Agenda - Council - 10/25/2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

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no. Our Mission: To work"ettrer to resposibty grow our community,and to provide quality,cost-effective.and efficient government services. CC Regular Session 7.9. Meeting Date: 10/25/2016 Submitted For: Kurt Ulrich,Administrative Services By: Jo Thieling,Administrative Services Information Title: Northstar Corridor Development Authority(NCDA) Status Review Purpose/Background: Purpose: The purpose of this report is to give Council an update re the status of the Northstar Corridor Development Authority. Background:Nearly 20 years ago,the NCDA was formed by a joint powers agreement among 30 cities, town, counties and regional railroad authorities. Their mission was to get the Northstar commuter rail funded,built and operational. The Northstar Commuter Rail has now been operational for nearly seven years. Over the last year,the Executive Committee has been meeting to discuss and evaluate the future of the NCDA. Staff received notice that the recommendation of the Committee is that the NCDA terminate the joint powers agreement establishing the board. The reason stated is that the previous level of effort of all of the members is simply no longer needed. The notification reported that for the last several years,the NCDA has met once or twice per year, and it has become increasingly difficult to get a quorum. It was also stated that the Executive Committee remains committed to completing the line to St. Cloud,but that effort is "not yet ripe." An NCDA meeting has been scheduled for 3:00 p.m. on December 1, 2016,at Sherburne County Government Center in Elk River to "celebrate our successes and to take a critical vote." The action before the NCDA will be to approve the termination of the JPA. Attached to this report is the letter/update received from the Northstar Corridor Development Authority. Observations/Alternatives: Council Member Johns is the City's representative to this board and will be asked to vote on this issue at the December meeting. The action could be opposed,but given that all funding comes from the counties,without the support of the counties the organization will dissolve regardless,unless another funding source is identified (presumably from the cities). Staff sees no reason to oppose the action, or any reason to seek alternative funding to continue the organization at this time. Recommendation: It is recommended that the Council consider the information and provide input, if any,to NCDA Member Johns. Action: