Subjects ranging from drainage systems to county permits are covered by the 2008 omnibus local government law.
Sponsored by Rep. Debra Hilstrom (DFL-Brooklyn Center) and Sen. Ann Rest (DFL-New Hope), most of the provisions are effective May 17, 2008.
The bill provisions include:
• requiring the commerce commissioner, effective Aug. 1, 2008, to create a business energy use inventory form and requiring local entities to make it available to businesses;
• authorizing town boards to refund surplus taxes collected for a district, if the district is removed;
• permitting the transfer of ditches in Hennepin County to a water management authority, effective Aug. 1, 2008;
• effective upon local compliance with state statute, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board may impose a dedication fee on new commercial and industrial equipment, along with trails to help pay for parks, playgrounds, recreation facilities, wetlands and open spaces; and
• allowing counties to permit the temporary use of property until a particular date, event or zoning change. Cities have had the same authority since 1989.
HF4223*/SF3857/CH331