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I I I Council Meeting Minutes June 27, 1995 Page 2 Special Order of Business. continued Williams strongly differs with Pellow's view of the Met Council. He believes the one thing that sets this metropolitan area apart from others is the fact it is a regional entity and not comprising individual self-serving cities. This is a region which works together and services airports, sewage treatment, and mass transit which would be a nightmare for individual cities to manage. Pellow agrees the metropolitan cities work well together. Williams reiterated that if the Met Council were removed, that would be a different story. Pellow feels the Met Council is an unneeded annual expense and noted the many capable individuals at the county and city level. Benke agrees with Williams of the Met Council merits, and would argue for the consolidation of the seven metro counties rather than the Met Council's dissolve. Pellow agrees there are too many counties. Benke added there is a candidate waiting for Governor appointment to the vacant New Brighton Met Council seat, and feels this is an excellent opportunity for New Brighton issues to be addressed. Benke said the housing and pollution cleanup bills were a product of a summit conference between metropolitan mayors and Legislative leadership. This is an excellent example of managing policy issues at a nonpartisan level. He asked why Pellow felt these bills were not in the City's best interest. Pellow said the bills did not have bipartisan support, and does not support any bill for the sole purpose of reelection. Pellow feels government is the problem, not the solution. Apartment buildings are being taxed at high rates which prohibit renters from eventually purchasing their own home. It is not the government's role to provide affordable living, and the majority share this view. He felt the Myron Orfield bill would have created more bureaucracy. Benke added that his understanding of the Legislative process is inconsistent with Pellow's interpretation. Benke asked if insurance companies would benefit from the Worker Compensation cost of living reduction. Pellow feels that if there is a windfall, insurance companies would offer reduced premiums. Pellow favors bills dealing with youth curfews, and noted that 80% of crimes involve drug, alcohol, or domestic violence. Benke agreed that the balance between prevention and punishment is an ongoing concern. Pellow said the State cannot afford for the court system to solve juvenile problems. Benke asked if the new combined health agency of children and education will address these issues. Pellow feels that the creation of this department is a step forward. Williams asked if the Metropolitan Transit Commission (MTC) subsidy was increased. Pellow has fundamental concerns with the MTC's personnel and operation costs. Benke said the MTC requested an increase to keep service at current levels, but received less. Williams supports a gas tax increase as a way to provide bus transportation. Williams does not feel the Legislature should be driven purely by the bottom dollar. The Legislature needs to determine a vision of what this state should be and its needs, and then identify a method to obtain revenue. Williams questioned Pellow's argument of rejecting an issue merely on its cost without regard to its policy benefit. Benke noted the differences of opinion and asked Pellow to discuss issues with Council before the next Legislature Session. Pellow respects Williams' opinion and would like to meet with Council to discuss the upcoming session. Special Order of Business Dick Pellow Legislative Update