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QASO what is the League of Minnesota <br /> Cities doing? <br />As the magnitude of this issue became <br />clear, the League Board of Directors <br />appointed a Rights of Way Task Force to look at <br />what should be done. Through the course of <br />several meetings, the Task Force developed a <br />work program that involves legal, legislative, <br />and public information strategies to protect <br />cities' role in managing the public right of way. <br />The Task Force estimates that full <br />implementation of the work program could cost <br />as much as $325,000. The Board has agreed to <br />finance this work program by allocating <br />$125,000 from the current League budget and <br />asking member cities to voluntarily allocate <br />$200,00O. <br /> <br />Q$200,000 is a lot of money. What is the <br />League going to do with all of that? <br /> A-The work plan includes legal <br />~t Xrepresentation, work with legislative <br />leaders, and an extensive statewide public <br />information campaign. While League staff will <br />take on the bulk of this work, it's likely that <br />outside assistance will be needed. <br /> <br />Q How did you decide how much you want <br /> our city to pay? <br />mpYoUr suggested payment is based on a <br />ercentage of your city's 1995-96 League <br />dues. <br /> <br />QDo we have to pay? How will the payment <br />affect our dues? <br />A-No city if required to pay. This is strictly a <br />_/-~voluntary payment. Also, it's entirely <br />separate from the League dues statement your <br />city will receive in September. <br /> <br />QWhat if our city decides not to pay? <br /> <br /> A-That's your choice. As a member of the <br />/--M~eague of Minnesota Cities, you are not <br />required to take part in this effort. However, if <br />total city payments fall significantly short of the <br />$200,000 goal, the League will not be able to <br />fully undertake the work plan. <br /> <br />QACtoCan our city pay more? <br /> <br /> e~2~}Yt~ ~no[;;t~ ~Vh~se~2i~ri}gt~i~n~n~t~Sve <br />is of particular importance to them. If all <br />member cities meet their minimum payment, the <br />$200,000 target is reachable - but it's unlikely <br />that every city will join this voluntary effort. <br /> <br />Q Afier we pay, how can we stay up to date <br /> on the issue? <br /> A-we will keep you informed of any <br />/-~developments through articles in Cities <br />Bulletin, direct mailings, and broadcast faxes. <br /> <br />QClearly, ourpayment is only part of the <br />solution. What else can we do? <br /> A- The best thing city officials can do is stay <br />./'-l, informed, and pass that information along to <br />as many others as possible. Discuss rights of <br />way with your local editors and reporters; make <br />local control a campaign issue for your House <br />and Senate candidates; talk to your local <br />Chamber of Commerce about the business <br />impact of torn-up streets; let taxpayers know <br />you're working to protect their investment in <br />streets. <br /> <br />QI'm still confused Who shouM I call? <br /> <br />A-if you have more questions, please contact <br />_t--~League Executive Director Jim Miller at <br />(612) 280-1205 or (800) 925-1122, or any <br />member of the Board of Directors. <br /> <br /> <br />