9.0. SR 01-27-1997'ity of
iver
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
MEMORANDUM
Mayor & City Council
Pat Klaers, City Administrator
January 27, 1997
Agenda for Joint City/County Meeting
The Sherburne County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to meet with the
City Council on Monday, January 27, 1997, at City Hall at 7 p.m. Attached
for your review are minutes from the last joint meeting held on 3/19/96. It is
suggested that the following agenda topics be discussed on Monday:
Transportation · County Road 1
· County Road 1 and Highway 10 intersection
· County Road 12
· County Road 12/13 intersection relocation
· City/County Jurisdictional Study
· Long Range Plan
Discussion on Alcohol Compliance Check Results
County Park Plan
Ditches
·
Ditch 28 south of railroad tracks... 1997 requested
improvements and planned 1998 request for abandonment
Ditch 10 - need to consider partial turnover or abandonment
on the east side of Highway 169 for the trailer park
development project (19987)
Miscellaneous Updates
· 1997 Legislative Session
· St. Cloud Area Wide Planning Proposal
· Utilities (NSP) tax base issue
· Fairgrounds Status
· Government Center expansion
· Government Center service drive and frontage road
13065 Orono Parkway · P.O. Box 490 · Elk River, MN 55330 ° (612) 441-7420 · Fax: (612) 441-7425
'ity of
iver
ITEM 9.
MEMORANDUM
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
Mayor & City Council
Pat Klaers, City Administrator
January 27, 1997
Joint Meeting with the County Board
Transportation Issues
The City Council and Sherburne County have discussed some specific
transportation projects for the last few years and we are anticipating
the reconstruction of some county roads in the very near future.
Additionally the city and the county have talked about their long range
transportation goals and how these goals are consistent with each
others and how these goals should be incorporated into each others
long range transportation plans.
Transportation issues are anticipated to be the major topic of
conversation at this joint meeting. The city has been looking forward
to the reconstruction of County Road I for a number of years and we
are hopeful that this project will take place in 1997. Along with this
reconstruction from County Road 77 to County Road 32, we are also
very concerned about the reconfiguration and improvements at the
County Road 1 and Highway 10 intersection. We need to have the
county seriously pursue this project and I do not know if anything can
be completed in 1997.
County Road 12 and the County Road 12/13 intersection are also very
important improvements that, at this time, seem to need some
planning work in 1997 in order to be accomplished in 1998. This
project leads us into the discussion on jurisdiction within the city and
whether or not the jurisdiction of some county roads and city streets
should be changed in the future.
Please see the attached background information on both the County
Road I and the County Road 12 projects. The City Council may need
to press the issue with the county in order to get some definite answers
as to the timetable for the County Road I project and the County Road
1/Highway 10 project.
13065 Orono Parkway · P.O. Box 490 · Elk River, MN 55330 · (612) 441-7420 · Fax: (612) 441-7425
Joint City Council/County Board Meeting
January 27, 1997
Page 2
2. Alcohol Compliance Check Results
The county has requested this item be on the agenda for discussion
between the city and the county. Please see the attached material on
the most recent alcohol compliance results. Police department
representatives are scheduled to be in attendance at this meeting to
help discuss this issue.
3. County Park Plan
On 1/21/97, the County Board held a public hearing on its proposed
county park plan. Building and Zoning Administrator Steve Rohlf was
in attendance at this meeting and indicated the city's support for a
county park plan. Steve will be in attendance at this joint meeting to
participate in the discussion on this issue.
4. County Ditches
Building and Zoning Administrator Steve Rohlf has worked with the
city engineer and the county on the improvements of county ditches
and the turnover or abandonment of ditches as appropriate. The
current issue is the improvement of Ditch 28 and the potential
abandonment of Ditch 28 south of the railroad tracks so that this
abandoned section can be under city jurisdiction and we can do the
necessary long term improvements. (This would be much the same as
in 1995 when the county abandoned Ditch 10 on the west of Highway
169 for the Main and Evans project.) At this time the city does not
have the funds necessary to do a major improvement of this section of
Ditch 28. We anticipate doing a major improvement in the next few
years. In 1997 we will be requesting the county to do maintenance and
repair work on Ditch 28 as necessary and the city acknowledges that
this is somewhat of a "band aid" approach until funding is available for
a more significant project. The city will be billed for this maintenance
and repair work that, under county ditch law, would be assessed to Elk
River residents. This is consistent with past practice since the city
instituted a levy for surface water management projects.
We will continue to work with the county on Ditch 10 east of Highway
169 as appropriate and as it is related to the Earl Hohlen project. We
have worked with the county on this ditch in the past with the County
Road 12/13 storm drainage work that took place a few years ago. This
ditch also relates to the improvements that were done with the
Highway 101/10/169 intersection reconstruction. Additionally we
Joint City Council/County Board Meeting
January 27, 1997
Page 3
know that work needs to be done with the culvert at the railroad
crossing as development takes place in and around the Hohlen
property.
Ditch #10 is not really a pressing issue in 1997, but we may see some
action being necessary in 1998 as development projects take place on
the east side of Highway 169.
5. Miscellaneous Updates
Please see the attached newspaper article from the Sherburne County
Citizen dated 1/4/97 for information on possible legislation regarding a
change in the taxes for utilities.
\Xelkriver\sys\shrdocXcouncilXjntmtg.doc
SPECIAL JOINT MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
CITY COUNCIL AND
SHERBURNE COUNTY COMBfISSIONERS
HELD AT THE SHERBURNE COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER
(MAPLE CONFERENCE ROOM) ,
TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 1996
Members Present:
Mayor Duitsmon, Councilmembers Dietz, Scheel, Fart)er and
Holmgren
Members Absent: None
Staff Present:
Pat Klaers, City Administrator; Sandra Thackeray, City Clerk; Terry
Maurer, City Engineer
Sherburne County Commissioners Present: Chair Engstrom, Commissioners Johnson,
Nagorski, and Wergin
Sherbume County Commissioners Absent: Commissioner Friedl
Sherburne County Staff Present: Dave Loch, County Administrator;, Dave Schwading,
County Engineer; Kathy Heaney, Assistant County Attorney
1. .Call Meetinq To Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof the joint meeting of the Sherbume
County Board of Commissioners and Elk River City Council was called to order at
'6:30 p.m. by Chair Engstrom.
Consider Aqenda
The Agenda was approved with the following additions:
7.a. City alley located next the County Administration Building
7.b. United Waste Systems
,Update on February 29, 1996, Ali-City Summit Meetinq
Dave Loch gave an update on the All-City Summit Meeting. He indicated that
Mayor Duitsman and Chair Engstrom have volunteered to represent the City and
County on the Area Transportation Partnership Program.
Dave Loch also indicated that growth was the number one issue discussed at the
summit meeting.
_County Transportation Issue~
County Transportation Plan - Engineer SchWarting gave an update on the
status of the County Transportation Plan. He indicated that it is the
expectation of the County to have the Plan completed by the fall of 1996.
CSAH #1 - Dave Schwarting gave an update of the plans for construction of
CSAH Cf 1. He indicated that the County would need a resolution of support
from the City which indicates that the City plans to upgrade the section from
Highway 10 to School Street. Mayor Duitsman indicated that the City is
interested in upgrading the intersection of Highway 10 and Proctor to a 4 lane
intersection. He indicated that the City is also interested in seeing the
intersection of School Street and Proctor upgraded. Dave Schworting
indicated that the County would need a commitment from the City to assist in
the funding, design, right-of-way acquisition, etc., for the expansion of the two
intersections.
It was suggested that the County and City consider an underpass at the area
of County Road Cf 1 and the railroad trail by Meadowvale School. It was
indicated that it was unsafe for the citizens and students to jog or walk across
the street at this Iocati,~n.
· .CSAH # 12 - Dave Schwarfing indicated that the County will receive federal
funding for 80% of the project in 1
Mayor Duitsman requested Terry Maurer and Dave Schwarting to work together
regarding the intersection of County Road 12 and 13 to allow for appropriate
stacking at Highway 169.
City Translgortation Issues
City Engineer Terry Maurer indicated that the City Council recently held a
public hearing on the City's transportation plan, but took no action on the
plan. The City Council may take no action on the plan until the County has
completed its process on the County transportation plan.
Joplin Street and Highway 10 Intersection... Terry Maurer indicated that plans
have been submifled to MnDOT for realignment of the intersection and for
signalization. He indicated that it is anticipated that the project will be bid
and be under construction this summer.
A request was made by a citizen regarding concerned citizens being
involved in the transportation committee process at both the city and county
levels.
Extension of Evans Avenue - Terry Maurer indicated that signalization process
has begun for the intersection of 197th Avenue and Highway 16~).
.Repod on County Ditch Leqislation
· Dave Loch and Kathy Heaney gave an update of the ditch legislation
regarding the splitting of Ditch #28. It was indicated that the legislation did
not pass. Kathy Heaney indicated that this issue would be brought up again
in 1 f)97.
· Pat Klaers indicated that the County has abandoned the western pad of
Ditch # 10 per the City's request.
6a.
6b.
6C,
6d.
6e.
7.b.
.Discussion on Business Incubator Concept
Jeff Gongoll, EDA President, indicated that the City Council has authorized the
City to enter into a contract with Harlan Jacobs to provide economic
development services to the City in the form of locating business incubator
prospects and developing a business incubator program.
Discussion was held regarding the possibility of using the County Administration
building for this purpose. Chair Engstrom indicated that he is interested in working
with the City toward a funding mechanism for leasing the building.
_City Alley-Way by County Administration Buildincj
Discussion was held regarding the alloy south of the County Administration
Building. The City Administrator indicated that the City owns the alley. Discussion
was held regarding whether the County should purchase the alley from the City.
It was the consensus that the City Council and County Board would discuss this
issue at future meetings.
Dave Loch gave an update regarding the funding formula for libraries in
Sherbume County. Dave Loch indicated his concern regarding the amount of
funding the County is paying in relation to the number of hours the libraries are
open for business.
H.F. 2330 (Reqional Planninq)
Dave Loch gave an update on H.F. 2330 in relation lo regional planning.
..Cox Property/Fairqrounds/Sale for Orono Road Riqht-of-Way
Dave Loch indicated that the Cox family has donated 260 acres to the City of
Becker and the County. He stated that the Cox family is interested in relocating
the Sherbume County Fair to this site. The City Council indicated that it was in
favor of keeping the fairgrounds in the City.
Commissioner Johnson gave an update on the SCORE Funds.
.Wetlands Conservation Act
Dave Loch indicated that this act is still under review by the legislature.
.U. nited Waste Systems
Dave Loch indicated that Gallaghers Refuse Service has been bought by United
Waste Systems. He stated that the County doesn't want United Waste Facility
collecting the garbage in Sherbume county because the garbage is not being
taken to an approved facility. Dave Loch requested the City to inform all industry
and businesses of this issue. He indicated that the businesses and i '~dustries should
be concerned with possible mitigation of this unapproved facility.
8. Nexf meetinq
It was the consensus that another joint Council/County Commissioner meeting be
held in the fall at a date to be determined by the City Administrator and County,
Coordinator.
9. ,A, djoumment
The joint meeting of the Elk River City Council and Sherburne County Board of
Commissioners adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
andra Thacker~y~~~~~
City Clerk
s:\minu~esXsc031996.doc
CONS[LTIN'G ENGINEER~
1326 Energy Park Drive
St. Paul, MN 55108
612-644-4389
1-800-888-2923
Fax: 612-644-9446
January 23, 1997
File: 230-213-20
Mr. Pat Klaers
City Administrator
City of Elk River
13065 Orono Parkway
P.O. Box 490
Elk River, MN 55330
RE: CSAH 1 HISTORY
Dear Mr. Klaers:
CIVIL ENGINEERING
ENVIRONMENTAL
'¥~UNICIPAL
~NNiNG
SOLID WASTE
STRdCTURAL
SLJR',,'E YiNO
TR,"~FF!C
TRANSPORTATION
ELECTRICAL/MECHANICAL
ENGINEERING
HVAC
POWER DISTRIBUTION
SCADA
SYSTE~x' CONTROLS
OFFICES IN:
,INNEAPOLIS
PRIOR LAKE
ST. PAUL
WASECA
As you requested, I have reviewed my CSAH 1 file and put together the following
chronological history of this project:
On January 31, 1994, I met with Dave Schwarting at the City's direction to
discuss the status of CSAH 1. Mr. Schwarting indicated he had set aside
$100,000 for CSAH 1 funding in 1994, and said he would consider additional
funding in 1995. Mr. Schwarting indicated he did not have sufficient manpower
and would look for the City to take the lead on the project and the County would
act as the reviewing and funding agency.
On February 21, 1994, the City Council passed Resolution 94-14 indicating their
desire to have CSAH 1 upgraded and their willingness to take the lead on the
project.
On May 15, 1995, the County had an informational meeting at the Elk River
Country Club with property owners that would be affected by the construction.
These consisted primarily of companies within the Elk River Industrial Park and
businesses in the surrounding area. At this meeting, there was details on the
construction presented and a phasing plan.
On June 6, 1995, you and I had a follow-up meeting with Doran Cote and Dave
Schwarting to discuss City concerns regarding the construction plans. My letter
of June 14, 1995, addressed to you, summarizes that meeting.
An outcome of the June 6 meeting with the County was a request from them for
the City Council to pass a resolution requesting a traffic signal warrant study of
the intersection of CSAH 1 and School Street. That resolution was passed by the
City Council on June 19, 1995.
230/213-2301 .jan An Equal Opportunity Employer
Mr. Pat Klaers
January 23, 1997
Page Two
On July 26, 1995, we received a letter from Doran Cote, stating that the project
schedule had changed. The project was originally planned to be constructed
entirely in 1995. The change was to begin the northern end of the project in 1995
and the southern part of the project would be continued until the summer of 1996.
On Tuesday, March 19, 1996, we had a joint City Council/County Board meeting.
The project still had not been begun. Now there were new issues injected into the
discussion. Two major issues were: 1) the City Park and Recreation Department
requesting a pedestrian tunnel at the City trail intersection with CSAH 1 and a
detached pathway adjacent to the roadway, and 2) the discussion of whether the
road should be a 3-lane design or a 4-lane design. If it was determined to be a 4-
lane design, then the intersections with School Street and TH 10 needed to be
expanded.
On April 24, 1996, I wrote a memo to the City Council laying out the options for
the design of CSAH 1, as requested by Dave Schwarting. The City Council at
their April 29, 1996, City Council meeting, opted for a 4-lane design with
intersection improvement only at TH 10. This meant that the intersection of
School Street and CSAH 1 would not be signalized but would remain a 4-way
stop.
On ~ 10, 1996, I wrote a letter to Dave Schwarting conveying the City
Council direction regarding the design of the road to him. In that letter, I
indicated that I thought the City Council would be agreeable to the City of Elk
River taking a lead on the plans and specifications for the intersection of CSAH
1 and TH 10 improvements. I also indicated to Mr. Schwarting that we would
need a formal request from him for the City Council to act on this.
On May 7, 1996, the signal justification report for the traffic signal at CSAH 1
and School Street was completed and forwarded to MnDOT. The report justified
the installation of a traffic signal. By this time, this was a mute point because of
the Council decision to opt for a 4-lane design with the current 4-way stop
remaining in place.
On October 8, 1996, the question of the County participating in funding for a
detached pathway was on the County Board agenda. Dave Anderson and I
attended that meeting. Dave Anderson made a presentation suggesting that the
width of the road could be narrowed, with that savings used to help offset the cost
of the trail. In addition, the remaining approximately $50,000 of cost for the trail
could be split between the City and the County. The County Board, after a
lengthy discussion, agreed and directed that the road be narrowed, the savings be
used to offset the cost of a detached pathway, and the remaining cost associated
with the pathway be split between the County and the City.
230/213-2301.jan
Mr. Pat Klaers
January 23, 1997
Page Three
On October 18, 1996, having heard nothing from the County as to how the project
was proceeding, I wrote a letter to Dave Schwarting asking him what the schedule
was and if there was anything that we could assist him with. I received no
response to that letter.
On January 13, I met with Dave Schwarting to discuss the various issues that may
be topics at the joint City Council/County Board meeting. In the discussion of
CSAH 1, he indicated that he did not have clear direction on the funding of the
trail, and would be discussing that with the County Board the following day,
Tuesday, January 14th.
On Tuesday, January 14th, the County Board did discuss this item again. They
referred back to the October minutes and again gave Mr. Schwarting the same
direction, to narrow the road, add a detached pathway, and the additional cost that
could not be offset by narrowing the road should be split between the City and the
County. I asked Mr. Schwarting if the project could still be accomplished in
1997. He indicated that it could, but he would need help from the City in the
redesign, as well as taking the lead on the intersection of CSAH 1 and TH 10
improvements. I suggested to Mr. Schwarting that he be prepared at the joint City
Council/County Board meeting to bring this item up for City Council discussion
and direction.
If you have any questions regarding the history on this project, or would like any backup
in the form of letters, please call.
Sincerely,
MSA, CONSULTING ENGINEERS
Terry Y. Maurer, P.E.
TJM:tw
230/213-2301 .jan
1326 Energy Park Drive
St. Paul, MN 55108
612-644-4389
1-800-888-2923
Fax: 612-644-9446
Mr. Dave Schwarting
Sherburne County Engineer
Sherburne County Highway Department
425 Jackson Avenue
Elk River, MN 55330
RE: MISCELLANEOUS ELK RIVER ISSUES
Dear Mr. Schwarting:
CIVIL ENGINEERING:
ENVIRONMENTAL
MUNICIPAL
ANNtNG
SOLID WASTE
STRUCTURAL
SURVEYING
TRAFFIC
TRANSPORTATION
ELECTRICAL/MECHANICAL
ENGINEERING:
HVAC
POWER DISTRIBUTION
SCADA
SYSTEM CONTROLS
Thank you for meeting with me on Monday to discuss various County issues relating to
the City of Elk River in anticipation of the County Board meeting with the Elk River City
Council in two weeks. Based upon our discussion, the following is a brief summary of
the issues talked about.
1. CSAH NO. 1
You indicated that the County Board had not taken formal action regarding
funding of the detached pathway that the City of Elk River had requested
in conjunction with the CSAH 1 upgrade. You had indicated that you
would be going to the County Board on Tuesday, January 14, to seek
some Board direction on that question. Assuming Board direction is
forthcoming, you indicated that the plans could be completed and that the
project could be constructed in 1997. You restated your desire to have the
City take the lead on the CSAH I/TH 10 intersection improvement. You
also stated that you may need some additional help on the redesign of
CSAH No. 1, given the short staffing currently in your office. I suggested
that you have a good handle on that by the joint meeting and bring that
issue up for the City Council's consideration.
OFFICES IN:
JNNEAPOLIS
PRIOR LAKE
ST. PAUL
WASECA
230/213-1502 .jan
We discussed briefly the pedestrian tunnel issue that the City Council had
been considering. The conclusion of the City Council was that no
pedestrian tunnel would be installed. Instead, the City of Elk River would
request that a pedestrian cross-walk be signed and striped at the location
of the City trail. They would also request that a detached pathway be
constructed on the south side of CSAH 1 leading from the City pathway
down to the intersection of CSAH 1 and Proctor Avenue. This would
allow for easier crossing of CSAH 1 in the future, anticipating that this
intersection would someday be signalized.
An Equal Opportunity Employer
Mr. Dave Schwarting
January 15, 1997
Page Two
We discussed your desire to possibly have the detached pathway follow
the 193rd alignment for a short stretch of the roadway. You felt that the
193rd alignment from Proctor Avenue through the industrial area and the
Meadowvale School area was a better alignment than CSAH 1, given the
industrial type of traffic. I indicated that this would be a reasonable option
and we would be willing to discuss that with the County once the redesign
is undertaken. I also indicated that I thought that the City's Park and
Recreation Board should be involved in that discussion.
2. CSAH 13 REALIGNMENT
I showed you the City's planning thus far on the proposed realignment of
CSAH 13 intersecting County Road 12 further to the east, and then
continuing southward, ultimately crossing the railroad tracks at 171st
Avenue, continuing out to TH 10. We envision that the TH 10/171st
Avenue intersection would be signalized and sometime in the furore the
newly created intersection of CSAH 13 and County Road 12 would also
be signalized. We discussed briefly the City's desire to enter into a
jurisdictional study to determine if these types of roads should ultimately
end up on the County road system and to determine what County roads
should be turned back to the City in the furore. You indicated that you
were willing to initiate such discussions and, in fact, felt that through the
transportation study some of this would be started.
3. TRANSPORTATION STUDY
You indicated that you are now back on track and anticipate the study
being completed by July 1997. You indicated there would be a February
19th meeting, at which time the City would be invited and initial findings
would be discussed by your consultam.
4. COUNTY ROAD 12
We talked at great length about the urban development anticipated in the
next several years along the County Road 12 corridor and also the
proposed realignment of CSAH 13 intersecting County Road 12. You
agreed that County Road 12 should be four lanes from this point to the
west. Currently, your design east of this point would be a 40-foot wide
road which would be one lane of traffic in each direction with a wide
shoulder.
230/213-1502 .jan
Mr. Dave Schwarting
January 15, 1997
Page Three
We talked about as areas adjacent to County Road 12 develop, it may be
reasonable to expect the Developer to build the appropriate turn lane and/
or bypass lane for entrance into his land. We also discussed that the 40-
foot road would be relatively easy to widen to four lanes sometime far in
the future when the whole area is developed.
You indicated that Anoka County would prefer that your project on
County Road 12 be pushed into calendar year 1998. I indicated that this
may be acceptable to the City because it would give the City more time to
coordinate their development and utility needs with your project.
Currently, it is my understanding that with fiscal year 1997 funding for the
County Road 12 upgrade, you would have to have a project bid by the end
of June.
These are the major topics that I believe the City Council will want to discuss with the
County Board when their joint meeting is held. Hopefully, our discussing these items
ahead of time will help the two elected bodies with their discussions.
Thanks again for the time.
Sincerely,
MSA, CONSULTING ENGINEERS
TIM:tw
cc: Pat Klaers, City Administrator
230/213-1502.jan
] 326 Energy Park Drive
St. Paul,/v~ 55108
612-64d-4389
1-800-888-2923
Fax: 612-6~.9 ~6
INFORMATION
{'01' .... October 18, 1996 ~
File: 2 "
30-21.>-20
Mr. Dave Schwarting
Sherbume County Engineer
Sherburne County Highway Department
425 Jackson Avenue
Elk River, MN 55330
Dear Mr. Schwarting:
CIVIL ENGINEERING:
ENVIRONMENTAL
'INICIPAL
· ~ANNING
5OUD WASTE
STRUCTURAL
SURV~ING
~NS~RTATION
E~CT~tCAL/MEC.~NtCAL
~NGIN~RING:
WAC
.=OW F.R D!STRIBUTION
5~.ADA
SY, ST:~V, CONTROLS
Now that the County Board has taken a position on the issue of the detached pathway
requested by the City along CSAH 1, we are interested in the stares of several issues
and/or any help that the City can provide. They are as follows:
We are very interested in what the construction schedule will be. It would be the
City's hope that the CSAH 1 project could be constructed entirely in the 1997
construction season, starting early in the season at the north end and finishing at the
south end after the 1996/97 school year is over. '
We are interested in getting some kind of formal request from the County for the
City to take the lead on the CSAH 1/TH 10 intersection improvements so that we
can present them to our City Council and get authorization to begin work on this
part of the project.
We are interested in the stares of 193rd Avenue west of CSAH 1. We had talked
previously about that road being cul-de-saced. The City is still willing to support
a cul-de-sac on that road so there would not be an intersection with CSAH 1.
We are interested in the specifications on the detached pathway, how it will fit in
with the road, what will be the separation distance between the shoulder of CSAH
1 and the pathway. If there is any input that we can provide on these types of
issues, we are more than willing to help.
:ICES IN:
MINNEAPOLIS
PRIOR LAKE
ST. PAUL
We are interested in the realignment of County Road 44 at the intersection of CSAH
1 to ensure that the geometrics will work properly with the recently constructed
Nordic Woods entrance on the east side of the road. Again, any information that
we could provide, we would be happy to do so.
WASECA
An Equal Opportunity Employer
1326 Energy Park Drive
St. Paul, ~ 55108
612'644'4389
1-800-888-2923
Fax: 612-6~-9~6
CIVIL ENGINEERING:
ENVIRONMENTAL
'NICIPAL
rLANNING
SOUD WASTE
STRUCTURAL
SURVEYING
TRAFFIC
TRANSK)RTATION
ELECT~ICALJMECHANICAL
ENGINEERING:
~VAC
~)WE.~ DISTRIBUTION
5CADA
SYSTEM CONTROLS
'~ IN:
MINNEAPOLIS
PRIOR LAKE
ST. PAUL
WASECA
INFORMATION
October 18, 1996
File: 230-308-70
Mr. Dave Schwarting
Sherburne County Engineer
Sherburne County Highway Department
425 Jackson Avenue
Elk River, MN 55330
COUNTY ROAD 12 RECONSTRUCTION
Dear Mr. Schwarting:
As you may be aware, the City is actively planning for the extension of trunk sanitary
sewer and watermain along the County Road 12 corridor. All the properties adjacent to
this road are either currently in the Urban Service District or likely to be added to the
Urban Service District in future years when, and if, the Urban Service District is
expanded. The City is currently in the discussion mode with Developers who control
better than 300 acres along this corridor. We anticipate that one to three development
proposals will be forthcoming, either late this year or early in 1997.
With that as background, we are very concerned that the design and reconstruction of
County Road 12, which you have indicated to be scheduled for 1997, take into account
the likely development of this corridor within the next few years. As we have indicated
to you before in general discussions, we would like to see County Road 13 realigned at
some point in the future so that the intersection of County Road 13 and County Road 12
is moved further east from the intersection of Main Street and TH 169. We are also
planning for the continuation of a major transportation corridor south of County Road 12,
ultimately intersecting TH 10 at 171st Avenue. In fact, 171st Avenue is being
reconstructed this year from TH 10 to the railroad in anticipation of this new
transportation corridor.
With these new transportation corridors, we envision a substantial increase in traffic along
the western portion of County Road 12. We hope that your design takes this into
account. We would anticipate that this section would require a four-lane design. In fact,
with the potential urban development along the entire corridor to approximately the east
City limits, we believe a four-lane road will be justified this entire length. Also, as we
have discussed before, we anticipate utilizing County Road 12 right-of-way for a trunk
sanitary sewer and watermain corridor. We will be presenting a concept of this layout
to the City Council in early December and sometime after that meeting will be able to
provide you more specific information.
An Equal Opportunity Employer
RESOLUTION 93 - 4
A RESOLUTION FOR THE CITY O~ ELK RIVER
A RESOLUTION REQUESTING SHERBURNE COUNTY PROGRAM
THE UPGRADING OF COUNTY STATE AID HIGHWAY 1 (CSAH 1)
FROM THE INTERSECTION WITH COUNTY ROAD 77 TO THE
INTERSECTION WITH COUNTY ROAD 32 FOR 1994
WHEREAS,
the City of Elk River is experiencing rapid growth along the CSAH 1 corridor
including the new elementary school, development in the industrial park, and
proposed single family development; and
WHEREAS, the entire area surrounding and adjacent to the CSAH 1 corridor is within the
City of Elk River's urban service area; and
WHEREAS, the volume of traffic on CSAH 1 continues to increase;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Elk River,
Minnesota:
The City requests that Sherburne County consider the upgrade of CSAH i to a four lane
facility from the intersection with County Road 77 (Proctor Avenue) to the intersection
of County Road 32.
2. The City requests that this upgrade be programmed to be constructed in 1994.
o
The City of Elk River is willing to enter into an agreement with the County to perform
the project design in 1993 with reimbursement from the County in 1994 when funding
is available.
Passed and adopted this 15
__ day of February
,1993.
Duitsman, Mayor
ATTEST:
~andra A. Thacke~y, City Clerk/
RES-230.000
Nearly half of restaurants,
bars served minors'liquor
by Jim Boyle
Staff writer
The legal age for drinking
alcohol is 21, but that isn't-
stopping youth in Sherburne
County from getting sold and
served alcohol.
A sting operation was con-
ducted by the Sherburne
County Health and law
enforcement agencies in
December.
The sting found 19 bars and
restaurants in Sherburne
County that broke the law by
selling or serving alcohol to
underage youth.
Youth, working with local
law enforcement agencies,
attempted to purchase alcohol
in 42 establishments. They
were able to get alcohol in 45
percent of them.
The sell rate was slightly
higher in Elk River, where
seven of 15 establishments (47
percent) sold alcohol to under-
age youth.
The initiative is part of a
cooperative project imple-
mented by the Sherburne
County Public Health, the
Sherburne County Attorney's
Office and local law enforce-
ment agencies. It is intended
to reduce youth access to alco-
hol in the communities of
Sherburne County.
The youth used in the com-
pliance checks were assessed
by a panel of community mem-
bers. Youth found it easiest to
get served at eating establish-
ments. Convenience stores
and liquor stores did a better
job of following the law.
Becker had the highest sell
rate (75 percent). Three of the
four Becker establishments
checked sold to minors.
Clear Lake's only establish-
ment to dispense alcohol did
not sell to a minor.
In Zimmerman, only one of
four establishments sold to
underage youth. Five out of
eight sold to underage youth
in Big Lake.
The initiative is the first in a
long-term effort to reduce the
level of access youth have to
alcohol.
The compliance checks will
be repeated and sellers-
/servers will risk being cited.
Providing alcohol to a minor is
a gross misdemeanor, punish-
able with a $3,000 fine and/or
up to a year in jail. Licensees
could risk losing their license
as well.
Owners and managers
received notice of this project
in July 1996 and were encour-
aged to look at their policies
and practices to ensure that
the age of sale laws were being
followed within their organi-
zation.
Although. this particular
effort focused on the sellers/
servers of alcohol, public
health officials warn that it is
also the responsibility of mem-
bers of the community to fight
this problem.
Elk River Star News / Wednesday, January 8, 1997
Sherbume County
PUBLIC HEALTH DEPT.
December 31, 1996
To: Mayors and City Councils
).x~-~From: Lori Klapperich, Health Promotion Supervisor
Re: Alcohol Compliance Check Results
Last Summer you were informed that Public Health and local Law Enforcement
would be cooperating to conduct alcohol compliance checks in all Sherburne
County establishments with liquor licenses. The project took place between
December 4 and December 18 of this year. Enclosed you will find the report of
the results. I have also enclosed some ideas that city government may use to help
ensure that sales to underage youth are not taking place. If you have any
questions, concerns or comments, please call me at 241-2750 or 1-800-433-5237.
Thank you!
13880 Highway 10
Elk River, Minnesota 55330-4601
(M) 241-2750 El 1-800-433-5237
Alcohol Compliance Check Results
Dec. 4 - Dec. 18, 1996
Elk River, 12/4/96
Sold to Underage Youth
Refused Sale to Underage Youth
Elk River Bowl
13161 Hgihway 10
American Legion
525 Railroad Dr.
Dick's Riverfront Bar
651 Main
Sunshine Depot
7,, ~ Main St
.Broadway Bar and Pizza
16754 Highway 10
Wapiti Campgrounds
18746 Troy St. NW
Pizza Hut
260 Carson Ave.
Northbound Liquor
Main Street and Hwy 169
Chin Yuen
17291 Highway 10
Super America
200 Main St.
LaRose's Pizza & Pasta
508 Freeport Ave. NW
Super America
11554 193rd Ave
Ron's Foods
321 Baldwin Ave
Holiday
13445 Business Center Drive
Eagles Club
824 Railroad Dr.
Seven out of fifteen establishments checked sold alcohol to an underage youth, for a 47% sell
rate. Beaudry Express no longer sells alcohol. Cub Food only sells non-alcoholic beer and
Pinewood and Elk River Country Clubs were closed the night of the compliance check operation.
Becker, 12/5/96
Sold to Underage Youth
Jordy's
11976 Gardner
Old Towne Liquor
13400 1st St.
Tom Thumb
13996 1st St.
Three out of four establishments checked sold to underage youth, for a sell rate of 75%.
'was closed the night of the compliance check.
Refused Sale to Underage Youth
Beck's Pub
13934 1st St.
Flagstix
Sold to Underage Youth
Holiday Express #239
26125 Hwy 169
Zimmerman, 12/11/96
Refused Sale to Underage Youth
American Legion
12674 Fremont Ave
RJ's Sports Bar & Grill
12606 Fremont Ave.
Frontier Liquor
26207 Fremont Dr.
One out of four establishments sold alcohol to an underage youth for a 25% sell rate.
Princeton, 12/11/96
Sold to Underage Youth Refused Sale to Underage Youth
Super America
906 S. LaGrande
Zero out of one establishment sold alcohol to underage youth for a 0% sell rate.
Clear Lake, 12/12/96
Sold to Underage Youth
Refulsed Sale to Underaee Youth
American Legion
310 US Highway 10
Zero out of one establishment sold alcohol to underage youth for 0% sell rate.
Sherburne County, 12/11 and 12/12/96
Sold to Underage Youth
Refused Sale to Underage Youth
Palmer House of Clear Lake
4181 105th Ave.
Clear Lake
Ridge Runner
2120 165th Ave.
Santiago
River Inn
Box 357
Monticello
Refuge
26211 184th St.
Big Lake
Briggs Lake General Store
4258 105th Ave.
Clear Lake
Ponderosa Inn
26137 146th St.
