HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-11-01 CC MIN Special Meeting . 1
Water
THE BIRTHPLACE OF MINNESOTA
CITY COUNCIL LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 1, 2019
SPECIAL MEETING 7:30 A.M.
Mayor Kozlowski called the meeting to order at 7:40 a.m.
Present: State Representative Dettmer and Christensen, Mayor Kozlowski,
Councilmembers Collins and Polehna
Absent: Senator Housley, Councilmembers Junker and Weidner
Staff present: City Administrator McCarty
Fire Chief Glaser
Public Works Director Sanders
City Clerk Wolf
The purpose of the special meeting was to share the City of Stillwater's 2020 State
Legislative priorities with State Representatives.
Mayor Kozlowski and Councilmember Polehna provided a history of projects that have been
supported through efforts of State Legislation. They further explained the priorities of
future projects. The project with the highest priority needing support from State
Legistators in 2020 is the Hwy 36 and Manning Avenue Interchange. This is a collaborative
project with local, county and federal funds earmarked for the project and State funding is
needed to complete the project. The project is an interchange that has high traffic volumes,
major safety concerns and when complete can provide a safe school route and development
opportunities. Representative Dettmer stated on November 14th the Bonding Committee is
taking a tour of the project and the House file for this project is number HF1342.
Administrator McCarty provided information on the Historic Bergstein Buildings
Rehabilitation Project that the City is requesting support of State funding. Representative
Christensen stated she is familiar with the project however a House file has not been
designated. Discussion continued on the many groups involved with this project, the use of
the Loop trail, river levels, and the Historic Bridge opening ceremony on May 15th, 2020.
Mayor Kozlowski spoke of finding creative ways to provide affordable housing and flexible
tranportation needs for employees to get to work.
Administrator McCarty explained housing affordability and availability is a legislature item
for 2020 and recognizes this is a State issue however Stillwater is different from many
other fast growing communities in Minnesota. This issue is a market issue and the State
should proceed cautiously with what the Building Association is proposing. The State
should continue to allow cities to manage their internal operations based on the unique
needs of each city.
Councilmember Polehna suggested additional projects the City could use some support on
such as additional bus service at the Stillwater Rec Center, boat launch under the new
bridge, a silent sport center for Vets therapy and non-motorized access to the river.
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 am.
Ted Kozlow Mayor
ATTES :
Beth Wolf, City Clerk