Agenda - Council - 12/13/2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Administrator Ulrich clarified Ramsey was not trying to take riders off the rail but to bring more riders to the rail. Public Works Director Olson requested input on the draft letter in response to the FHWA letter. Mayor Ramsey indicated he had no concern with the draft letter. Councilmember Elvig suggested information be added that Ramsey has enhanced the station and area round the station to establish a multi modal transit hub and attract additional transit riders. He stated he expects more rail and bus service coming to Ramsey in the future. Public Works Director Olson stated the letter focuses on lower air quality concerns with four buses no longer having to run and that the train already runs. He noted they are not asking about future ridership but changing over to rail. Councilmember McGlone commented on the marketing aspect for people traveling downtown, noting that nothing beats Ramsey and the 47,000 cars a day that see the train. Mayor Ramsey asked Mr. Byers if he is sure the Metropolitan Council will set Ramsey's rate between the rates of Anoka and Elk River. He stated he hopes Ramsey's rate is closer to Anoka's rate. Councilmember Strommen requested a correction in the letter to refer to COR instead of CORE. Mr. Byers stated this agreement is conditioned on the funding and the Metropolitan Council needs the funding agreements settled before the project needs funding, which will be January. Public Works Director Olson stated this item will be scheduled for the December 13, 2011, Council meeting. Mr. Byers explained this agreement has gone through Metropolitan Council consideration so, in principle, only minor modifications can be considered such as clarification it is a distance -based fare and Ramsey's fare will be set between the fares for Anoka and Elk River. He stated if large- scale changes are made or additional bus service language included, the agreement would have to go back to the Metropolitan Council. Mayor Ramsey stated it may be worth the effort for the Council to meet with Ramsey's Metropolitan Council representative and those involved in that decision. He stated it will be tough for him to support the agreement and have Ramsey's residents pay $300,000 more to have the train stop at a station. He estimated that only 400-500 Ramsey residents will ride the train. Councilmember Tossey agreed and estimated, optimistically, that 1.5% of the City's population may use the train. Therefore, it is important to get the same service as other communities when entering into the TTD. City Council Work Session / November 7, 2011 Page 5 of 10