2024-09-11 CC Minutes - Approved

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City of Centerville City Council Meeting Minutes September 11, 2024 their fingers on the scale so tells how much we can do about it. She stated that people having the ability to voice their concern is partly what stops those bills to shut down mining from getting a committee hearing or from getting to the floor. She did state that it was a hot topic in her caucus that she just could not imagine that they will ever allow it to go to committee. Council Member Sweeney stated that it was the precious metal mines or those that were previously taconite who are switching. He stated that these metals are technology. Senator Gustafson stated that these same individuals are holding iPhone in their hands and that it was not lost on her. She stated that if we do not mine for these metals then they will be coming from some place else. She stated that she understood Council Member Sweeney’s passion for his small hometown and she also grew up in a small town. Mayor Love stated that when representatives of Centerville visited her earlier in the year, the housing bill was fresh and it changed everything that was planned to be talked about that day. He stated a large number of things have changed as it moved through the process and he could imagine that it would be back in some form for 2025. He stated that we as a City want to maintain local control and we believe that it is very important for us and understand that something will come out and we hope that you would continue to hear us as one of her constituents. Senator Gustafson stated that she hoped that the City saw that she was on our side on this issue. Mayor Love stated that he and Senator Gustafson had an opportunity to meet a month or so previously and he stated that they spoke about a wide-range of topics: housing and Local Government Aid (LGA). Senator Gustafson stated that the formula was changed in 2023 and can only be changed every 10 years. She stated that she did everything that she could but that it was unchangeable for the next 8 years. She stated that the city was not alone as only three of her communities receive LGA and so whatever she can do on the opposite side to assist cities’ budgets knowing that they are not receiving LGA is what she is attempting to do. Mayor Love stated that they spoke of Market Homestead Credit and as the cost of homes continue to rise. Senator Gustafson stated that we all want affordable housing but what matters is how we get there as well. Senator Gustafson stated that it matches the formula that is in place at the current time and that she will look at it. Mayor Love stated that they also spoke about the Junior Council Member position and how that program should be instituted in other communities. Senator Gustafson stated that the city should give themselves a pat on the back for the program and that they spoke of a small grant to assist in offsetting associated costs of the position and that she was happy to look at that as they were going into the budget year but she did not know the best way to incentivize it rather than mandate it. Mayor Love stated thank you for the Public Safety funding and he stated that our budgets are very high in this category and he hoped that funding would continue. Mayor Love stated that he was unaware of the tuition freeze which was pretty cool. Senator Gustafson stated that the freezes were at State colleges and community schools with the exception of the U of M which is nice. Council Member Koski thanked Senator Gustafson for what she does and Senator Gustafson stated thank you and she also stated that she thanked Council for what they do and also allowing her to come and speak to them. VIII. OLD BUSINESS 1. None IX. NEW BUSINESS 1. Meeting Schedule for November & December Page 5 of 10