Minutes - Council Work Session - 06/07/2011

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Mr. Yamoutpour asked if the City and County are willing to fix that median for the businesses, and who approves this. It was stated that Doug Fischer, Anoka County, has to approve Mayor Ramsey talked about the interest in helping with the construction if the study shows. Mr: Yamoutpour stated that the owners are willing to participate in the study if they know something will happen. Councilmember McGlone stated that the comments Mr. Yamoutpour mentioned from the County Engineer doesn't sound too promising. So, again, until the study happens, there is a big roadblock. Mayor Ramsey reminded Council that Unity Street couldn't happen either until the study was done. We would probably help with participating in this project and most likely if there is benefit to the County, they would help out too. He stated he would say yes we would be interested in participating to some level, but he was not interested in putting an amount out there yet for a commitment. The City will contact Sun Tide and Sierra asking for money to do the study, knowing that Council is willing to support construction if the study shows benefit. 2.1 Update from Anoka County Commissioner Matt Look Anoka County Commissioner Matt Look was present. He thanked Council and staff for all their hard work in The COR and the overall City. He talked about the strengths of the City and about bringing in the VA Clinic, Allina Clinic, etc. He talked about redefining the role in Economic Development, gave a road and park update, talked about the County Board's directions, cutting spending and noted that they are spending on roadway infrastructure. He talked about cutting expenses and being more responsible and that the levies are going down. He gave road updates on C.R. #116 to Sunfish Lake Boulevard to Thurston, C.R. #57, #5, #116 and #83, #64 and #27. He noted roads are very important to people who want to invest in property, etc. He gave a property update on the northern portion of The COR — to sell tax forfeit property to the City of Ramsey for $15,000. He talked about the Regional Rail — the County has preserved $3.1 million for the Ramsey station, contingent on the County vote and added that the law restricts the County's participation to a percentage of the project. It appears the best idea would be to include that in the bonding bill. He talked about the consensus of CTIB being in support of the Ramsey Rail and the Met Council is very supportive — in Federal or State funding — but we want to stay away from Federal money. The commitment is there — the Met Council does not want us to discontinue the bus service. We continue to be in negotiations with Burlington Northern-Santa Fe, trying to leverage Ramsey's portion with an overpass on Armstrong. He also talked about the VA Clinic and touched on the Anoka County Broadband Connect. Councilmember Elvig thanked Commissioner Look for coming here and added it's nice to have his support. City Council Work Session — June 7, 2011 Page 6 of 14