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Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division

FORTY-FIFTH MEETING

2007-2008 Regular Session - Monday, February 18, 2008

STATE OF MINNESOTA FORTY-FIFTH MEETING
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES EIGHTY-FIFTH SESSION

HIGHER EDUCATION AND WORK FORCE DEVELOPMENT POLICY AND
FINANCE DIVISION

MINUTES


Representative Tom Rukavina, Chair of the Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division, called the meeting to order at 6:05 P.M. on Monday,
February 18, 2008, in Room 5 of the State Office Building.

The Committee Legislative Assistant noted the roll.

Members present:

Rukavina, Tom, Chair
Poppe, Jeanne, Vice-Chair
Atkins, Joe
Bly, David
Brynaert, Kathy
Dettmer, Bob
Eastlund, Rob
Gunther, Bob
Haws, Larry
Hortman, Melissa
Mahoney, Tim
McFarlane, Carol
Moe, Frank
Murphy, Mary
Nornes, Bud
Norton, Kim
Ruth, Connie
Severson, Dan
Slocum, Linda
Welti, Andy

Members excused:

Clark, Karen

A quorum was present.

Chair Rukavina welcomed everyone and gave an overview of the agenda. Chair Rukavina indicated that Representative Cornish would present his bill first because one of the persons testifying had to leave as soon as possible.

HF 2840 (Cornish)

Representative Cornish presented HF 2840, a bill relating to capital improvements; appropriating money for a community center in the city of Pemberton; authorizing the sale and issuance of state bonds.

Chuck Pettipiece, Pemberton, introduced himself and provided testimony regarding HF 2840.

Doug Baer, Council Member, City of Pemberton, introduced himself and provided testimony regarding HF 2840.

HF 2606 (Olin)

Representative Olin presented HF 2606, relating to capital investment; authorizing spending to acquire and better public land and buildings and other improvements of a capital nature; authorizing the issuance of state bonds; appropriating money for the city of Thief River Falls pedestrian and bicycle pathways system.


Minutes
Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division
February 18, 2008
Page Two



Representative Norton moved that the minutes of February 14, 2008 be adopted. THE MOTION PREVAILED.

Representative Haws moved that the minutes of January 14, 2008 be adopted. THE MOTION PREVAILED.

Representative Brynaert moved that HF 2840 and HF 2606 be recommended to pass and be held over for possible inclusion in the Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division omnibus bonding bill. THE MOTION PREVAILED.

HF 2609 (Lieder)

Vice Chair Poppe moved that HF 2609 be recommended to pass and be held over for possible inclusion in the Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division omnibus bonding bill.

Representative Lieder presented HF 2609, relating to capital investment; authorizing spending to acquire and better public land and other improvements of a capital nature; authorizing the issuance of state bonds; appropriating money for a new ice arena complex in the city of Crookston.

Vice Chair Poppe renewed her motion that HF 2609 be recommended to pass and be held over for possible inclusion in the Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division omnibus bonding bill. THE MOTION PREVAILED.

HF 2651 (Peterson, A.)

Representative Haws moved that HF 2651 be recommended to pass and be held over for possible inclusion in the Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division omnibus bonding bill.

Representative Aaron Peterson presented HF 2651, relating to capital improvements; appropriating money for the AgLan Centr; authorizing the sale and issuance of state bonds.

Richard Regnier, President, AgLan Centr, introduced himself and provided testimony regarding HF 2651.

Evelyn Regnier, Secretary, Aglan Centr, introduced herself and provided testimony regarding
HF 2651.

Discussion and questions followed.

Representative Haws renewed his motion that HF 2651 be recommended to pass and be held over for possible inclusion in the Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division omnibus bonding bill. THE MOTION PREVAILED.

HF 2796 (Anzelc)

Representative Mahoney moved that HF 2796 be recommended to pass and be held over for possible inclusion in the Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division omnibus bonding bill.

Representative Anzelc presented HF 2796, relating to capital investment; appropriating money for the renewable energy clean air project in Koochiching County; authorizing the sale and issuance of general obligation bonds.

Stephen W. Korstad, Chief Financial Officer, Coronal, introduced himself and provided testimony regarding HF 2796.


