DEPARTMENT: Public Services and Revenue Administration
FILE TYPE: Regular Action
TITLE
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Recognition Of Empire Township’s Incorporation To City Of Empire
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Recognize Empire Township’s incorporation to the City of Empire.
SUMMARY
Empire Township’s decision to seek incorporation was a part of a proactive plan to keep Empire together as a community and maintain the services that it currently provides. Suburban development has been expanding into Empire Township and the population is expected to grow by 50% in the next 18 years as land use changes and new developments occur near the existing suburban area. Incorporation solidifies the Township’s borders, allowing the Township to engage in efficient long-range planning.
Effective August 31, 2022, an Administrative Law Judge granted permission to proceed with the process that would transition Empire from a township to a city.
After years of planning and following the February 14, 2023 election of a new City Council made up of a mayor and four council members, Empire Township is becoming the City of Empire, Minnesota’s newest city. The new city mayor and council members will take the oath of office at their first meeting on Tuesday, February 28, 2023. The new city structure replaces the three-person township board.
The Dakota County Board of Commissioners would like to recognize the Empire Township Board of Supervisors for their strong partnership over the years and thank retiring Township Chair Terry Holmes and retiring Supervisor Jamie Elvestad for their dedicated service.
The Dakota County Board of Commissioners would also like to recognize the newly elected City of Empire mayor, Trent Larson and council members, Tom Kaldunski, Danny Rubio, Eric Hanson and Marla Vagts.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends recognizing Empire Township’s incorporation to the City of Empire.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
☒ None ☐ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, Empire Township decided to seek incorporation as part of a proactive plan to keep Empire together as a community and maintain the services that it currently provides; and
WHEREAS, incorporation solidifies Empire Township’s borders, allowing the Township to engage in efficient long-range planning; and
WHEREAS, effective August 31, 2022, an Administrative Law Judge granted permission to proceed with the process that would transition Empire from a township to a city; and
WHEREAS, following the February 14, 2023 election of a new city council made up of a mayor and four council members, Empire Township is becoming the City of Empire, Minnesota’s newest city; and
WHEREAS, the Empire Township Board of Supervisors has been a strong partner with the County for many years; and
WHEREAS, Township Chair Terry Holmes and Supervisor Jamie Elvestad are retiring after long and dedicated service.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby recognizes Empire Township’s incorporation to the City of Empire.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
BOARD GOALS
☒ A Great Place to Live ☐ A Healthy Environment
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☐ Excellence in Public Service
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT LEVEL
☒ Inform and Listen ☐ Discuss ☐ Involve ☐ N/A
CONTACT
Department Head: Teresa Mitchell
Author: Teresa Mitchell