Minutes - Council Work Session - 10/14/2014

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Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood presented slides detailing existing public investment, the unique Rail Station with a parking ramp, impact to economic development as it will add value to retail on both sides, and meeting aspects for a Livable Community. He reviewed funding partnership options that could include: Anoka County Regional Rail Authority, County Transit Investment Board (CTIB), the National Park Service, the Metropolitan Council (including Metro Transit), State of Minnesota (Mn/DOT, DNR) and other State and Federal Grants. Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood displayed a slide of the Station Area Plan, noting the pedestrian overpass is part of that Plan. He pointed out a section of pedestrian overpass connecting the parking ramp to the Rail Station, costing $100,000, that Ramsey has already funded. He then described the development of the boat landing as part of the Mississippi West Park and suggested the City's next ask should be to fund the pedestrian overpass. Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood asked the Council whether it supported taking the next step to ask the City's regional partners to contribute towards funding for a pedestrian bridge over Highways 10 and 169. It was noted the total cost of the walkway is estimated at $3.7 million. City Administrator Ulrich commented that when considering total transportation and infrastructure needs, this is not the highest priority because that is the local road system. He stated this project, however, has a good regional priority and high priority for trailways so he thinks there is a high probability to obtain regional funding. City Administrator Ulrich stated the City will still be asked for some level of funding so staff is asking if there is Council support for this plan. He noted this project will come together piece by piece as each agency is approached and asked if the Council finds benefit if there is strong regional support. Councilmember Kuzma asked about the level of staff time required. Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood felt it would take a considerable level of staff time to contact each agency, make a presentation, and negotiate for funding. Councilmember Riley stated the phased Park Plan shows this project as one of the last phases, which makes sense to have the park prior to the skyway. He asked if that intent changed because of the timeline on the Natural Park Federal Funds. Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated that is his notion of one way to fund the project. He stated the Metropolitan Council has other priorities for this connection so it may make sense to consider this project earlier in the timeline. Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood noted that when the City had asked for the boat landing and regional park, it did not have funding for the Rail Station at that time. Councilmember Riley stated he finds that $3.7 million for a pedestrian overpass to be a high cost and asked if it was being over built. City Council Work Session / October 14, 2014 Page 2 of 10