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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—JANUARY 19, 2010 2 1. AGENDA ITEMS A. Representative Kate Knuth Representative Kate Knuth thanked the City for setting aside time for her to present the Council with information on the upcoming legislative session. She noted the State would be doing a bonding bill this year,just under $700 million. The National Guard site in Arden Hills would be receiving $2.85 million for an Emergency Operation Center. Discussion ensued regarding the state bonding process. Representative Knuth explained the biggest issue for the legislative session would be the budget as there was a $1.2 billion deficit for the biennium, largely due to revenue declines. Job creation will be crucial over the coming years. She further discussed the unallotment and how this would affect the budget. Representative Knuth noted she would be holding two town hall meetings, the first being Saturday, January 23, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. at the New Brighton Family Service Center to discuss noise issues. The other meeting would be held on February 6, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. at the New Brighton Family Service Center. Mayor Harpstead asked that traffic speeds be reviewed through the City as roadway speeds varied between Mounds View, Roseville and Arden Hills. Councilmember Holden questioned if there was a list compiled of all State grants available to municipalities. Representative Knuth stated she would look into this and report back to the City. Councilmember Grant indicated expansion of the Rice Street bridge was a concern for the City because it is needed to add additional lanes in I-694. Mayor Harpstead indicated the overall impact of these improvements should be discussed with the City so as not to directly impact other areas of the City. Councilmember Holden stated the TCAAP property was a superfund site and if the State was willing to help the City of St. Paul on their superfund site, the City of Arden Hills could use assistance from the state as well. She suggested that the County Road H bridge be brought before the State. Councilmember Holmes questioned if Representative Knuth had any influence on Legacy Funds. Representative Knuth stated she was on the Environment and Natural Resource Finance Committee and that she could propose bills for the Legacy Funds to the over-arching committees. Councilmember Grant asked how the budget shortfall would be addressed by raising taxes or reducing spending.