed in other grant programs. 5.8 Increase Funding for Public Safety Disability Requirements The legislature requires cities to pay the costs of health insurance benefits for firefighters and law enforcement officers disabled in the line of duty, including their dependents, until the employees are 65 years old. The law required cities to first pay the costs, then the Department of Public Safety was to reimburse the full costs paid by the city annually. State funding has been deficient since 2002, and the cities are no longer reimbursed. Edina was reimbursed for 20% of the overall costs in 2019. The City supports the State either fully funding the post-employment health insurance costs or provide these benefits directly to firefighters and law enforcement officers, eliminating cities as a pass through due to the number of disability retirements and cost of healthcare increasing significantly, placing the financial burden on cities. 5.9 Focus on Mental Health and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support for Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters In 2019, worker’s compensation legislation passed that presumes a diagnosis of PTSD is work-related for law enforcement officers and firefighters. The City supports efforts focusing on treatment and support for employees to safely and effectively return to work if possible. The City also supports programs and funding for emotional trauma training and for advancing wellness and mental health support as a component of any law enforcement reform. These positions are critical given the role law enforcement officers and firefighters have caring for the public, and current disability duty under PERA and worker’s comp are not always compatible with treatment, support, and return to work. 5.10 Arbitration Reform Currently, individual arbitrators are allowed to override the professional discipline and termination decisions made by city manager and police chiefs. Arbitrators can, in their sole judgement, require a city to return an officer to the streets, when the city has determined the officers is not meeting the standards required of the department and community, without an appeals process for the city. The City supports using administrative law judges and instituting a standard of reasonableness focused on if the facts presented show that the employer’s actions were reasonable and consistent with city and department policies, to restore the ability of local elected and appointed officials to make lasting discipline or termination decisions and help ensure a public safety department meets the needs of the community.