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