09-28-21 CCM Workshop (CGMC Update)HUTCHINSON CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL WORKSHOP
MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2021, AT 4:30 PM
CITY CENTER — COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Call to Order
Mayor Gary Forcier called the meeting to order. Council Members present were Mary Christensen,
Pat May, Chad Czmowski and Dave Sebesta. Other present was Marc Sebora, City Attorney
DISCUSSION/REVIEW ITEMS
1. Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities Annual Update
Bradley Peterson, Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities, presented before the Council. Mr.
Peterson introduced his colleague, Eric Simonson, who recently joined the CGMC. Mr. Peterson
updated the Council on activities of the CGMC throughout the year. Mr. Peterson reminded the
Council that the CGMC represents 100+ cities across the state in the areas of LGA/Property
Taxes, Economic Development, Annexation and Land Use, Transportation, Environment and
Energy, and Labor and Employment.
Mr. Peterson noted that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Minnesota legislature was in session
since February 2020 —18 straight months. Many issues were discussed related to bonding,
dispersal of federal funds and other priorities. A year of pandemic and protests made police
reform and Governor's emergency power dominant topics of discussion as well. Due to the
pandemic the Capitol was closed to the public until June 2021; the House and Senate office
buildings were closed; there were no in -person committee meetings; there were no legislator
meetings; and all lobbying was done via Zoom, email, phone and text. Mr. Peterson spoke how
CGMC adapted to the "new normal".
Mr. Peterson explained that the top CGMC goals for 2021 are: No LGA cuts; Infrastructure -
focused bonding bill; Child care funding; and City streets. Mr. Peterson spoke in depth on each
goal and how CGMC is lobbying for each of them.
Mr. Peterson noted that a top priority for 2020 was passage of a large bonding bill that includes
funding for Greater Minnesota programs. In October 2020 a $1.87 billion bill was passed that
included funding for Greater Minnesota Business Development Public Infrastructure Grant
Program, water infrastructure, housing programs, local bridges program and local roads. Bonding
remains a top priority in 2021. The CGMC continued to pressure the legislature in the 2021
session for a bonding bill to address critical infrastructure needs for water infrastructure, BDPI,
housing programs, child care facilities grant program and local roads & bridges. Mr. Peterson
noted that the Minnesota House released a bonding bill that focused on Twin Cities needs and no
further progress was made to address greater Minnesota needs.
Lastly, Mr. Peterson reviewed items of importance for the CGMC in 2022 such as a review of the
LGA formula, a large bonding bill, redistricting and the state election. Mr. Peterson also
reviewed upcoming CGMC events.
Motion by Christensen, second by Czmowski, to adjourn at 5:15 p.m. Motion carried
unanimously.
ATTEST:
Gary T. Forcier Matthew Jaunich
Mayor City Administrator