Zimmerman
Legion Post #147
19943 Co. Rd. 43
Big Lake
Santiago Country Store
2080 165th Ave. NE
Santiago
Ridgewood Bay Resort
14255 288th Ave.
Zimmerman
Three out of nine establishments checked sold alcohol to an underage youth for a 33% sell rate.
Deltone Inc., Central Mn Gun Club of St. Cloud, Benji Howard Memorial Ball Park of Santiago
and Hanging Kettle Restaurant of Santiago all were closed the night of the alcohol compliance
check operation.
Big Lake, 12/18/96
Sold to Underage Youth
Lake Center Lanes
590 Jefferson Blvd.
Refused Sale to Underage Youth
Jim's Big Lake Bar & Lounge
110 Jefferson Blvd.
Russell's On the Lake
111 Jefferson Blvd
Casey's General Stores, Inc.
461 Jefferson Blvd.
Broken Spoke Bar and Grill
47 Lake St. S.
Holiday Station Store, Inc.
281 Jefferson Blvd.
Lake Center Liquor
'Lake Shopping Center
Tom Thumb Store #239
220 Jefferson Blvd.
Five out of eight establishments sold alcohol to underage youth, for a sell rate of 62.5%.
Overall County Results: Nineteen out of forty two establishments within
Sherburne County sold alcohol to an underage youth during compliance
check operation, for a sell rate of 45%. Six establishments were closed and
two establishments no longer sold alcohol or sold only non-alcoholic beer.
Ideas and Examples
What City Government can do to help ensure age of sale law is being
followed.
1. Using zoning, licensing, and administrative penalties to reduce access.
Examples of controlling where, when and how alcohol is sold include measures
such as prohibiting the sale of single cans and bottles, requiring outlets to
illuminate their parking lots, and restricting hours of alcohol sales. Illuminating
parking lots makes it easier for employees and police to identify adults who are
purchasing alcohol for underage individuals.
Zoning restrictions can be used to prohibit alcohol outlets close to schools, parks,
playgrounds, and residential areas.
City can use their authority to deny, restrict, or revoke liquor licenses to any
merchant who commits license violations, including selling to underage persons.
2. Conducting compliance checks. Enforcing laws and ordinances related to
selling alcohol is an effective way to reduce underage access to alcohol, as well as
setting norms for the community. To encourage employers to monitor their
employees, some communities develop civil fines and penalties against licensees
for sales to underage individuals and then conduct routine compliance checks.
3. Working with community liquor merchants. There are several steps cities can
take to support responsible liquor merchants and encourage cooperation from
others. First and foremost, a community can encourage a rnerchant to establish
clear policies regarding service to underage persons. Cities may require liquor
merchants to provide regular training for their employees to emphasize the need to
card, how to spot fake ID's and about server/seller liability and responsibilities.
Many insurance carriers also provide incentives for beverage server training by
offering a reduction on liability premiums] (Note: Right now there is no standard
for what a training should include and how it should be conducted. We are
finding many establishments have gone through some sort of training - whether
what is out there is the quality needed to impress upon server/sellers the
importance of checking I.D.'s and not selling to minors, I can't be sure. How
important the owner/manager feels it is may be a bigger key than the actual
training. The University is in the process of doing some research in this area.) If a
good program is identified, you could require that particular program. I have a
couple of names of good programs, if you are interested.
In some communities, keg parties are a major source of alcohol for underage
persons. A city ordinance requiring merchants to register keg beer sales at the
point-of-purchase would help police identify the supplier and hold the person
accountable for this illegal act.(St. Cloud has this ordinance and Chief of Police
feels it has helped in their battle with underage use.)
4. Newspapers, television and radio all play a significant role in educating the
public. It is essential to work with the media in building a public awareness
.campaign that supports the community's strategies. For example, a media
campaign can be effective in communicating that there are stiff penalties for
providing alcohol to underage persons. It is a gross misdemeanor, punishable with
a $3000 find and/or up to a year in jail, for any adult to provide alcohol to an
underage person. In addition, anyone over age 21 who knowingly serves alcohol
to someone under age 21 may be held civilly liable for any damages caused by the
underage person.
Other effective media strategies include writing letters to the editor, and using the
media to inform constituents of new ordinances and enforcement efforts.
5. Other ordinances that have been used in other communities to deal with
underage drinking in genereal:
Noisy Assembly - A noise ordinance may help police officers to control underage
drinking parties in private residences.
Open House Assembly - an ordinance that allows communities to fine parents or
other responsible adults when underage drinking parties are l~eld on their property.
This may encourage these adults to monitor the youth to prevent underage
drinking parties from occurring.
Alcohol restrictions in certain areas - Communities can pass laws restricting the
use of alcohol on public property and then encourage police to patrol these areas
and enforce these laws.
AGREE,¥IENT FOR THE JOINT EXERCISE IN POWERS
FOR THE COORDINATION OF LAND USE PLANNING
IN BENTON, SHERBURNE, STEARNS, AND ~ COUNTIES
SECTION I PURPOSE
The purpose of this agreement is the joint exercise of powers by th,
governmental units to:
a) coordinate county comprehensive plans:
b) coordinate county zoning and subdiv' '
c) provide for a process to coordinate
urban development in and around tour
d) develop joint strategies fc preserMr
natural resources;
e) develop joint strategies
f) develop jo!
;dinances and
ities:
.~s affecting
~ertv and vital
c development in the region; and
e growth in the region.
SECTION 2 NAM
T!
~wn as the Central Minnesota Planning
.~ Commission."
SE, 3 LI:X,II] fiCTION
risdiction of this agreement, shall include: the lands lying within the
:nton. Sherbume. Steams. and~Counties.
SECTIC)N4 EFFECTIVE DATE OF AGREEMENT
This agreement shall take effect an.d be entbrced after the date of execution of same by
the authorized representatives of the governing bodies of the governmental units inclt~ded
herein.
SECTION5 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Subd. 1 Xlembership. The Planning Commission shall consist of two representatives
from each county board of commissioners included in this agreement. In addition, the
/blloxving Advisory Boards shall be established: Urban Land Use Board. Economic
Development Advisory Board. Environment and Natural Resources Board.
Transportation Coordinating Board. Each Board shall have three representatives fi'om
each county with specific requirements Ibr each board to be determined through the
Planning Commission's bvlaxvs. This secticm does not prevent the creation of additional
Adx'isorv Boards as needed.
Subd. 2 Voting. Each count,,, board of commissioners' representative shall have one vote.
Action by the Planning Commission shall be taken bv an affirmative vote cfa majority of
a quorum of the votes.
Subd. 3 Qualification. Each member of the Planning Commission shall be a member of
each respective unit of government and shall be appointed by the respectj,,ve trait of
government.