Minutes
Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division
February 18, 2008
Page Three



John Howard, Chief Technical Officer, Coronal, introduced himself and provided testimony regarding HF 2796.

Discussion and questions followed.

Representative Mahoney renewed his motion that HF 2796 be recommended to pass and be held over for possible inclusion in the Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division omnibus bonding bill. THE MOTION PREVAILED.

HF 2496 (Koenen)

Representative Bly moved that HF 2496 be recommended to pass and be held over for possible inclusion in the Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division omnibus bonding bill.

Representative Koenen presented HF 2496, relating to capital improvements; authorizing the issuance of state bonds; appropriating money to upgrade the electrical system of the Yellow Medicine County Agriculture and Transportation Museum.

Representative Bly moved to amend HF 2496 as follows:

Page 1, line 8, after "$" insert "200,000"

Page 1, line 16, after "$" insert "200,000"

THE MOTION PREVAILED. THE AMENDMENT WAS ADOPTED.

Tim Velde, Chairman, Yellow Medicine County Museum Board, introduced himself and provided testimony regarding HF 2496.

Discussion and questions followed.

Representative Bly renewed his motion that HF 2496 as amended be recommended to pass and be held over for possible inclusion in the Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division omnibus bonding bill. THE MOTION PREVAILED.

HF 2713 (Moe)

Representative Moe moved that HF 2713 be recommended to pass and be held over for possible inclusion in the Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division omnibus bonding bill.

Representative Moe presented HF 2713, relating to capital investment; authorizing spending to acquire and better public land and buildings and other improvements of a capital nature; authorizing the issuance of state bonds; appropriating money for the Bemidji Regional Event Center.

John Carlson, introduced himself and provided testimony regarding HF 2713.

Discussion and questions followed.

Representative Moe renewed his motion that HF 2713 be recommended to pass and be held over for possible inclusion in the Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division omnibus bonding bill. THE MOTION PREVAILED.


Minutes
Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division
February 18, 2008
Page Four



HF 2814 (Howes)

Representative Gunther moved that HF 2814 be recommended to pass and be held over for possible inclusion in the Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division omnibus bonding bill.

Representative Howes presented HF 2814, relating to capital improvements; appropriating money for a water main in the city of Walker; authorizing the sale and issuance of state bonds.

Discussion and questions followed.

Representative Gunther renewed his motion that HF 2814 be recommended to pass and be held over for possible inclusion in the Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division omnibus bonding bill. THE MOTION PREVAILED.

HF 2583 (Hamilton)

Representative Nornes moved that HF 2583 be recommended to pass and be held over for possible inclusion in the Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division omnibus bonding bill.

Representative Hamilton presented HF 2583, relating to capital improvements; appropriating money for the Prairie Ecology Center in Jackson County; authorizing the sale and issuance of state bonds.

Chrystal Dunker, Executive Director, Prairie Ecology Bus Center, Jackson County, introduced herself and provided testimony regarding HF 2583.

Discussion and questions followed.

Representative Nornes renewed his motion that HF 2583 be recommended to pass and be held over for possible inclusion in the Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division omnibus bonding bill. THE MOTION PREVAILED.

HF 757 (Doty)

Representative Welti moved that HF 757 be recommended to pass and be held over for possible inclusion in the Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division omnibus bonding bill.

Representative Doty presented HF 757, relating to capital improvements; appropriating money for a regional community center in Upsala; authorizing the sale and issuance of state bonds.

Discussion and questions followed.

Representative Welti renewed his motion that HF 757 be recommended to pass and be held over for possible inclusion in the Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division omnibus bonding bill. THE MOTION PREVAILED.

HF 2793 (Murphy)

Representative Gunther moved that HF 2793 be recommended to pass and be held over for possible inclusion in the Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division omnibus bonding bill.

Representative Bly moved to amend HF 2793 as follows:

Page 1, line 9, after "equip" insert "capital improvements and" and after "The" insert "capital improvements and"


Minutes
Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division
February 18, 2008
Page Five



THE MOTION PREVAILED. THE AMENDMENT WAS ADOPTED.

Representative Murphy presented HF 2793, relating to capital improvements; authorizing the issuance of state bonds; appropriating money for the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center Arena.

Dan Russell, Executive Director, Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center (DECC), introduced himself and provided testimony regarding HF 2793.

