Minutes - Council - 06/09/2009 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Case #7: Authorize Cost Sharing Agreement with ACRRA for Final Design for the Northstar Commuter Rail Station in Ramsey City Administrator Ulrich reviewed the staff report. He noted that, if approved, this would go back to the Anoka County Regional Rail Authority (ACRRA) at the end ofthe month. He stated that staff is recommending moving forward with the 50/50 cost sharing. Councilmember Dehen asked if the Regional Rail Authority could pick up a larger portion of the tab and suggested a 75/25 or 80/20 split. Mayor Ramsey stated that per some conversations he has had, the likelihood of that happening is slim to none. He stated that he thinks the City needs to get this moving forward and get it "shovel ready". He reiterated that he didn't think they would pick up a larger tab. Councilmember Elvig stated that the City is not approved to be a rail site yet. He stated that this feels somewhat like putting the cart before the horse. He suggested using this request to give us an opening to get approval for a rail site here. City Administrator Ulrich suggested approving the 50/50 cost sharing and recommend or request that the ACRRA officially recognize the Ramsey station as an official station in acceptance of that cost sharing with the City. Councilmember Look stated that he, Councilmember Elvig, and Mayor Ramsey have been very involved in discussions with the County on this topic and he is confident that the County is supporting the City in having a rail stop. Mayor Ramsey reviewed where the money for this cost sharing agreement would come from. Councilmember Dehen stated that he thinks the City needs to have a plan B, just in case there isn't a rail station. Councilmember Elvig stated that is what he was alluding to earlier - that the City is willing to put these funds in, but they need to step up and make us an official rail stop. Mayor Ramsey stated that he feels it is appropriate for the City to take a stand and push to get the rail stop approved. City Attorney Goodrich suggested that, as part of the resolution, language be included that in accepting this cost sharing agreement, the City strongly urges that ACRRA/NCDA recognize Ramsey as an official station site. Motion by Councilmember Elvig, seconded by Councilmember Jeffrey, to Approve Resolution #09-06-122, supporting the application for the CMAQ grant to construct the Northstar Ramsey Rail Station, with language included, that in accepting this cost sharing agreement, the City strongly urges that ACRRAlNCDA recognize Ramsey as an official station site. City Council / June 9, 2009 Page 11 of 14