Minutes - Council Work Session - 04/13/2015 - Joint with Anoka CC

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3. DISCUSSION & UPDATES 3.01: Highway 10 City Administrator Ulrich shared an update on the latest legislature action, adding while the $222 million request is an unrealistic ask, it gets the message out regarding the need. He said the first $17 million bill is to fund engineering and planning, the second bill is for frontage road projects for both cities, and the third request is for the Ramsey Boulevard/Sunfish Lake Boulevard road grade separation for rail safety, which is eligible for CTIB funding. Anoka City Manager Cruikshank said the legislature held a productive session last week, stating we were one of many cities and counties requesting funds. He noted the amount of total need far exceeds what is available, adding it is possible nothing will be received. Anoka City Manager Cruikshank said Anoka County did a nice job representing all of us, including Coon Rapids with the Highway 10 third lane project and grade separation at Hanson Boulevard. He said Anoka continues to work with Bolton & Menk with regard to frontage roads, adding Anoka is closer than ever to a grander solution from Main Street west to the Ramsey border. Anoka City Manager Cruikshank said these projects continue to show how two communities are partnering on this corridor. Anoka Director of Public Services /City Engineer Lee said there are funds to initiate a first project from Fairoak to Thurston, with a grant program through Mn/DOT's Municipal Agreement Program that may occur early next year with projects such as additional trailways along Highway 10 and some type of barrier. Anoka Councilmember Freeburg asked if Highway 47 was discussed. Anoka City Manager Cruikshank said Highway 47 was not discussed, stating the County took the lead on Hanson Boulevard, Ramsey Boulevard, and Sunfish Lake Boulevard because they are County roads and while they still could, they have not discussed this particular project. Anoka City Manager Cruikshank said Representative Whalen has introduced a bill for $250,000 to study the area by Highway 47 and the railroad tracks, stating this is a very critical junction and most are heavily used and needs attention. City Engineer Westby said since completion of the access planning study we sought funding for further extension of Riverdale Drive to Ramsey Boulevard but were notified of denial so we will be applying for a cooperative agreement now instead and looking at properties for purchase as they become available. Mayor Strommen said we have not always had a history of working together on this but now are more collaborative with the County taking lead, first with the Armstrong interchange and then whatever is next. She said the reason for the success was the partnership and coordinated strategy, stating we figured out how to prioritize projects while respecting each community's priorities. Special Joint City Council Work Session / April 13, 2015 Page 2 of 8