Discussion and questions followed.

Representative Gunther renewed his motion that HF 2793 as amended be recommended to pass and be held over for possible inclusion in the Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division omnibus bonding bill. THE MOTION PREVAILED.

HF 2764 (Poppe)

Representative Poppe moved that HF 2764 be recommended to pass and be held over for possible inclusion in the Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division omnibus bonding bill.

Representative Poppe presented HF 2764, relating to capital improvements; authorizing the issuance of state bonds; appropriating money for Austin flood relief.

Jim Hurm, HRA Director, City of Austin, introduced himself and provided testimony regarding
HF 2764.

Jon Erichson, City Engineer, City of Austin, introduced himself and provided testimony regarding HF 2764.

Discussion and questions followed.

Representative Poppe renewed her motion that HF 2764 be recommended to pass and be held over for possible inclusion in the Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division omnibus bonding bill. THE MOTION PREVAILED.

HF 348 (Haws)

Representative Haws moved that HF 348 be recommended to pass and be held over for possible inclusion in the Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division omnibus bonding bill.

Representative Haws presented HF 348, relating to capital improvements; authorizing the issuance of state bonds; appropriating money for capital improvements to the National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University.

Steven Ludwig, Vice President for Administration, St. Cloud State University, introduced himself and provided testimony regarding HF 348.

Dr. Morris Kurtz, Athletic Director, St. Cloud State University, introduced himself and provided testimony regarding HF 348.

Discussion and questions followed.

Representative Haws renewed his motion that HF 348 be recommended to pass and be held over for possible inclusion in the Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division omnibus bonding bill. THE MOTION PREVAILED.


Minutes
Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division
February 18, 2008
Page Six



HF 2595 (Hosch)

Representative Slocum moved that HF 2595 be recommended to pass and be held over for possible inclusion in the Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division omnibus bonding bill.

Representative Hosch presented HF 2595, relating to capital improvements; appropriating money for Washburn Avenue improvements in the city of Paynesville; authorizing the sale and issuance
of state bonds.

Jeff Thompson, Mayor, City of Paynesville, introduced himself and provided testimony regarding HF 2595.

Discussion and questions followed.

Representative Slocum renewed her motion that HF 2595 be recommended to pass and be held over for possible inclusion in the Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division omnibus bonding bill. THE MOTION PREVAILED.

HF 2596 (Hosch)

Representative Slocum moved that HF 2596 be recommended to pass and be held over for possible inclusion in the Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division omnibus bonding bill.

Representative Hosch presented HF 2596, relating to capital improvements; appropriating money for the Cold Spring downtown riverfront redevelopment project; authorizing the sale and issuance of state bonds.

Sharon Jenson, Cold Spring Granite, introduced herself and provided testimony regarding
HF 2596.

Mike Kathman, Council Member, City of Cold Spring, introduced himself and provided testimony regarding HF 2596.

Representative Hosch commented further on HF 2596.

Discussion and questions followed.

Representative Slocum renewed her motion that HF 2596 be recommended to pass and be held over for possible inclusion in the Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division omnibus bonding bill. THE MOTION PREVAILED.

HF 2839 (Brynaert)

Representative Brynaert moved that HF 2839 be recommended to pass and be held over for possible inclusion in the Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division omnibus bonding bill.

Representative Brynaert presented HF 2839, relating to capital improvements; authorizing the issuance of state bonds; appropriating money for a grant to the city of Mankato to predesign and design a performing arts theater and Southern Minnesota Women's Hockey Exposition.

Pat Hentges, City Manager, City of Mankato, introduced himself and provided testimony regarding HF 2839.

Discussion and questions followed.


Minutes
Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division
February 18, 2008
Page Seven



Representative Brynaert renewed her motion that HF 2839 be recommended to pass and be held over for possible inclusion in the Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division omnibus bonding bill. THE MOTION PREVAILED.

HF 2835 (Liebling)

Representative Haws moved that HF 2835 be recommended to pass and be held over for possible inclusion in the Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division omnibus bonding bill.

Representative Liebling presented HF 2835, relating to capital improvements; authorizing the issuance of state bonds; appropriating money to design and construct improvements to the Mayor Civic Center Complex in Rochester.

