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Regular City Council Meeting Monday,January 24,2011 Page 12 Senator Marty suggested a combination of revenue increases and cuts, none of which were good, but stressed the importance to stop shifting difficult decisions down the road to find short-term resolutions. Rep. Greiling expressed her interest in attempting to push any income tax increase to be dedicated to fund education, which represented 42% of the state's budget; and anticipated that such a dedicated increase may have support of some republi- cans to ensure passage. If that were not possible, Rep. Greiling was unsure of how to resolve the issues. Rep. Scalze noted the unfairness of the Market Value Homestead Credit, now a law for ten (10) years and for eight(8) of those years used as a tool for the state to gain more revenue, while double-taxing property owners. Acting Mayor Pust concurred, noting the difficulty for local government to levy the tax for the state to take away; and the added difficulty for residents to under- stand or for the City to provide transparency in government. Rep. Greiling noted similar situations, such as special education, where levy refe- rendums were needed throughout the state to fund what the state and federal gov- ernments no longer fund; and not representing an open and honest picture for tax- payers. Rep. Scalze noted that no one in state government enjoyed the current climate and made their jobs very difficult; but also recognized the difficulties shared by local government, school districts, and counties. Acting Mayor Pust thanked Senator Marty and Representatives Scalze and Greil- ing for their service; and encouraged Roseville residents to attend the Town Hall meetings on Saturday. Acting Mayor Pust expressed interest in having the legis- lative delegation come before the City Council again in the future for further up- dates. 11. Public Hearings a. Public Hearing for Lake Josephine Association Petition to establish a Hous- ing Improvement Area (HIA) Housing Coordinator Jeanne Kelsey summarized the purpose of the Public Hear- ing to consider the Lake Josephine Association's petition to establish a Housing Improvement Area (HIA) as detailed in the Request for Council Action (RCA) dated January 24, 2011; and in accordance with Minnesota State Statute, Chapter 428A. Ms. Kelsey advised that it was staff's recommendation that the City Coun- cil hold this Public Hearing to receive public comment; but that no other action was requested at this time.