2018.04.10 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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April 10, 201 4. Consideration of Approval of Plans and Specifications and Authorization to Advertise for Bids for City Project 18-1, 2018 Street Rehabilitation. 5. Consider Chair and Vice -Chair Recommendalions for the Economic Development Commission. 6. Consider Change Order 1, City Project 15-13, Water Treatment Plant 3 Improvements. 7. Consider Request for Exemption from Lawful Gambling License — St. John's the Baptist Catholic Church. Motion by Councilmember Allen, seconded by Councilmember Jacobsen to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Mayor Johnson commented on the agreement the City was entering into with the Rice Creek Watershed District for Lions Park. She reported Lions Park would have a kiosk installed to educate the public on the rainwater cisterns that would be used to water the ball parks. 5 Ayes, 0 Nays - Motion Carried Public Hearin None. Council Business Adopt a Resolution Asking the Legislature to Vote Against Amendment A8 of S.F. 3021. Motion by Councilmember Burg, Seconded by Councilmember Allen to Adopt a Resolution Requesting the Minnesota State Legislature to Vote Against Amendment A8 S.F. 3021 Authored by Senator Mayor Viffineyer. City Manager Lotter stated government proactively wanting to engage as many voters as possible seems like it should be so obvious an assertion that further elaboration would not be required. Unfortunately, further elaboration is required because an amendment A8 of S.F. 3021. This amendment, recently offered by Senator Kiffmeyer, would make it very difficult for local governments to shift their local elections from odd to even years or vice a versa. The reasons for moving from odd to even year elections are simple and sound: 1. Save money — at least $75,000 every other year would be saved by New Brighton. Imagine the savings for cities the size of St. Paul or Minneapolis. 2. Make local government more efficient. Currently existing staff time is involved for over six months every time there is an even year election. New Brighton and the other 26 cities that hold odd year elections have dedicate time to running elections literally every year; in the odd years running a duplicative election effort soaks up 2 full-time staff for another six months. 3. Engaging between 9,000 and 13,500 voters instead of 3,000 voters. City Manager Lotter explained the legislature was taking away a local government right to make a decision on this matter. He requested the Council offer their support for the Resolution. Mayor Johnson reported the New Brighton City Council has been very transparent with its intention to move from odd to even years for election. She discussed the importance of engaging more voters in local elections, Page 3 of 7 4. Plans and Specs and Advertise for Bids for City Project 18-1. 5. Chair& ViCD4Chair Recomm forthe EDC. 6. Change Order 1, City Project 15-13. 7. Exempt Lawful Cambl License—St John's the Baptist catholic Church. Public Ilearing Council Business 1 Adopt a Resolution Asking the legislature to Vote Against Amendment AS of S.F. 3021.