Brad Jones, Executive Director, Rochester Convention and Visitors Bureau, introduced himself and provided testimony regarding HF 2835.

Discussion and questions followed.

Representative Norton renewed Representative Haws' motion that HF 2835 be recommended to pass and be held over for possible inclusion in the Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division omnibus bonding bill. THE MOTION PREVAILED.

HF 2891 (Ruth)

Representative Ruth moved that HF 2891 be recommended to pass and be held over for possible inclusion in the Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division omnibus bonding bill.

Representative Ruth presented HF 2891, relating to capital improvements; appropriating money for the Minnesota Wildlife Art Museum, authorizing the sale and issuance of state bonds.

Dave Severson, Steele County Coordinator, introduced himself and provided testimony regarding HF 2891.

Discussion and questions followed.

Representative Ruth renewed her motion that HF 2891 be recommended to pass and be held over for possible inclusion in the Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division omnibus bonding bill. THE MOTION PREVAILED.

Vice Chair Poppe assumed the Chair at 8:05 p.m.

HF 2644 (Faust)

Representative Hortman moved that HF 2644 be recommended to pass and be held over for possible inclusion in the Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division omnibus bonding bill.

Representative Faust presented HF 2644, relating to capital improvements; appropriating money for a senior center in the city of Mora; authorizing the sale and issuance of state bonds.

Joel Dhein, City Administrator, City of Mora, introduced himself and provided testimony regarding HF 2644.

Discussion and questions followed.

Representative Hortman renewed her motion that HF 2644 be recommended to pass and be held over for possible inclusion in the Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division omnibus bonding bill. THE MOTION PREVAILED.

Minutes
Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division
February 18, 2008
Page Eight



HF 2576 (Greiling)

Representative Brynaert moved that HF 2576 be recommended to pass and be held over for possible inclusion in the Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division omnibus bonding bill.

Representative Greiling presented HF 2576, relating to capital investment; authorizing spending to acquire and better public land and buildings and other improvements of a capital nature; authorizing the issuance of state bonds; appropriating money for improvements to the Guidant John Rose Minnesota Oval.

Lonnie Brakke, Director, Parks and Recreation Department, City of Roseville, introduced himself and provide testimony regarding HF 2576.

Dan Roe, Council Member, City of Roseville, introduced himself and provided testimony regarding HF 2576.

Chair Rukavina resumed the Chair at 8:12 p.m.

Discussion and questions followed.

Representative Brynaert renewed her motion that HF 2576 be recommended to pass and be held over for possible inclusion in the Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division omnibus bonding bill. THE MOTION PREVAILED.

HF 2842 (Rudd)

Representative Welti moved that HF 2842 be recommended to pass and be held over for possible inclusion in the Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division omnibus bonding bill.

Representative Rudd presented HF 2842, relating to capital investment; authorizing spending to acquire and better public land and buildings and other improvements of a capital nature; authorizing the issuance of state bonds; appropriating money for Camp Eden Wood in Eden Prairie.

Scott Neal, City Manager, City of Eden Prairie, introduced himself and provided testimony regarding HF 2842.

Discussion and questions followed.

Representative Welti renewed his motion that HF 2842 be recommended to pass and be held over for possible inclusion in the Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division omnibus bonding bill. THE MOTION PREVAILED.

HF 1227 (Morgan)

Representative McFarlane moved that HF 1227 be recommended to pass and be held over for possible inclusion in the Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division omnibus bonding bill.

Representative Morgan presented HF 1227, relating to capital investment; appropriating money to build the Burnsville Performing Arts Center; authorizing the issuance of general obligation bonds.

Representative McFarlane moved to amend HF 1227 with amendment H1227A1, attached.
THE MOTION PREVAILED. THE AMENDMENT WAS ADOPTED.


Minutes
Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division
February 18, 2008
Page Nine



Representative McFarlane moved to amend HF 1227 as follows:

Page 1, line 10, delete "15,000,000" and insert "10,000,000"

THE MOTION PREVAILED. THE AMENDMENT WAS ADOPTED.

Elizabeth Kautz, Mayor, City of Burnsville, introduced herself and provided testimony regarding HF 1227.

Discussion and questions followed.

