08/12/10 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Jodi Ruehle from The Tinklenberg Group was present to communicate the strong support the city is receiving regarding keeping the project in the Appropriations Bill. Senator Al Franken's office and Senator Amy Klobuchar's office have both requested funds for the city's Commuter Rail Station project. TIF legislation has already been passed, but Ms. Ruehle anticipates that nothing more will happen until after the elections. City Administrator Ulrich stated that The Tinklenberg Group is doing a great job. Mr. Ulrich mentioned that there may be a possibility of trying to secure a partnership on this project and that a final push in legislation will be a good selling feature for potential partners. Motion by Member Skaff, seconded by Member Williams, to authorize the extension of the contract with The Tinklenberg Group for Commuter Rail Station funding and legislation. Discussion continued, and a question was raised regarding how the initial contract was funded. Minutes from the December 10, 2009 meeting indicate that the EDA agreed to a two-part proposal in The Tinklenberg Group contract. In brief, the minutes state that the first proposal (which focuses on pursuing federal funding as part of the 2010 Reauthorization Bill, Fiscal Year 2011 Appropriations Bill, and state legislation on the city's behalf to secure Commuter Rail Station funding) would cost $49,500 plus travel and expenses. The second proposal focuses on securing NCDA funds (which would provide funding for construction of the Ramsey rail station) with a cost not to exceed $15,500 plus travel and other expenses. The minutes indicate that the EDA agreed to fund the full $15,500 proposal and half of the $49,500 proposal with direction to staff to find the other 50 percent of the $49,500 and make an attempt on the other half of the $15,500 even though all of the $15,500 was being funded by the EDA. Ms. Nelson stated that private funds were not able to be secured and that all of the funding came out of the EDA budget. Discussion continued and there was agreement that we would not be where we are today with regard to funding for the rail station if it weren't for the efforts of The Tinklenberg Group. It was decided that two motions would be needed to make the direction of this case clear. Chairperson Riley clarified that Member Skaff proposed earlier in the meeting to extend the contract, so this becomes motion one of a two-step process. Following discussion, the first motion was clarified to read as follows: Motion by Member Skaff, seconded by Member Williams, to authorize the extension of the contract with The Tinklenberg Group for Commuter Rail Station funding and legislation. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Members Riley, Steffen, Skaff, LeToumeau, and Williams. Voting No: None. Absent: Members Look and Elvig. Economic Development Authority / July 8, 2010 Page 3 of 6