2018.03.27 WS Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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WBOf the city that works for you Council Worksession March 27, 2018 5:00 pm Present: Mayor Valerie Johnson Councilmember Graeme Allen Councilmember Mary Burg Councilmember Paul Jacobsen Absent: Councilmember Emily Dunsworth Staff in Attendance: Dean Lotter Guests in Attendance: Council Discussion on Pre -Exemption Bills Lotter stated this topic has been on staff's radar for the past several years. He commented on a bill he came across regarding public contracts that would require cities to make final payment upon substantial completion and not the final completion of a project. He described how the existing retainage system assists cities in completing projects. Councilmember Burg stated it was critically important for cities to have this retainer system in place. Councilmember Allen commented all states were introducing bills that would change these standards. He discussed the summary of bills being proposed that was provided by the League of Minnesota Cities and noted how these bills would impact New Brighton. He noted there was a growing list of cities signing onto this noting the importance of the retainer system. Mayor Johnson stated she was in favor of the Council passing a Resolution regarding this matter. She believed there needed to be a line between City and State government. Councilmember Jacobsen agreed stating what was good for one community may not be what's best for New Brighton. Councilmember Burg also agreed and recommended the City pass a Resolution that would address the need for local control on this issue. She commented on the benefits of following a strict building code in Minnesota and how this benefits the entire community. Further discussion ensued regarding the proposed bills and how they would impact the City. Mayor Johnson stated she appreciated the fact the entire Council was offering their support for the proposed Resolution.