Representative McFarlane renewed her motion that HF 1227 as amended be recommended to pass and be held over for possible inclusion in the Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division omnibus bonding bill. THE MOTION PREVAILED.

HF 1742 (Thao)

Representative Mahoney moved that HF 1742 be recommended to pass and be held over for possible inclusion in the Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division omnibus bonding bill.

Representative Thao presented HF 1742, relating to capital improvements; appropriating money for an Asian Pacific Cultural Center; authorizing the sale and issuance of state bonds.

Naomi Chu, Executive Director, Asian Pacific Cultural Center, introduced herself and provided testimony regarding HF 1742.

Discussion and questions followed.

Representative Mahoney renewed his motion that HF 1742 be recommended to pass and be held over for possible inclusion in the Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division omnibus bonding bill. THE MOTION PREVAILED.

HF 2483 (Johnson)

Representative Mahoney moved that HF 2483 be recommended to pass and be held over for possible inclusion in the Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division omnibus bonding bill.

Representative Johnson presented HF 2483, relating to capital improvements; appropriating money for acquisition and renovation of a building for St. Paul Youth Services; authorizing the sale and issuance of state bonds.

Nancy LeTourneau, Executive Director, St. Paul Youth Services, introduced herself and provided testimony regarding HF 2483.

Representative Mahoney moded to amend HF 2483 as follows:

Page 1, line 7, delete "$750,000" and insert "500,000"

Page 1, line 14, delete "$750,000" and insert "500,000"

Discussion and questions followed.

Representative Mahoney renewed his motion that HF 2483, as amended, be recommended to pass and be held over for possible inclusion in the Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division omnibus bonding bill. THE MOTION PREVAILED.


Minutes
Higher Education and Work Force Development Policy and Finance Division
February 18, 2008
Page Ten



The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 P.M.



Representative Tom Rukavina, Chair


_______________________________________
Susan Scott, Committee Legislative Assistant
More Info On This Meeting..

Economic and community development capital requests, including:
HF2606 (Olin) appropriating money for the city of Thief River Falls pedestrian and bicycle pathways system;
HF2609 (Lieder) appropriating money for a new ice arena complex in the city of Crookston;
HF2796 (Anzelc) appropriating money for the renewable energy clean air project in Koochiching County;
HF2651 (Peterson, A) appropriating money for the AgLan Center;
HF2496 (Koenen) appropriating money to upgrade the electrical system of the Yellow Medicine County Agriculture and Transportation Museum;
HF2713 (Moe) appropriating money for the Bemidji Regional Event Center;
HF2814 (Howes) ppropriating money for a water main in the city of Walker;
HF757 (Doty) appropriating money for a regional community center in Upsala;
HF2583 (Hamilton) appropriating money for the Prairie Ecology Center in Jackson County;
HF2793 (Murphy) appropriating money for the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center arena
HF2595 (Hosch) appropriating money for Washburne Avenue improvements in the city of Paynesville;
HF2596 (Hosch) appropriating money for the Cold Spring downtown riverfront redevelopment project;
HF2764 (Poppe) appropriating money for Austin flood relief;
HF348 (Haws) appropriating money for capital improvements to the National Hockey Center at St. Cloud State University;
HF2840 (Cornish) appropriating money for a community center in the city of Pemberton;
HF2839 (Brynaert) appropriating money for a grant to the city of Mankato to predesign and design a performing arts theater and Southern Minnesota Women's Hockey Exposition Center;
HF2835 (Liebling) appropriating money to design and construct improvements to the Mayo Civic Center Complex in Rochester;
HF2891 (Ruth) appropriating money for the Minnesota Wildlife Art Museum;
HF2644 (Faust) appropriating money for a senior center in the city of Mora;
HF2576 (Greiling) appropriating money for improvements to the Guidant John Rose Minnesota Oval;
HF2842 (Ruud) appropriating money for Camp Eden Wood in Eden Prairie;
HF1227 (Morgan) appropriating money to build the Burnsville Performing Arts Center;
HF371 (Slocum) money for city of Richfield athletic fields
HF1742 (Thao) appropriating money for an Asian Pacific Cultural Center; and
HF2483 (Johnson) appropriating money for acquisition and renovation of a building for St. Paul Youth Services