HomeMy WebLinkAbout1984/02/20 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - JointMINUTES
JOINT MEETING WITH
ST. LOUIS PARK,
February 20,
1. Call to Order
LEGISLATORS
MINNESOTA
1984
Mayor Lyle Hanks called the meeting to order at 6:37 p.m.
The following persons were present:
City: Councilmen Ronald Backes, Jerrold Martin, Keith Meland, Larry Mitchell,
Richard Strohl, Mayor Hanks. Also present was the City Manager.
Legislators: Senator Phyllis McQuaid, Rep. Gloria Segal, Rep. Sally Olsen
2. Landfill Abatement Act
Rep. Segal related a new amendment to the bill which was being proposed
by the bill's author. It would delete any reference to funding research
activities from the fund. In terms of giving credits to jurisdictions
which had abatement programs underway, the bill's author related that
there would be problems with structuring such a system and consequently
he would not support such a provision.
Councilman Martin said that lifting bans on burning yard wastes would
save 16% of landfill 1ife.
3. Special assessments for fire protection systems
The Assistant to the City Manager explained the rationale behind this
proposal developed by the City of Minneapolis. It is not being proposed
as a mandatory program to require compliance with the fire code or local
standards. Rather, it is an optional one to encourage i,Npdating of building
safety systems.
4. Comparable Worth
The City Manager believed that comparable worth was a laudable philosophy,
but he cautioned that a poorly structured bill could have serious ramifica-
tions on municipal pay plans and costs. He mentioned that comparable
worth legislation could have unforeseen ramifications with existing labor
relations statutes. There was also discussion about distinctions between
pay equity and comparable worth.
Senator McQuaid thought that there had been very little consultation
between the bill authors and those who must implement the state legislative
5. Police officers authority
The City Manager related that the City staff was in general agreement
with the policy as presented in the proposed bill. There is a need to
clarify responsibilities for indemnification and workers compensation
based on the jurisdiction in which events may occur. There also needs
to be a policy regarding which police jurisdiction could authorize off-duty
Joint Council/Legislators meeting
February 20, 1984
2"
possession of firearms.
6. Comments from Legislators
Rep. Olsen related that the School Aids Bill as proposed could affect
municipalities. The cash flow management section is one which needs
particular scrutiny. In this provision, school districts are identified
as subject to the laws in Sec. 475 of the statute code, the same one
which relates to cities.
Sen. McQuaid related that she was drafting a bill for metropolitan governance
One of its main features was that those serving on the Metropolitan Council
and its commissions would be appointed, but appointees could only be
elected officials in the various districts being served. She also urged
everyone to examine a report on the MTC which was due to be released
on Feb. 24.
Councilman Martin asked that the legislators review the League of Minnesota
Cities policies regarding health insurance coverage for retirees. He
was against any health insurance coverage costs for retirees to be covered
by public employers. He was also against proposals for increasing the
publication requirements of municipalities. His opinions were consistent
with the League policies.
7. Legislative breakfast
The State Legislators and representatives of St. Louis Park, Minnetonka
and Hopkins will have a breakfast meeting on March 16, 1984 at 7:00 a.m.
in the St. Louis Park City Hall.
8. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 7:24 p.m.
Respectfully ubmitted,
Crai wson, Recording Secretary