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Mr. Tinklenberg stated the $123 million, the number Anoka County is using, would do the <br />projects listed in the Plan. <br />Councilmember Shryock explained that Anoka County's $17 million proposal is newer and there <br />is a timeframe being considered so projects may go forward or backward depending on available <br />funding. <br />City Administrator Ulrich stated the $17.4 million would not match any project totals but it <br />would total the engineering design costs for all of the projects in the Plan. It would then allow <br />for taking next steps to move projects forward such as property acquisition for rights -of -way. <br />Councilmember Williams asked if that is the new plan, for the engineering and planning to be a <br />comprehensive effort for the whole corridor. <br />Mr. Tinklenberg explained the $17.4 million proposal relates to all of the design, engineering, <br />and environmental work for the whole Plan. The sequence will have variability depending on <br />projects ready to move forward and available funding. He stated the Thurston and Fairoak <br />Avenues project will take longer to get ready because it is more complicated. In the meantime, <br />other projects may be considered so there will be variability. He stated if you look at the whole <br />package, there is the estimated cost of $123 million to do all the projects. Of that, it would <br />require $17 million for design and engineering if done all at once. Mr. Tinklenberg explained <br />that Anoka County's resolution allows them a good deal of flexibility in terms of where they end <br />up. They will attempt to get legislation for funding of the full amount but if that is not possible, <br />they will fall back to a smaller request of $56 million and if that is not considered they will fall <br />back to the $17 million proposal. He noted it is hard to state what is supported as it may change <br />but the City can indicate support for improvements to the corridor, Anoka County's initiative, <br />and the rail crossing request in Ramsey. <br />Acting Mayor LeTourneau stated he appreciates the fact that it appears the City is moving <br />forward with a plan, the rail crossing piece, and recognition of and continuing efforts to represent <br />the best interests of the corridor but he struggles with economy of scale. He stated the City <br />wants to meet its mission and it is known there will be a grade separation and traffic separation at <br />both intersections. He stated there will be associated cost with the two projects and asked <br />whether there would be a cost savings to do the two projects at the same time to gain an <br />economy of scale. He also asked what it will cost Ramsey to not do both rail crossing projects <br />together. <br />Councilmember Shryock stated additional issues relate to the time, disruption, and effort of two <br />construction projects that are not undertaken concurrently. Another significant consideration is <br />closing it twice. <br />Mayor Strommen stated Anoka County had indicated they did not believe there was a savings <br />with concurrent projects. <br />City Council Work Session / March 10, 2015 <br />Page 6 of 11 <br />