Laserfiche WebLink
<br />Councilmember Look stated he felt this might not be right for the City and the City may wish to <br />consider its own video tour. He asked if this is something that QCTV could put together for the <br />City. <br /> <br />IT Manager Busch stated that a professional video could be put together and staff could approach <br />QCTV regarding their ability to host this service. <br /> <br />It was the consensus of the City Council to not pursue the Community Video Tour Book <br />Agreement with CGI Communications, Inc., to explore video tour options with QCTV, and to <br />determine if advertising revenue can be generated from the City's website. . <br /> <br />3) Consider Options for the Ramsey Star Express <br /> <br />Public Works Director Olson presented the staff report and stated that ridership numbers on the <br />Ramsey Star Express have remained relatively constant since the light rail started on November <br />16,2009. He stated the current contract expires on March 31, 2010, and Council will be asked to <br />take action tonight regarding a six month contract extension. He explained that staff has <br />received verbal communication from the Federal Highway Administration (FHW A) that it will <br />not allow the use of the leftover funds to be used. for capital costs beyond the three year <br />timeframe that expired in January 2010. He added staff is continuing to discuss this with FHWA <br />officials. He stated the federal portion of the Ramsey Star Express program is approximately <br />$16,000 per month, and without that contribution, the City's portion is approximately $50,000 <br />per month for operation of the service, including administrative fees, vehicle fees, and gas. <br /> <br />Councilmetnber McGlone asked how many months of service are available in the Landfill Trust <br />Fund. <br /> <br />Public Works Director Olson stated the balance in the fund is approximately $2 million and the <br />estimated value of the City's portion of a six month extension is $225,000. <br /> <br />Councilmember Look asked if there is data available on how long it takes to get from Anoka to <br />downtown Minneapolis on the train versus taking the bus from Ramsey to downtown <br />Minneapolis. <br /> <br />Diane McKenzie appeared before the City Council and stated she gets to downtown Minneapolis <br />on the bus first, since the train is making stops. She stated she heard that the train has been late <br />or delayed on several occasions. She added she definitely wants to see the Ramsey Star Express <br />bus service continued. <br /> <br />Councilmember Look asked if the City has addressed how it should advertise this bus service in <br />an effort to increase ridership. <br /> <br />Mayor Ramsey stated it has always been the consensus that the City will continue to run this bus <br />service. He stated he felt the City should extend the service for six months, and suggested that <br /> <br />City Council Work Session I March 9, 2010 <br />Page 4 of 7 <br />