Minutes - Council - 05/28/2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Public Works Superintendent Riemer presented a summary of the 2012 -2013 Snow and Ice Control Operation. Councilmember Backous stated as the Public Works Committee Chair, he had asked Public Works Superintendent Riemer to make this presentation. He extended the City's appreciation to Public Works Superintendent Riemer and Public Works staff for their work on behalf of Ramsey. City Engineer Westby provided an update on staff's approach to the City's long -term Street Reconstruction Program by developing typical sections and street width for both urban and rural sections as well as determining underlying soils that impact the depth of the pavement. He explained this will result in a more realistic cost estimate to maintain a street rating of 7. In addition, staff will look at pathways and sidewalks. City Engineer Westby stated the City does not have a Sidewalk Policy for reconstruction projects so staff will develop a framework for such a policy that will be presented to the Public Works Committee for review and recommendation. City Engineer Westby stated staff has e- mailed a questionnaire to other Anoka County communities to gain information on how they fund road projects. Once received, that data will be tabulated for presentation at a future date. It was noted this topic will be considered by the City Council at its June 25, 2013, Regular Session. City Administrator Ulrich announced that 50 apartment units at The COR are now available. He reported on the successful trip he and Mayor Strommen made to Washington, D.C. to solicit support for grant applications and funding for the Highway 10 and Armstrong interchange project. City Administrator Ulrich reported the House passed a smaller bonding bill, not the $800 million bonding bill, but there may be better opportunity next year. He described the grant opportunities currently underway including an Anoka County request that the City support its federal Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant application for the Armstrong Interchange. The Council indicated support for staff to prepare such a letter of support for Mayor Strommen's signature. Councilmember Tossey announced the Veteran's Park event on Flag Day, June 14. He reported on the success of the Mayor Prayer's Breakfast that raised $28,500 for Youth First and extended his appreciation to Youth First employees and all who contributed to the success of that event. Mayor Strommen thanked Councilmember LeTourneau for standing in for her during the Mayor's Prayer Breakfast. City Attorney Ulrich drew the Council's attention to the information provided in the Work Session packet related to the Old Municipal Center Site. Mayor Strommen stated while in Washington, D.C. she had heard a lot of support for the TIGER grant and found it was important that Anoka County, City of Anoka, and City of Ramsey put forth a unified effort in a spirit of partnership to garner support and gain funding for upgrading the entire Highway 10 corridor with the Armstrong interchange being the first phase. She thanked Anoka County and the City of Anoka for their partnership in that effort. City Council / May 28, 2013 Page 11 of 12