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<br />Mr. Johnson replied that they will look at a variety of concepts reviewed and confirmed that <br />there would be four concepts plus the no build provided. <br /> <br />Chairperson Riley stated that he is very concerned with the coalition and partners that have <br />already decided that this is the best way, as it could seem that the City would be looking at <br />alternate options. <br /> <br />Ms. Bersaw stated that there was not one answer provided through the access study. She stated <br />that the study was high level, and this will delve into more detail to determine how the railroad <br />would influence the plan and to find the option that would best solve the problem. <br /> <br />Mr. Johnson replied that he thinks this would be a welcome next step from the partnering <br />agencies and municipalities. <br /> <br />Chairperson Riley stated that he would want to make it clear that if this moves forward, the City <br />is working with the partners. <br /> <br />Councilmember Johns stated that this should be done sooner rather than later to provide some <br />answers to local business owners and stakeholders. <br /> <br />Councilmember Kuzma stated that this study could also help to attract future businesses as well. <br /> <br />Chairperson Riley agreed that it will be important to be able to provide some answers of what is <br />and what is not. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Gladhill stated that staff considered making a pitch to the <br />legislature in attempt to gain funding to assist in phases one and two but noted that would delay <br />the process by six months. He suggested to begin with phase one and make the ask of the <br />legislature for phase two. He provided examples of similar actions that other communities are <br />taking with their planning and funding requests for Highway 10 planning. He stated that the City <br />will contribute to the funding of the design regardless, and therefore the City funding the first <br />phase could be appropriate before making an ask of the legislature for future phases. <br /> <br />Councilmember Kuzma asked how this would interact with the efforts of Mr. Tinklenberg. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Gladhill stated that Mr. Tinklenberg believes that this is a <br />necessary <br />certainty in the planning, it will increase the priority ranking of the project. <br /> <br />Chairperson Riley asked for additional details on the planning that has been done for the rail <br />crossings. <br /> <br />City Engineer Westby replied that the previous funding applications for the Ramsey rail <br />applications used the cost estimate that was obtained from Anoka County. He stated that the <br />City has not expended funds to do any additional design work on that. He stated that the more <br />information, the better. He noted that the better the estimate and design work is, the higher <br />ranking and more opportunity you will have. He stated that the City will no longer be competing <br />with Anoka once their funding is completed. He explained that the additional design work will <br />Public Works Committee / January 16, 2018 <br />Page 5 of 13 <br /> <br />