Minutes - Council - 05/02/2011 - Joint with Andover CC

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Bunker Lake Boulevard will be a 4 -lane divided highway through Ramsey and one section between Ramsey Boulevard and Sunfish Lake Boulevard that will need to be upgraded. Mayor Gamache questioned why the ramp over Highway 10 will be at Armstrong Boulevard and not Ramsey Boulevard. Mayor Ramsey responded Ramsey Boulevard is lesser traveled and in the future could be the gateway to a bridge. City Administrator Ulrich added the decision was made a few years ago. Sunfish Lake Boulevard, Ramsey Boulevard and Armstrong Boulevard were the three choices for the ramp. Since Sunfish Lake Boulevard and Ramsey Boulevard have been reconstructed, Armstrong Boulevard was the ultimate solution. Public Works Director Olson raised the issue of the Highway 10 placement. In 2004, the businesses that were part of the decision - making were 27% of the tax rolls. This was a big decision. Now MnDOT is changing gears and does not want to change the Highway 10 placement. Public Works Director Olson noted Arlene McCarthy from the Metropolitan Council attended a meeting last week to discuss the transit tax district. At this point, Ramsey could not opt out and the cost to the City would be $300,000. Andover City Administrator Dickinson acknowledged their cost is about the same. Discussion took place on the pros and cons of a rail station and the potential TIF district. 3.03: County Highway Access Policy Andover Director of Public Works /City Engineer Berkowitz explained Bunker Lake Boulevard from Jefferson Street in Ham Lake all the way through Ramsey will be a divided highway. Anoka County is helping monetarily as well as MnDOT. Andover is planning various uses on the northeast corner of 7 Avenue and Bunker Lake Boulevard. Andover Director of Public Works /City Engineer Berkowitz mentioned that the State pays up to 75% of reconstruction costs, and the remaining 25% is assessed to the citizens. Most of the neighborhood knows their road needs reconstruction and anticipate it. When the staff has to spend a lot of time on the upkeep of the roads, they evaluate to determine if it should be reconstructed. Public Works Director Olson stated Ramsey's assessment is 50% for overlays. The roads are lasting about 40 years before Staff has to reconstruct and Ramsey sealcoats on a preplanned schedule to maintain the quality of the roads. 3.04: QCTV Strategic Plan Councilmember Jacobson commented when QCTV began, it was a broadcast vehicle that provided an outlet for people to make their own movies. Now there are social networking sites for that, and QCTV is still handling the government broadcasting and the sports events. He felt it was becoming an internet operation and it is questionable what the future holds. Ramsey and Andover Joint City Council / May 2, 2011 Page4of7