Agenda - Council - 07/24/2018 - Laserfiche WebLink

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This item moved to be considered as agenda Item 7.00. 7.04: Consider Authorization for the Submission for a Grant Application to Metropolitan Council for the Mississippi Skyway Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood reviewed the staff report and recommendation to apply for approximately $3,240,000 in Federal funding through the Metropolitan Council's Regional Solicitation grant program, due July 13, 2018. He noted that this funding opportunity would not occur again until 2020. Councilmember Kuzma asked how a bicyclist could go down the other side. Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood provided the options for cyclists which would include riding on the ramp, walking bicycles down the stairs, or using the elevator. He noted that this would also be a rail station improvement. Motion by Councilmember Kuzma, seconded by Councilmember Johns, to authorize/not authorize the application of approximately $3,240,000 in Federal funding through Metropolitan Council's Regional Solicitation grant program for the Mississippi Skyway. Further discussion: Councilmember Riley stated that he has opposed this project in the past and will continue to do so. Acting Mayor LeTourneau stated that in the past the Council has stated that this would be a great project but would not want to spend tax payer dollars on the project and therefore has directed staff to apply for outside funds. Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood confirmed that the City has received outside funding for the development of the plans and the touchdown pad on other side of the highway. He stated that the National Parks Service has also seen the value in the project and contributed to this being a shovel ready project. He believed that the progress would place the City in a favorable position for the funding. Councilmember Shryock recognized the different partnerships and funding sources, acknowledging that this project is valuable in different ways. She stated that this project would take advantage of potential outside funding sources. She commended staff for coordinating multiple funding sources to address the concern the Council has had with the funding of the project in the past. Matt Kuker, PSD, stated that his company donated the touchdown pad as they believe this would be a benefit to the City. He stated that if the City built this pedestrian bridge that would attract additional development opportunities. He noted that this would also provide opportunities for people to walk to the businesses in The COR. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Acting Mayor LeTourneau, Councilmembers Kuzma, Johns, and Shryock. Voting No: Councilmember Riley. 7.05: Adopt Resolution #18-142 Approving Final Versions of Agreements Affiliated with Affinity at Ramsey, Case of Inland Group (Previously Agenda Item 4.10) Community Development Director Gladhill reviewed the staff report and recommendation to approve the revised agreements. He noted that the EDA has previously recommended approval City Council / July 10, 2018 Page 8 of 10