06-20-11-WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — JUNE 20, 2011 John Q. Doan explained that he is the newly appointed Met Council representative for District 10 which includes Arden Hills. He stated he is interested in determining how the Metropolitan Council and the City of Arden Hills can collaborate towards a brighter future for the entire region. He reviewed the communities that are included in Met Council's District 10. He asked the City Councilmembers to share their needs and interests. The Met Council, he explained, is responsible for regional planning for the Twin Cities, including transportation, land use, parks, aviation, and wastewater. Specific areas of operation include Metro Transit and wastewater treatment facilities. He added that he serves on the transportation committee and the environment committee. Lisa Barajas, Metropolitan Council staff liaison to the East Metro communities, explained that her job is to work with City staff and answer questions about the Met Council and the services it provides. Mayor Grant questioned how the current budget issues the state is facing will impact the Met Council. Mr. Doan responded that they are in a "wait and see mode" with regard to the state budget. They do anticipate some impact to transit operations in the region. The wastewater treatment services, he explained, are funded by user fees and should not be impacted. Mayor Grant asked if the Met Council has considered how they will proceed if there are cutbacks because of the budget shortfall. Mr. Doan explained the Met Council has done considerable work at the staff and Council level as to what cuts would be made. Ms. Barajas added that the Met Council does not receive a majority of its funding through the state budget; they actually have a separate property tax levy, but the transit operation does receive a majority of its funding through the state. Mayor Grant questioned if the Met Council will continue to impose the Inflow & Infiltration surcharge on the City of Arden Hills. Mr. Doan deferred this question to Ms. Barajas who stated that she is not familiar with the Arden Hills surcharge. She offered to follow -up with the Met Council Environmental Staff and get back to the City Council. City Administrator Klaers commented that this year the City is paying the last year of the five- year surcharge. Councilmember Holden stated that there had been some talk at the legislative level about changing the Met Council structure with regards to elected representation. Mr. Doan responded that it his understanding that this topic has come up several times over the years but no action has been taken.