Elizabeth Wefel, attorney and lobbyist for Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities (CGMC) presented to the Rushford Council, August 23, an update of legislative progress in a number of areas. CGMC represents 109 municipalities in Minnesota working on Local Government Aid (LGA) and property taxes, economic development, annexation and land use, transportation, environment and energy, and labor and employment.
“Going into the legislative session, we were worried, I’m not going to kid you,” noted Wefel who detailed an initial $1.2 billion deficit in November 2020 that became a $1.5 billion forecast surplus in February of this year. Top goals for the coalition were no LGA cuts, an infrastructure-focused bonding bill, child care funding, and funds for city streets.
Wefel’s report stated pandemic-induced budget uncertainty was a threat to LGA and the coalition pushed to ensure it was essential to provide strong foundation for economic recovery. “LGA cuts became our top thing we worked on,” she added. “Our motto was ‘LGA paid on time and in full.’ We didn’t leave anything to chance. That’s how important LGA is.”
This year, in addition to the budget indicating a surplus, the state received a second round of funding, roughly $8 billion, through the American Rescue Plan. LGA was not cut and $5 million in one-time supplemental aid was provided by the state to prevent reduction to any city anticipated to lose LGA funding.
City Administrator Tony Chladek questioned whether there was any jeopardy of LGA changing based on demographics. “It’s really important to everybody. We may see an expansion,” said Wefel. “They may approximate the burden placed on your taxpayers, so cities can have a base of funding. Age of buildings and populations are two of the factors. They’re trying to find a good formula to balance things out.”
“It will be interesting as they reformulate,” added Mayor Terri Benson.
In addition to LGA, the coalition was also able to help secure funding for six Minnesota Initiative Foundations, Department of Employment and Economic Development Child Care Grant Program, of which a minimum of 50% was designated for greater Minnesota (non-metro). Also, $4 million was garnered for the Greater Minnesota Workforce Housing Program. A $70 million Border-to-Border Broadband Grant Program will also make an impact in areas like Rushford, as almost its entirety will fund projects in greater Minnesota.
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) continues to be a problem within the state. “It’s very expensive to get out of drinking water and nearly impossible to remove from wastewater,” said Wefel. “We don’t want cities to be held liable because we can’t do anything about it. We’re finding ways to keep PFAS out and pushing back on legislation.” Chloride problems in drinking water are also an issue, but seem to be limited to the south and west parts of the state. “We don’t see as much in the southeast,” she clarified, “But, Rushford is on the list of cities with sulfates, which are also a problem.”
Small City Street funding is a definite interest to Rushford. Sustainable, ongoing funding for streets in cities with populations fewer than 5,000 is one of the coalition’s top transportation funding goals. While $30 million was designated for bridges and $75 million for roads, cities like Rushford will often see none of it. It’s been a back and forth with the House and Senate, who passed ongoing funding for it, and the Governor’s budget, which doesn’t include a sustainable funding for small city streets.
“We’re not giving up on the fight, because we think it’s important for Rushford and other cities,” noted Wefel. “Next year, everyone’s up for elections; the Senate, House, and Governor. They behave differently when that happens. We’re hoping they’ll do a bonding bill. The Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities has done a lot and it’s because we have a diverse membership.”
At the August 23 meeting, the council also passed two zoning items: one, a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for Carl Schollmeier to operate a home-based business, Carl’s Electric, LLC., and secondly a variance for Dave & Heidi Peterson.
Councilor Leigh Volkmann asked whether all home-based businesses were required to seek a permit. “Yes, if it’s zoned residential, neighbors should be made aware of other activities going on. There are sometimes licensing and insurance which need to know they’re allowed to operate. It’s good protection,” said City Clerk/Treasurer Kathy Zacher.
“We’re happy to have another business in town,” added Councilor Sally Ryman.
Peterson was in attendance for the zoning decision related to his home and questioned why there is a five-foot setback for driveways. Zacher indicated the city’s ordinance was written that way in the 1970s. “I assume it’s to have a buffer between properties. It may have had something to do with access on the driveway.”
“I’m guessing it was to keep a buffer between the neighbors so there are no issues down the road. We’ve just always followed it,” added Benson.
“A lot of things come into being because of what’s been done before. They try to cover everything in zoning,” noted Volkmann.
During reports and updates, Chladek explained to the council that the natural gas main will be updated ahead of the Highway 30 project next year. The new infrastructure will be bored in. “They would rather get in there and do their thing before the road is redone,” he added.
Funding for upgrades to Highway 43 south, from Rushford to Mabel, has also been approved for 2022. Chladek noted that it will be broken down into phases and the detour will start in South Rushford. Work is to include all culverts, guardrails and new road surface. Details will be on the city’s website. For now, the information can be found at: www.dot.state.mn.us/d6/projects/hwy43-repaving-2022.
“We need to be mindful of that,” cautioned Chladek. “There’s going to be a little construction around Rushford in 2022.”
The next regularly scheduled council meeting is Monday, September 13, at 6:30 p.m., at city hall. It is open to the public.