Minutes - Public Works Committee - 04/15/2014

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The consensus of the Public Works Committee was to direct staff to present a draft Assessment Policy at the May 20, 2014, meeting and to add an assessment range in the Andrie Street feasibility report. 5.04: Update on 2014 Anoka County Highway Construction Projects and Mississippi River Crossing City Engineer Westby reviewed the staff report and provided an update on 2014 Anoka County highway construction projects. It was noted that two projects are located within Ramsey. The largest project is an overlay on the segment of Ramsey Boulevard from just north of Bunker Lake Boulevard to Nowthen Boulevard. The second project is a potential overlay of Green Valley Road between Nowthen Boulevard and TH 47, depending on available funding. City Engineer Westby advised that the Anoka County website has been updated to provide additional information. With regard to the Mississippi River crossing, City Engineer Westby explained that Anoka County plans to update their Transportation Plan in 2018 and may remove the proposed Mississippi River crossing between Ramsey and Dayton because there is some disagreement between Anoka County and the State as to whether this river crossing would primarily serve local (State position) or regional (Anoka County position) transportation needs. Whoever benefits will be the lead agency on the project and provide the greater share of the project costs. City Engineer Westby explained that unless these issues can be resolved before 2018, Anoka County may remove the Mississippi River crossing from its Transportation Plan. City Engineer Westby stated Development Services Manager Gladhill spoke with the Dayton Planner who indicated Dayton was planning around the River crossing so staff will request a joint meeting between the cities and Anoka County. Chairperson Backous asked whether the City has regular contact with the City of Dayton on this issue. Development Services Manager conversations relating to joint planning and/or Comprehensive Plan amendments. Chairperson Backous asked if it would be beneficial to establish a joint powers committee to address the River crossing. Development Services Manager Gladhill stated a joint powers committee may not be needed at this point but staff should assure there is a common voice in response to the Met Council. Chairperson Backous stated he agrees with the State and County that if the cities are not pushing it, they will also not push for it. He supported a joint meeting to advance that topic. City Administrator Ulrich stated Ramsey has not been involved in formulating a joint message on the River crossing but it would be powerful if both counties would also become involved. Public Works Committee / April 15, 2014 Page 9 of 12