Minutes - Council Work Session - 04/30/2013 - Joint with Anoka CC

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Mayor Strommen said this is true but that she wants to know what the DNR says since this is such a competitive process. She said we need to position ourselves for the best outcome. Councilmember Weaver said we need the study to determine the best route as the DNR's job is to do what they are told. Mayor Strommen said the legislature will makes the decision on the appropriate action and will want the information. Councilmember Weaver said they could get the information on the bonding bill. Councilmember Tossey said he would like to support this effort as Mille Lacs Lake is very important to 90% of anglers. He said we need to get the facts and that he doesn't want to wait another year, adding the DNR is late on addressing invasive species and that we have to protect fisheries. Councilmember Tossey said if the species gets north of the Dam it will be very bad, adding we should get the City of Cambridge to help as well. Councilmember Schmidt said it is the best thing to allow Stanley Consultants to move ahead with the study and have the City Managers share any information possible to help advance their efforts. He said the cost is slight compared to the potential dangers. Mayor Strommen said she is not arguing the importance but said there are other avenues to try and that she wants to say we have done everything as part of the grant application. City Manager Cruikshank said however that gets done is great, adding both cities seem to be in agreement. Councilmember Schmidt said without tips from Stanley Consultants on the Coon Rapids Dam there would not be any bonding bill. Councilmember Weaver said he heard all the pros and cons of the Coon Rapids Dam Commission and understands that this is a million dollar fishery. He said he hopes they can get Ramsey's support on May 16 at the LRRWMO meeting. City Manager Cruikshank said Anoka will likely give Stanley the approval to move forward and that he hope they have Ramsey's support on May 16 Councilmember Schmidt said Mayor'Gamache and four other cities will likely support this effort as well. City Administrator Ulrich said they have a proposal from the engineering consultant of $2,000- $10,000 so they hope to have the scope of services complete soon. Councilmember Kuzma spoke about LRRWMO funding but said we need to come back to our Council to get everyone up to speed.