Agenda - Council - 02/08/2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Ulrich sated that the fiscal year appropriations would be the most timely. We want to keep our rail station in as an earmark. Mayor Ramsey felt that enough had been done on that — there was enough incentive the way it is. We have enough contacts at the State level but he did not see a lot coining out of the Federal Government. He stated that barring anyone else's discussion, he would be a "no" vote. Mr. Ulrich asked if we want to go with this contract, look at a reduced amount, or look at other lobbyists. Mayor Ramsey suggested entertaining a proposal from someone else, but even then, he would scrutinize spending money on a lobbyist. Councilmember Elvig stated that when we made trips out to Washington D.C., and those trips were successful, that was all set up for us. He wondered if someone else will be able to do that for us. Mr. Ulrich replied that a Washington lobbyist in particular has done all of that for us when we have gone there. On the State level, that's a lot more individual efforts by our staff and the City Council. Local officials are more accessible. Councilmember Jeffrey stated we have a couple projects on line that are dependent on the rail station — the VA is very dependent. He asked if anyone has talked to Mr. Deal — maybe he would be willing to put some money in on this. Part of this project we are looking at is to secure Federal and State funding and he was not sure we have the time to wait. Mayor Ramsey inquired if this is an all or nothing. He tended to agree that stakes are high enough - that $6,000 is not too much to spend but the rest of it he would let go. Looking at past track records, it's hard to say if the money is well spent. He added that he feels it's such a slim chance we will get the $3 million on an earmark — he just did not feel anyone would be that effective — he feels it's a waste of money. Anoka County Commissioner Matt Look stated that the $3 million has already been appropriated for expansion of the rail — not phase II — but expansion. The $3 million can qualify for the Ramsey stop. Mayor Ramsey stated he thought it was not yet appropriated. Commissioner Look stated it has to be defined of being applicable here. Councilmember Wise stated he would be in favor of spending the money if the appropriations are there. Mr. Ulrich stated that our agreement with Jim Deal in the past was based on his land ownership and he's been paying 20% of The Tinklenberg cost. He noted he would get that clarified. City Council Work Session — January 4, 2011 Page 3 of 8