Minutes - Council - 01/13/2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Tinklenberg stated he works for the City and clearly if the Council supports moving forward, they will immediately begin talking with legislators. He explained that within the Transportation Bill, there are key places where Ramsey can seek funding and legislative staff has recommended that Ramsey be identified in every one of those key places. He stated the first committee hearing deadlines have not yet been set but will probably be the end of February/early March and by that time, Ramsey will have had to complete the hearing process. He stated in the next 30 days they will identify opportunities, key places for funding, and approach other communities to gain their response. He emphasized it is critical that Ramsey lead and move it forward because as that determination is shown, it will bring in other communities to create a unified front on Highway 10 issues. In any event, he explained it will not change the work they will do in the next 30 days whether the contract is for 30 days or five months. Councilmember Riley stated Ramsey got funding for the Armstrong Boulevard interchange and asked if that means Ramsey will not be receiving additional funding for a period of time. Mr. Tinklenberg stated that is true when seeking some funding opportunities, such as the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant, but there are other available funding opportunities. In addition, Ramsey has been successful in bringing on business partnerships that has been very effective in playing a role in communicating the importance of additional improvements. He explained how funding can be combined with the County Transit Improvement Board to address rail crossings. Councilmember Kuzma stated his appreciation to Mr. Tinklenberg for his assistance in gaining funding for the Armstrong Boulevard interchange. He stated the concerns with Highway 10 are safety and impact to economic development, noting Ramsey has a lot of land available. He stated with the existing momentum, he now wants to see other partners `step up to the plate' and in the next 30 days, he would like to see that support. Motion by Councilmember Johns, seconded by Councilmember LeTourneau, to approve an extension of The Tinklenberg Group Professional Services Contract dated January 2015 for an initial one -month work phase through February 13, 2015, at a total cost of $5,000. Further discussion: Councilmember Riley commented on the importance of other partners and entities joining the effort with Ramsey within the next 30 days. Mayor Strommen agreed and asked the Council to keep in mind that those partnerships may take different forms. Councilmember LeTourneau agreed that the partnerships may not be only financial but that does not deter Ramsey's support of this effort. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Strommen, Councilmembers Johns, LeTourneau, Kuzma, Riley, Shryock, and Williams. Voting No: None. Former Congressman Jim Abeler thanked the Council for welcoming his successor, reviewed his background in representing this area, and stated his expectations for the future. 7.06: Adopt Resolution #15 -01 -001 for 2015 Council Organization; Resolution #15 -01 -009 Designating Financial Institutions as Official Depositories of City Funds for 2015; Resolution #15 -01 -011 Designating Bank of the West as Official Financial City Council / January 13, 2015 Page 11 of 15