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February 25, 2014 Page 2 of 6 Special Order of Business 1. Update from Jerry Hromatka regarding Northeast Youth and Family Services. Jerry Hromatka, Northeast Youth and Family Services, provided the Council with an update on the events taking place at Northeast Youth and Fancily Services. He explained NYFS was all about planning for the future with over 4,500 individuals served each year. He discussed the mental health, youth development and day treatment programs provided by NYFS along with the organization's new mission statement. He reported 70% of the youth going through the day treatment program are being placed in a less restrictive educational system after treatment. Mr. Hromatka discussed the services received by New Brighton residents from NYFS while comparing the cost benefit analysis. He reviewed the current trends regarding mental health and how the recession has had a ripple effect. The NYFS response to these effects was discussed in detail. He reported community connections were critical for youth and his organization would continue to connect youth with seniors. The NYFS partnerships were described and he thanked the Council for their continued support. Councilmember Strub thanked Mr. Hromatka for attending the recent Outstanding Leadership Award Ceremony. Councilmember Jacobsen appreciated the numerous services NYFS provide to the City of New Brighton. 2. Update from Representative Connie Bemardy. Representative Connie Bemardy provided a summary of the events that took place in 2013 at the legislature and then discussed the events that would be taking place during the current legislative session. She reported County Road 96 was included in this year's bonding bill. Representative Carolyn Larne reviewed the proposed bonding bill. She reported the Springbrook Nature Center was proposed to have refurbishing and the minimum wage may be increased. She commented middle class tax costs were being considered along with a propane gas assistance program. State Senator Barb Goodwin discussed sales tax exemption status that was now afforded to cities. She reviewed the health of the State's finances along with the balanced budget. Councilmember Bauman thanked the representatives for attending this evening. She discussed the anti- bullying bill and the proposed Senate building. She did not approve of the expense that would incurred by the new building. State Senator Goodwin discussed the anti- bullying bill stating it was still under review. She explained the Senate building was in great need of repairs and additional space. The goal with the proposed project was to bring together democrats and republicans in the same building to increase team building. She understood the project was a great deal of money, however additional space and parking was needed Councilmember Jacobsen requested comment on the MnSURE program enrollment. Representative Larne stated work would continue on this program as residents of Minnesota were now able to get insurance, when this had not been the case in the past. She provided further comment on the proposed anti- bullying bill. Councilmember Bauman expressed concern that parental rights would be impacted by the proposed anti- bullying bill. She did not believe the government should try to be acting in a parental manner. State Senator Goodwin commented the safety of children was her highest concern at this time. Councilmember Bauman asked if the representatives supported managed lanes on I -35W. She did not support toll roads in New Brighton. Representative Bemardy indicated she would look into this issue further and would report back to the Council. Mayor Jacobsen encouraged the representatives to look into improving the State's use of energy or on how to become energy dependent. He did not want to see shortages or fluxes in fuel as this negatively impacted the entire community. He discussed his recent appointment to the National League's Energy, Environment and Resources Committee. Representative Bemandy requested an update on the Army negotiations. City Manager Lotter explained he could provide an update on this situation via telephone for the representative. Special Carder of Business 1. Upci c frasn Jeny i I nnnatka mgmyJing Nottth Youth and Fanny Servia & 2. Update fn7m Reptative Connie se<naidy.