Minutes - Council Work Session - 03/21/2006

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Jodi Re ile The Tinkle ber C ou stated this property owner is very anxious to complete this process. She advised her understanding is that the State Transportation Improvement Plan would need to be amended to include this crossing. The appraisal on the property has been completed, and the $800,000 in funding is just a portion of the value of the property. The property owner is willing to accept a down payment with a one, two or three year option on the purchase agreement. Mayor Gamec indicated he had discussed with Commissioner Berg the concern that the river crossing could push business towards the area of Rogers, Otsego and Dayton, which are all experiencing development. City Administrator Norman stated he assured the County he would verify that the Council is still in support of working with the County to secure the corridors. The consensus of the Council was to direct staff to assure the County that the Council is in support of protecting the City's corridors. Councilmember Elvig requested verification that $1 million in federal funds were budgeted for the crossing, and whether the Metropolitan Council will be mapping the crossing this year. City Administrator Norman indicated the $1 million in federal funds was reduced to $800,000. Ms. Reuhle explained the Metropolitan Council has identified the crossing in their priority corridor list, but it is not being mapped yet. Public Works Director Olson explained there is not money allocated for the crossing. The crossing has been listed as a priority project, but there is not specified money available to do the actual mapping. Environmental work needs to be done before the mapping, which is what the $800,000 was originally for. Congress has changed the designation of those funds to be designated for right-of-way costs. However, right-of-way cannot be reserved with federal funds until the environmental work is completed. Ms.: Reuhle stated in regard to the priority of MnDOT for this project, the budget looks bleak. Federal dollars and the support of the communities and counties will continue to drive this crossing. MnDOT has recognized the work the City has done on Highway 10 and has stepped up to the plate. Ramsey's neighboring cities are approving funds and have been successful in proceeding with a study of the realignment of Highway 169. There are plans for CR 22 to be an east/west connection from East Bethel to Elk River. Ramsey's partner communities are still in line with Ramsey regarding this river crossing. City Administrator Norman indicated the cities of Ramsey, Anoka, Anoka County and MnDOT met regarding the realignment study for Highway 47. Public Works Director Olson indicated WSB was successful in the bid proposal to complete the realignment study. Bolton and Menk and The Tinklenberg Group were supported by Ramsey City Council Work Session / March 21, 2006 Page 2 of 7