,,Sub, d' 4 Te=s.. The term of ~ppolntment shall be set by ~e¢~kye~it' , of
=o, emment, with no te= belna less than one~f
~7~,.n~,;"le~t~n;g;;r The Pla=rog Commission~l~post a scc~dulec of = '~s~bur
Commission.
· ~~cerss~ onsist o~chm~n~yice chair who will be elected
durln= the h~ ~etmg ~t~la~g'.,Comm~ss~on =d durln~ the first meetin~
~~ Jan=r>~~W~, T~'e ~ice chair shall assume t~e role of chair d~rin,,
~ppoime~'du~ ~isXte=~ of offi~he vice chair shall serve as chair until th~ expiration
of the chair's term. "ShOuld both the chair and vice chair be succeeded prior to the
expiration oFthair termgm such offices, the Plannin,, Commission shall re-elect a new
'.,c~air,,, ~ .and vi~ chair,, to serve until the ~bllowin~ January I. The chair shall preside at all
meem~ t~ Plannin~ Commission. if present, and ~hall pertbrm all other duties and
tuncnOn~suallv ~ncumbent upon such an officer and all administrative ~Unctions
assl~ to him by the Planning Commission.
Subd. 8 Procedure. The Planning Commission shall exercise all poxvers and authority
through an affirmative vote of the majority of its members present at a regular meetin,, or
at a duly held special meetin,,=, ifa quorum is present.
Subd. 9 Compensation. There shall be no compensation paid by tile Planning
Commission for serving on this Planning Commission.
Subd. 10 plan. As soon as practicable after tile ratification of this agreement by the
parties hereto, tile Board shall develop and adopt bylaws for meeting tile purposes
outlined in SF. CTI(')N 1. and shall update these bvlaxvs as required. The Plannin,_,
Uommission shall facilitate implementation of policy and procedures to achieve
purposes outlined ill SECTION I.
Nubct. 11 .\dminislration. Future Planning Commission bvlaxvs shall determine who will
maintain thc minutes and official correspondence pertaining to the Planning Commission.
Administrative costs will be apportioned equally to the counties included herein based
upon the actual costs.
Subd. 12 Fiscal Agent. Sherburne County shall be the fiscal agent tbr the Planning
Commission and shall maintain funds of the Planning Commission and pa>,' bills and
claims against the Plarming Commission from the Planning Commission funds as
directed bv the Planning Commission. Sherburne County shall report Planning
Commission at each Planning Commission meeting the current of the
Planning Commission.
Subd. 13 Funding. It is anticipated that the Planni
through state grants and county contributions.
assessed tbr any operating expenses of the
Commission of that pan.',, so agrees, contributk
or obligations authorized under MI t. ~471
this agreement. Each county to th
$1,000.00.
sh; self-funded
to this all be
Commi: '~n unless lanning
be in ki~ bonds
11. shall be perm :d under
:ribute a one-time start-up fee of
Subd. 14 In:
actions take
Without determining that the
insurance coverage.
S1
6 CHA
!EMENT
SECTION
provisi~
f this agreement shall remain in effect until and unless amended by the
'firnaatix'e unanimous vote of the membership thereof.
:_R.MINATION OF AGREE:XlENT
This agreement shall remain in effect until rescinded or terminated by alt parties hereto:
or until the objectives oF the plan have been fulfilled: or upon 90 days written notice of
any county party to the agreement to withdraw to all other parties to this agreement.
RATIFICATION
Acting in conlbrmitv with a resolution of the governing bodv of his/her governmental unit.
accepting and agreeing to abide and be bound bv the terms, provisions and conditions hereof and
authorizing its proper officers to execute said agreement, the undersigned representative does
hereby al:llx signature to attest thereto.
Dated this
Minnesota.
BENTON COUWTY BOARD
OF COMMISSIONERS
day of . 1997 a~
SHER, BURNE COU%'TY BO:,RD
OF',C~MMISSIONERS \x,....>
\, ~ /" /,'
'\,~
WRIGHT COL."NTY BOARD
OF COMMISSIONERS
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
Central MN Planning
Commission
(2 Representatives per County)
Urban
Land Use
Board
(3 Representatives per
County)
Environment anti
Natural Resource
Board
(3 Representatives per
County)
Economic
Development
Boa rtl
(3 Representatives per
County)
Transportation
Coordinating
Board
(3 Representatives per
County)
Planning Commission = 2 Commissioners per County.
Boards = 3 Representatives per County (city or township officials).
Note: Planning Commission to be staffed by County Administrator/Coordinator's offices. Boards are to be staffed by
County, City, and APO staff'as needed.
[SStles:
1. Dispute resolution mechanism needed.
2. The Commission and each Board needs a set of bylaws to accomplish its tasks.
3. l Iow much of Opatz legislation can be used as a model?
CON~ULTINGENGINE~
1326 Energy Park Drive
St. Paul, MN 55108
612-644-4389
1-800-888-2923
Fax: 612-644-9446
C!VIL ENGINEERING
[NV!RONMENTAL
s~UNIC]PAi
;NNINC-
SOL!O W~,ST~
S~RUCTURA[
SU~,VEY!NG
L~AFF~C
~R~NS?O~TATION
ELECTRiCAL/MECHANICAL
~NGINEERING:
HVAC
POWER DISTRIBUTION
SCADA
SYSTEM CONTROLS
OFFICES IN:
,'IINNEAPOLIS
PRIOR LAKE
ST. PAUL
WASECA
August 30, 1996
File: 230-315-80
Mr. Steve Rohlf
Building and Zoning Administrator
City of Elk River
13065 Orono Parkway
P.O. Box 490
Elk River, MN 55330
RE: COUNTY DITCH 28 TILE REPLACEMENT
Dear Mr. Rohlf:
As you requested, we have done a preliminary analysis of the tributary area to County
Ditch 28. Specifically, we looked at the section of the County Ditch, south of County
Road 35, flowing to the Elk River. In our review, we have assumed that the tributary
area will develop as it is currently zoned, and developing properties will not be allowed'
to exceed the predevelopment rate based on agricultural land use. Based on these
assumptions, the peak discharge will be approximately 234 cfs for a 100-year, 24-hour
storm event, using a type 1 rainfall distribution for rural areas. At this point, we have
not done detailed survey work for the section of the ditch in question. The diameter of
pipe needed for the future would be somewhat dependent upon the slope at which it is
laid. We would estimate that the diameter of this section of pipe would be between 48
inches and 60 inches.
One question that arises while looking at this section of the County Ditch is whether or
not the City will have to acquire easements for the section of pipe down the riverbank.
We have assumed that, where possible, the pipe would be placed within the Troy Street
right-of-way. Since the street has only a gravel surface, it can easily be restored.
We have estimated the construction cost for this section of pipe south of County Road 35
to outlet to the Elk River between approximately $110,000 and $150,000. Using the
typical City overhead of 28%, the total project cost could be from $140,000 to $190,000.
