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<br />Councilmember McGlone wanted to ensure that the City did not get too much of one thing and <br />kept the area diverse. <br /> <br />City Administrator Ulrich advised that entering in as major landowners would be a new thing for <br />the City and explained that several things would need to be determined in that process. He <br />advised that there were two vital transportation issues identified by the Council. He advised that <br />the rail station would be one, along with a possible interchange at Armstrong Boulevard. He <br />advised of possible available funds, which could be pushed forward for those projects. He <br />thought it would be a stronger effort if it were. a partnership with the City and another group. He <br />questioned if there was interest in moving forward with a partnership in that regard to push those <br />efforts forward. <br /> <br />Member Elvig thought that the City was positioned well currently. He advised that in regard to <br />the Armstrong project, enough mapping and study had been done to move that into a design <br />build project. He advised that it could then be considered shovel ready to be included in the <br />stimulus project. He thought that now was an opportune time, and that the City was positioned <br />well to make that push. He thought that with proper PR work this project could be moved <br />forward. <br /> <br />Chairperson Riley questioned the status of obtaining that site for the rail station. <br /> <br />Member Elvig advised that Ramsey was not out yet. He explained that an express bus route had <br />been added. He advised that in turn for holding back, the City was promised a seat at the next <br />discussion for rail station sites. He thought that the purchase of the Town Center would help in <br />those efforts. He believed that it could happen, as Fridley and Elk River had both been moved <br />from phase two to phase one sites. <br /> <br />City Administrator Ulrich advised that the official position of the County is that they are in favor <br />of the Ramsey and Coon Rapids stations. <br /> <br />Assistant City Administrator Nelson wanted to ensure that the EDA was aware that preliminary <br />design work was almost complete. <br /> <br />City Administrator Ulrich advised that a resolution would go before the Council to approve a rail <br />station at their meeting the following Tuesday night. He thought that passing a resolution in <br />favor of a rail station would be beneficial. <br /> <br />Member Steffen questioned which project had a higher probability of being shovel ready and <br />. would move forward first. <br /> <br />City Administrator Ulrich thought that the rail station would be the first to move forward, as it <br />could be shovel ready in 90 days. He explained that the Armstrong project was a larger project <br />and would need more design efforts. <br /> <br />Chairperson Riley questioned what was included with the rail station. <br /> <br />Joint Economic Development Authority/City Council / March 19,2009 <br />Page 6 of 11 <br />