THE BIG MAC!

                      ADDITIONAL FACTS 

                 August 07, 2017, Town Board Meeting  

                           
            

At the August 07, 2017, Town Board
Meeting, Supervisor

Jennings, discussed  an Email from
Gary Schmidt, of the

Metropolitan Airport Commission
(MAC), which expressed MAC's interest in requesting
Lakeville's annexation of the Airlake Airport.

Attorney Lemmons stated MAC's intent is for Lakeville

to Annex by Ordinance.  Before Lakeville can adopt the
Ordinance, Lakeville would be required, by Statute, to
submit a written notice to Eureka of their intent 30 days
prior to the proposed Ordinance to be adopted.

Mr. Schmidt has not been responding to meeting requests 

from the Town Board representatives. Supervisor Jennings

stated that Eureka had very little leverage in the negotiations.

Supervisor Jennings stated very few entities, not

even the Governor, have leverage over MAC, which is 

similar to the considerable autonomy of the Met Council;

having a Board appointed by the Governor, but they

operate on their own. (Supervisor Jennings read from the

Office of the Legislative Auditor's website).

Supervisor Jennings reported she engaged in a discussion

with a Supervisor from Lakeland Township located near the

Lake Elmo Airport. Lakeland Township is further along

in their negotiations with MAC and are quite frustrated

with the process. They also acknowledged that there is no

State level oversight on what MAC does. 

Supervisor Hansen stated "for a year and a half we have done

nothing." Supervisor Jennings reminded Mr. Hansen that

meetings and discussions have taken place.

Members of the Town Board have made an effort to promote

the Township retaining ownership of the Airport through

a Joint Powers Agreement similar to the agreement 

between Empire Township and the City of Farmington. 

                              

Supervisors Jennings and Palmquist met twice with MAC.

A third meeting was never agreed to.

MAC held an Open House in Lakeville AND at the Eureka

Town Hall. 

Supervisor Hansen stated "there is another way to handle 

this. We chose not to handle it this way so the Airport will

go to Lakeville. That is a fact."

Supervisor Jennings suggested an annexation conversation

is needed with preparation and legal advice. Supervisor 

Hansen stated "Carrie, this is a LOUSY excuse! At this

point we might just as well make a motion to let Lakeville

have EVERYTHING  just North of 225th street and a peaceful

annexation. Just let them have it because they are going

to take it ANYHOW. We can regroup and do something

to stop it from happening in the future. That is where I 

think it is at."

Supervisor Jennings asked Supervisor Hansen what His

proposal would be.

He stated "Let me go to MAC and see if I can't SALVAGE

this mess. I talk with these people ALL the time!"

Supervisor Jennings made a motion to end the discussion

until Eureka has a letter from Lakeville indicating their

intent. She suggested the Town Board members and the

attorney should be prepared to have a conversation about

Annexation which differs from an Airlake Airport

update.

                                   

After more discussion, Supervisor Jennings suggested
Supervisor Hansen schedule a meeting with Lakeville
and she would attend also as she is the Board-designated
contact person on the annexation matter. 

                               

Supervisor Hansen disagreed stating he "would just as
soon she would NOT attend because they do not
get along. What is the point?"

Supervisor Barfknecht made a motion that Supervisor

Hansen schedule a meeting with MAC since he stated he

has frequent contact with MAC. The attorney would attend

the meeting with Supervisor Hansen.

Supervisor Rogers seconded the motion. Supervisors

Rogers, Palmquist and Barfknecht voted YAY,

Supervisor Jennings voted NAY and Supervisor

Hansen ABSTAINED.
                                

WILL SUPERVISOR HANSEN "SAVE THIS MESS?"

                          

          STAY TUNED!  

  (Information taken from the August 7, 2017, Town Board 
Mtg. CD)