Minutes - Council - 10/28/2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Kuzma asked about the timeline for completion of the identified 18 -22 projects. Mr. Jung explained that until funding is in hand, Mn/DOT cannot commit to a specific timeframe. He estimated 24 months for right -of -way acquisition, engineering and environmental studies. Mr. Chromy stated timing is nearly impossible to predict but there has been a lot of discussion of available funding. He stated the list reviewed by Mr. Jung is just a start and he thinks there will be a lot of activity in pursuing funding so projects can advance. Mayor Pro Tem Backous noted the beauty of the Study is its flexibility as funding becomes available. Councilmember LeTourneau extended his appreciation for the work and presentation and how this came together to identify need along the Highway 10 corridor as safety and mobility. He stated five years ago, this type of consideration was not available and he found it amazing that 90% of the objective can be met at one -third of the cost. Councilmember LeTourneau called attention to the partnerships that exist with Mn/DOT, Anoka County, engineering firms, City partners, elected officials, and consultants collaboratively working together to drive this effort. He asked how, moving forward with the Study, Mn/DOT will continue to support those partnerships. Mr. Jung stated Mn/DOT, as the agency that owns and operates Highway 10, has ultimate responsibility and will be a leader among the agencies. However, it cannot do it alone or without the help of Ramsey, Anoka, and Anoka County. He stated they want to assure that everything they do from initial planning to final delivery of the projects is in tune with what is important to the communities. Mr. Jung stated he wants to avail themselves of the expertise at every agency as well as the fact there are sources of money for which only local agencies can apply. He stated he is personally committed as is Mn/DOT Metro District Engineer Scott McBride. City Administrator Ulrich stated this is the best position the City has been in to move the Highway 10 corridor forward as there is momentum with the Armstrong Boulevard interchange. He noted that during meetings with the City of Anoka and other partners, a common target was found and is something all can agree with. He stated this project, if completed, will ultimately save lives, result in tremendous mobility improvements for commuters, and increase development. It also takes much less right -of -way and preserves more retail property along the Highway 10 corridor. Councilmember Riley stated property owners and business owners that will be greatly affected have been engaged and provided input to come up with the best answer that is possible. Motion by Councilmember Riley, seconded by Councilmember LeTourneau, to Adopt Resolution #14 -10 -204, A Resolution of Support for the Highway 10 Access Planning Study. City Council / October 28, 2014 Page 6 of 10