We are prepared to proceed with plans and specifications. We would recommend that,
at this point in time', the construction be postponed until the Spring of 1997 to allow time
to pursue easements if necessary, and to ensure that the roadway is in a reasonable
condition for the winter months.
Please let us know how you would like us to proceed on this project.
Sincerely,
MSA, CONSULTING ENGINEERS
Terry J/Maurer, P.E.
TJM:tw:315-0914.aug
An Equal Opportunity Employer
LOCal N°rthern States. Power Tax
BaSes Threatened By 'Outside Forces
'~ Accordingly,' the synopsis sor such as General Mills does
By, JakeJ .ac0beoi ~ A synopsis of' the study,
· ' prepared by tim Minnesota De- ' recomm~..ds that, .for tax, .~r..- not pay property taxes on their
A study due to be presenMd paflment, of Public Serv~e_. poses, utilities nlm non-rarity manufacturing equipment.
to the Minnesota legislatme makes the following conclu- businesses be treated similarly. They do pay taxes on their real
Jantmry lStlk 1997 could lead sions and recommendations: If that same conclusion is estate.
to lel~slation that would rednce 'In Minnesota. ~ttilittes areranched by the Public Utili- Another example is a local
state utilttim: taxes by approxi- a~e~ed taxm tim do not ap- ties/Dupe, of Revenue/Dept. of manufacturer that pays taxes on
mately two-thirds, or more, ac- ply to* non-utility businesses. ' Public Service combined study, their real estate, but not on their
cording to Sheflmme __County /'here co~t~ place utilities at a a recommendation could result manufacturing equipment.
Tax Assmmor'fy Bischoff. '. competitive disadvantage m in legislation to change state A third example is a home.
The teduotlun' would be ~ ..m,epe~. on .to rate/my- taxing laws and exeml~ utilities hold. Homeowners pay real es-
caused by a potent_iai change in from paying taxes on their tare taxes based on the value of
state tax laws that would no ' ~ "FrancAise ' fe~.,' ar~ equipment. . . their real estate, but Mt on the
Ion--' allow personal property, theoretically collected to o, orset , In Minnesota, utilities are value of their homehold goods.
or. rating eqnipment owned the tpec/.J~ cost~ /reposed by unique in that they cunently Locally, the tax bases most
by tne utilities, to be taxed.. * sttilitles, yet are smm/ly treatedpay real es~,e taxes, plus taxes affected would be the City of
It is being spearheaded by*, no di, Orerently from other on their g~erating equipment Becket, the Becket School Dis-
three agencies that have con-* i ~ ttmrces of revemte and lint in as part of their tax load. trice, the City of Monticello, the
ceres about utilities competing l the feneralfund. . ' The main issue is whether Monticello School District,
In a free rnarke~lnce, ns the re-:: 'The personal property tax. or not utilities should continue Wright County and Sherbume
suit of pending deregulation..: ) a tax assmted only on ~ttilitim to pay taxes on their inside County.
The Minnesota Depamnent in the 8tare at'Mtnnesata, is es- eqmpment, which is classified Both Wright and Sherborne
of Public Service and the Pub- .'sentially an additional, Aiddon by most businesses as pemonal Counties Imve NSP power
iic Utilities.. Commission hns' tax on cam'matra, property and therefore, non- plants that currently pay a sub-
been assisting the Depamnent ~incret~inf competition in taxable.
of Revenue in dra~ing a cam- the e/ectr/c indmtry wfl/exac- ..' For example, - Sherburne stantial portion of overall real
erbate the problems of an 'sm- County Tax Assessor Ty Bisch- estate taxes.
prehemive study of utility taxa- even playing.field for mflitim. '" off explains that a food prnces- NSP fo p~ ?.
tiaa-
~ In Sberbume County, taxes
from the NSP plants located in
Becket' helps the county share
of real estate taxes Iow, com-
pared with counties that have
no power plants. ·
In Becket, the NSP plant**
pays about 94 percent of the_
city*tax load, a ~ portion
which goes toward pa~
long-term bonded indebtedness.
city has incurred in recent
Bischoffsays personal prop* located in the city now pays T_nmi 1996 Current Vnlun-. implementation of the new role
erty, or equipment at the Beck- about a 94 percent share of all ainu nf 3 Beek~ NSP Plants ' for one more year.
er NSP plant,, now makes up. city taxes .... :.... ..... .,: *... ,.~*
.
for 70 percent of their total val- Om, tuffy, the three NSP. Real Estate $128,423,000 '~* . ~
uation. ' plants located in the City of
The Minnesota Department Becker, Sherco I, !I & 1II, sit ~ ~ ~
Tax. $615,296,500 ~,~ ,:
of Public Service has pointed on 621.44 acres of property, : · · , ~.i
out that the eight large utilitiesvalued at $3,200,600. ~Cs~rren~' ~
three plants are valued
cent higher than other corpora- Related Tax base Thren~s
tions, due to their status as at $125,222,400. The 1996 val-* Another current issue relat. **
utilities. . u~.fl.o.n ofth. e. insi.de equi. pm.ent, lng to lost utility tax base In.
,,,,If ~thei~,. persona:.,, property_,,, which ,W.omn.no. m..ong~ oe tax.-**valves constnnt q ~ehnn~m
paying ~axes more :ndne ~.- ~roven, m ~4?o,~!J:=~...,,-. · A tree chenge last year mat
p~to~t~riSe" "'~' '~ .... ~+' ~,~Bischo~ ma:d if ~.taW m goes into effect in Pay, !~, '
..~ a~ment to change the ¢~ be will m~me. mr It to will tnke ~out $13 million dol-.,.~ '
taxing sm, cture is that state- not ~o into effect ng~ a,.way, im off ~ ~he~ume
wido, consmnem of electricity "U~fortunataly," he sm~ t.eg- tax rolls and a
~ ?'-~:~? i~-~: ~ -- - - - ' '~'~ '~''; *:' '; ~'' ~' ".~[l~l~ f~ I
have their electrical rates raised islators from other arens don't amount from Becker City.
artificially because of the cur- traditionally have a lot of sym- The difference will be made
rent City and County taxing of .patby for lax rich cities." - up by combined contributions
pmsonal property installed at Because the change would from individual and commer-
power plants. . have a ne~.t. Jve financial effectcial taxpayem. * ·
Ifthnt provision is chenged, on the existing financial status. Such changes are not always
of taxes
the ratio paid by power of all Minnesota cities that host predictable.. "They do occur
plants to cities where there are power plants, he expects there from time to time and about all
located would change propor- would~be an organized lobby we can do is to try and modify
tionately, said Biechoff. effort al~aiust any proposed them," said Sherborne County
For example, in Becker, the changes m utilities' tax status, Assistant Attorney,. Kathy
NSP/Soutbem Minnesota Pow- or for a modification.of any Hsaney.
er electrical generating facility proposed new law. '.." in this instance, Hsaney was
· able to accomplish puttin~ off