Minutes - Council Work Session - 02/05/2013

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Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Strommen, Councilmembers Tossey, Kuzma, Backous, Elvig, LeTourneau, and Riley. Voting No: None. The City Council meeting moved into a Closed Session at 7:39 p.m. The City Council reconvened in Open Session at 8:18 p.m. Mayor Strommen stated the Council held discussion on union negotiations and gave direction to staff. 2.05: Review Proposal from Elwyn Tinklenberg re: Legislative Consulting Services City Administrator Ulrich reviewed the staff report and the City's past contracts with The Tinklenberg Group for federal assistance on rail and highway transportation projects. He stated consideration is whether to approve The Tinklenberg Group consulting proposal for services related to the pursuit of funding for the Highway 10 and Armstrong Boulevard Interchange in an amount not to exceed $30,000 and billed on an hourly basis. Elwyn Tinklenberg, The Tinklenberg Group, presented a proposal to provide consulting services related to the pursuit of funding for the Trunk Highway 10 and Armstrong Boulevard interchange. It was noted the proposed work elements of the contract include Federal, State, and local community efforts associated with securing funding for the Armstrong Boulevard interchange project. He noted there is currently a good environment for this funding to occur, good relationships established with Anoka County, the project is a priority at the Anoka County level, and potential for interchanges is strong in terms of the market for retail space and other development space that is interested in the area but waiting for an interchange over the railroad tracks to assure delivery of products in a just -in -time manner. He described the roadwork with in Ramsey that has been completed to create a "shovel ready project" including a preliminary design being in place that has been agreed with, connection of infrastructure, and The COR environment. Mr. Tinldenberg stated from all of those perspectives, the time is right to move forward for funding in this Session. He encouraged the Council to look positively at doing that whether with his firm or someone else. Mr. Tinklenberg stated his proposal is straightforward, noting there is already a coordinating group involved from the community, the business community and Chambers are involved, and there is a partnership with Anoka County, which will help bring a larger effort to bear and give this project the kind of support needed to move forward effectively. He noted another part of the proposal that is unique is getting BNSF involved in supporting the crossing since it will benefit them as well as the public. Councilmember Tossey stated the meeting mentioned was positive about the Armstrong project and what can be accomplished over the next few years. He stated Mr. Tinldenberg had been straight forward in saying it does not need to be him to "quarterback" this effort but there is a political reality and he would ask if it helps or hurts Ramsey's effort to hire Mr. Tinklenberg when there is a Republican controlled Congress and DFL controlled State houses and Governor. He asked Mr. Tinklenberg if he can fit in with that environment, noting Representative Bachmann has expressed a willingness to support the Highway 10 effort. City Council Work Session / February 5, 2013 Page 13 of 18