State Rep. Andrew Myers visited the council on Oct. 14 to brief the Mound City Council on recent state-level actions that affect local government and to describe priorities he is pursuing in St. Paul.

What he told the council: Myers said the last legislative session included bipartisan measures to allow remote participation in public meetings when a member is at a location not open to the public, to allow public water and sewer districts to install lines in public rights-of-way, and to permit web publication of public notices when no qualified newspaper exists.

On water funding: Myers said he is pushing for a robust bonding bill with a focus on local infrastructure and that Mound has been a priority in past bonding cycles. He said he is seeking roughly $30 million for Mount (spoke of advocating for his cities) and described a planned metro bonding tour Nov. 12 30 (house schedule noted) to showcase local projects. "When we get on that bus, we're kinda stuck on that bus for two or three days," he said, adding that he would coordinate with city staff and officials to present Mound's needs.

On e-bikes and safety: Myers said he had pursued modest, incremental measures at the state level on e-bike safety, including a proposed requirement for helmets for riders ages 15 to 18. He said a small, bipartisan proposal lost support before a floor vote but that he remains involved in broader efforts to address safety and enforcement.

On local control and housing: Myers said he has heard from city officials that state proposals sometimes reduce local control, and he advocated for a partnership approach rather than a top-down mandate. He said he plans a "builders round table" to help shape housing approaches responsive to each city's local character.

Other topics: Myers said he has looked at consolidation and pension relief for fire services and has discussed safety improvements on Highway 7.

How to follow up: Myers offered his contact information (phone and email) and said he is available for office hours and meetings. He encouraged the council to coordinate on presentation materials and to notify him about the bonding tour schedule so he can advocate for Mound.

Source: Remarks by Representative Andrew Myers at the Oct. 14 meeting.