Minutes - Council - 02/08/2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

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7. COUNCIL BUSINESS 7.01: Highway 10 Update City Administrator Ulrich reviewed the staff report noting that Highway 10 is and will continue to be a high priority for the City. He stated that in January 2016 the Council approved an extension to the contract with Elwyn Tinklenberg, The Tinklenberg Group. He stated that the extension of the contract is to continue the work on the Highway 10 Improvement Development Plan and as part of the contract Mr. Tinklenberg will give monthly status updates to the City Council. Elwyn Tinklenberg, The Tinklenberg Group, congratulated the City for all of its accomplishments of 2015. He stated that there are a lot of things going on in preparation for the next legislative session which will be compressed due to the construction occurring. He stated that there are some great advantages for the City, noting that the City's legislators are well versed in the issue of Highway 10 because of the persistence of the City. He thanked Representative Whelan as she carried the Highway 10 bill the previous session for the underpass improvements. He stated that Senator John Hoffman will carry that bill in the Senate as the City is currently lacking representation. He stated that there is a focus on a larger project approach because of the increased participation in the coalition with the County, City of Anoka, and City of Coon Rapids. He noted that there would be a separate project discussion in regard to rail safety in Ramsey for the Sunfish and Ramsey Boulevard underpass areas. He provided an update on meetings, which have occurred with business leaders and legislators. He stated that the new Federal transportation bill is coming to the State in the form of block grants, related to specific areas of transportation improvements, such as rail safety and intersection improvements. He stated that they are cautiously optimistic that this could be a good year for transportation projects and the future of transportation. 7.02: Real Estate Contract Amendment: City of Ramsey and McDonalds USA LLC Asst. City Administrator/Economic Development Manager Brama reviewed the staff report and recommendation to amend the real estate contract amendment between the City of Ramsey and McDonalds USA LLC as. negotiated. Councilmember LeTourneau stated that there has been robust discussions on this matter. He stated that the Council is excited that this business will be coming to the City. Motion by Councilmember LeTourneau, seconded by Councilmember Kuzma, to amend the Real Estate Contract Amendment between the City of Ramsey and McDonalds USA LLC and to direct staff to execute the amended agreement subject to the review and approval of the City Attorney. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Strommen, Councilmembers LeTourneau, Kuzma, Johns, Riley, Shryock, and Williams. Voting No: None. City Council / February 8, 2016 Page 5 of 6