08-08-23 Workshop (CGMC Update)HUTCHINSON CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL WORKSHOP
MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, AUGUST 8, 2023, AT 4:30 PM
CITY CENTER — COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Call to Order
Mayor Gary Forcier called the meeting to order. Council Members present were Tim Burley, Pat
May, and Dave Sebesta. Member absent was Chad Czmowski. Others present were Matt Jaunich,
City Administrator and 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 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 explained that the top legislative priorities for 2023 included a $150 million LGA
increase, formula update and inflation/population adjustment; a bonding bill which included
Public Facilities Authority funds, Greater Minnesota Child Care Facilities grants, Business
Development Public Infrastructure grants, and Infrastructure projects across greater Minnesota;
lead line inventory and replacement; permanent and ongoing funding for city streets of all sizes;
Corridors of Commerce reforms and funding; child care economic development grants and
community support programs; and Greater MN Workforce Housing Development Fund. Mr.
Peterson also noted that state budget forecasts show a historic surplus for FY 2024-25 and FY
2026-27.
Mr. Peterson reviewed the CGMC's focus/requests on the following topics: 1. Local
Government Aid — increase appropriation by at least $150 million; update LGA formula to ensure
maximum impact for Greater Minnesota cities; and add inflation and population growth
adjustment — ultimately the legislature increased LGA $80 million in 2024/2025; 2. Bonding —
PFA, BDPI, Greater MN Housing Infrastructure, Greater MN Child Care facilities, local roads
and bridges - these priorities of CGMC took a hit in a proposed all -cash infrastructure package
but in the end a traditional General Obligation bonding bill was passed in the final hours of the
session with the largest infrastructure package in Minnesota history; 3. Environment —
replacement/removal of lead pipe lines across the state and water infrastructure/programs.
Lastly, Mr. Peterson reviewed items of note for the 2024 legislative session which includes a
traditional year for a bonding bill, potential constitutional amendments, surplus spending, "fix -it"
items from the 2023 legislative session and much policy discussion. Mr. Peterson also reviewed
upcoming CGMC events.
General discussion was held on use of the public safety aid funds that will be distributed.
Mr. Peterson also spoke about the moratorium on local sales tax. General discussion was also
held regarding the large state surplus.
Motion by May, second by Burley, to adjourn at 5:15 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.
ATTEST:
Gary T. Forcier
Mayor
Matthew Jaunich
City Administrator