C. Discuss 2009 Legislative Priorities
CITY OF
CHANHASSEN
7700 Market Boulevard
PO Box 147
Chanhassen, MN 55317
Administration
Phone: 952.227.1100
Fax: 952.227.1110
Building Inspections
Phone: 952.227.1180
Fax: 952.227.1190
Engineering
Phone: 952.227.1160
Fax: 952.227.1170
Finance
Phone: 952.227.1140
Fax: 952.227.1110
Park & Recreation
Phone: 952.227.1120
Fax: 952.227.1110
Recreation Center
2310 Coulter Boulevard
Phone: 952.227.1400
Fax: 952.227.1404
Planning &
Natural Resources
Phone: 952.227.1130
Fax: 952.227.1110
Public Works
1591 Park Road
Phone: 952.227.1300
Fax: 952.227.1310
Senior Center
Phone: 952.227.1125
Fax: 952.227.1110
Web Site
www.ci.chanhassen.mn.us
c
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor & City Council
FROM:
Todd Gerhardt, City Manager
DA TE:
8~'
January 26, 2009
SUBJ:
Legislative Priorities
Attached you will find staff's proposed 2009 Legislative Priorities. The list is
the same as 2008 with the addition of unfunded mandates. My expectation for
Monday night's discussion is for the City Council to review the priorities and
add any other priorities you feel are important.
ATTACHMENTS
1. 2009 Legislative Priorities.
Chanhassen is a Community for Life - Providing for Today and Planning for Tomorrow
City of Chanhassen
2009 Legislative Priorities
ClTYOF
CHWIASSER
1. TH 101 Corridor Project (Lyman Boulevard to Scott County Line): This is a
joint project with MnDOT, Carver County, Scott County, and the Cities of Shakopee
and Chanhassen
. Completed Corridor Scoping Study, Analysis, Preliminary Design and
Environmental Screening.
. Will be officially mapped when environmental reviews are completed (anticipated in
2010 at the earliest).
. Applied for funding through the Metropolitan Council's Surface Transportation
Program (STP), but placed 12th, which put us out of running for funding this project
for 2010.
. MnDOT planning a mill and overlay of the corridor in 2009. City would prefer to see
funds programmed for reconstruction/widening of the corridor.
. The city needs this project to expand economic growth, create new jobs, and expand
our tax base.
Problem: No funding source - $8 million for Phase I
2. TH 5 Project Improvements (West of TH 41): This is a joint project with MnDOT;
Carver County; and the Cities of Victoria, Waconia, N orwood/Y oung America, and
Chanhassen.
. The city entered into a joint powers agreement for the completion of Corridor
Scoping, Analysis, Preliminary Design and Environmental Screening.
. Once this study is completed, the corridor can be officially mapped.
Problem: No fund source - Amount?
3. Highway 312: Continue Development of Highway 312.
. The development of Highway 312 from County Road 147 on the Chaska/Carver
border to the City of Cologne.
Problem: No funding source - Amount?
4. Environmental: The permitting processes are too time-consuming and streamlining the
processes would be a good start (NPDES, MS4, Non-degradation, Wetland Conservation
Act, and Clean Water Act requirements, etc.).
5. Unfunded Mandates: Chanhassen opposes both current and future statutory changes
that create mandated tasks that require new or added local costs without a corresponding
funding mechanism. Without a funding source, Chanhassen is potentially in the position
of having to increase property taxes and/or fees. These unfunded mandates add to the
responsibilities for cities and the ability to fund traditional service needs.
G:\admin\tg\key financial strategies\2009 priorities.doc
6. Local Controls: The city strongly opposes any effort to weaken the ability of local
governments to provide the best services and benefits for their communities. Local
budgets are subject to intense public scrutiny. Inflation alone forces cities to spend more
money to maintain current service levels. The people who know what is best for this city
are the people who live here.
7. Keep "Opt-Out" Suburban Transit Agencies in Place: Chanhassen supports opt-out
and suburban transit agencies. Creation of these agencies provided residents and
businesses with a desired service that met their needs while maintaining financial and
management controls. The State should refrain from infringing on the ability of local
agencies to provide and control bus services for the benefit of area businesses and
residents.