Laserfiche WebLink
Mayor Ramsey asked what Congresswoman Bachman is opposed to. <br />Mr. Tinklenberg replied that she has indicated that she views reauthorization differently than <br />appropriations. He added that we expect since this has been delayed for so long that Congress <br />will take a new round. <br />City Administrator Ulrich stated that one of the biggest obstacles we see is the transportation <br />policy plan currently being reviewed. They are opposed to intersections like Armstrong so we <br />need to get policy language into the program that will support this. Our City Engineer Brian <br />Olson has been doing a lot of work on this pushing the policy points to support projects like this. <br />Mr. Tinklenberg stated he agrees with Mr. Ulrich — there's real danger in terms of policy <br />initiatives — they will be challenged. <br />Mayor Ramsey stated we had meetings in the last week. They are only listening to us right now <br />because a lot of projects were taken out of the transportation plan and the only reason they will <br />sit and listen to us is because we have been so proactive. We are trying to save money in the <br />long term. <br />Councilmember Dehen asked what the theory is about not asking for money. <br />Mr. Tinklenberg stated it's not appropriate for Congress to do that — it should be made by the <br />State. Other States are allowing Congress to put money on inappropriate wasteful spending, i.e., <br />the bridge to nowhere in Alaska. It leads to waste and abuse — so many earmarks are <br />inappropriate. <br />Councilmember Wise commented on RALF projects and how they take property off the tax rolls. <br />It sounds like the improvements to Highway #10 are not happening so he felt confused about <br />where the direction of this project should go. <br />Mr. Tinklenberg stated we have been concerned about MnDOT. He believed because of <br />investments and money put into the right -of -way, there was a greater likelihood that Highway <br />#10 would move forward before projects where this type of work has not been done. That can <br />help make this project move forward more cheaply then otherwise. Continuing to move that <br />forward will help portions of Highway #10, Armstrong, Ramsey, and Sunfish Lake Boulevards. <br />City Administrator Ulrich stated the policy issue is important. We need to make it at the State <br />priority, etc. <br />Councilmember Wise expressed concern that it is a waste of money acquiring property — having <br />it sit for 20 years and not getting anywhere. <br />Mr. Ulrich stated that MnDOT did support us in the beginning with RALF. Now they are trying <br />to cut us off at our knees. <br />City Council Work Session / September 7, 2010 <br />Page 3 of 9 <br />