Minutes - Council - 01/22/2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Gamec recited Resolution No. 08-01-020 for the public and presented the resolution to Anoka County Regional Railroad Authority Chair Dan Erhart. Anoka County Regional Railroad Authority Chair Dan Erhart thanked Mayor Gamec and the City Council. He stated he has been involved in rail for 20 years, and with Northstar for 10 years. There have been ups and downs, but there is no doubt in his mind that the City of Ramsey has been dedicated to get a rail station. The Anoka County Regional Railroad Authority and Northstar Development Authority want to have a rail station located in the City of Ramsey. He stated the Ramsey Town Center is a wonderful concept. There is a bit of a lull in that process, but with the City's continuing support and persistence it will proceed forward and together they will see a rail station in the City of Ramsey. He thanked the City Council for the resolution and the continuing interest in Northstar. Mayor Gamec thanked Chair Erhart for his work with Northstar. He stated Chair Erhart has been a leader and he has been an asset to the cities around the area. He thanked Chair Erhart for any support and help he can give in obtaining a station in Ramsey. Anoka County Regional Railroad Authority Vice-Chair Dennis Berg stated he would like nothing better than to see Northstar stopping in Ramsey on the first run. He stated the Anoka County Regional Railroad Authority amended the contract with the lobbyists in Washington to include working with them and the City of Ramsey in getting a station location in Ramsey. Metropolitan Council Commissioner Natalie Haas Steffen stated about two weeks ago she was contacted by the reporter from the Star/Tribune looking for quotes. The reporter had asked if she thought the City of Ramsey was being punished or overlooked because of their earlier non- support for Northstar, which was about two Councils ago. Ms. Haas Steffen stated she had said she hoped not. It should be remembered that the City of Ramsey had the foresight to put its cluster development around the rail station. The City of Ramsey had the foresight to apply for a grant to build a parking ramp that will not be included in the Northstar budget and stands ready to serve. She would point out to Northstar that there were others in higher places who were not supporters of North star, and there are still people on the legislature who are not supporters of any kind of rail. She stated she does not think Ramsey should be punished or overlooked; they should be applauded for coming forward. Mayor Gamec thanked The Tinklenberg Group, the businesses, citizens, county officials, rail authorities, and the Metropolitan Council for their involvement with Northstar. The City Council meeting was recessed at 7: 17 p.m. and reconvened at 7 :24 p.m. CITIZEN INPUT Mr. Charles Giddings, owner of 16501 Variolite Street, stated he is here with Mike McCurdey who resides at 16551. Mr. Giddings stated he is calling for a reversal of the vote on December 11, 2007, to make a revision to the west end of the segment of the 16ih east/west corridor where it comes to Variolite Street. He listed the following two reasons: City Council / January 22, 2008 Page 3 of 22