Agenda - Council - 02/26/2019 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Representative John Heinrich thanked the Council for having them present tonight, as it is helpful to have this information from the City. He stated that he did submit the proposal to make the change for the funding for Ramsey Boulevard. He stated that he also authored a bill to bring the additional third lane from Hanson, not only to Round Lake Boulevard, but further into Anoka at 7th Avenue. He stated that his priority has been on items related to Highway 10. He asked the lifespan of a public safety vehicle before it is replaced. Police Chief Katers stated that typically the estimated life of a police vehicle is five years because of the high number of miles put on the vehicles. He stated that replacement would depend upon the maintenance recommendation, noting that often vehicles are reused by another City department or sold in public auction. Representative Heinrich stated that there has been some discussion on a possible bridge crossing from Dayton to Ramsey across the Mississippi River and noted that he looks forward to continuing those discussions. He stated that it is an honor to serve the cities of Ramsey and Anoka at the State Legislature. Mayor LeTourneau thanked Representative Heinrich for his efforts in authoring bills. He stated that if there is a need for a City Councilmember or staff member from Ramsey to testify, please let him know. He stated that any member of the Highway 10 Subcommittee would be helpful for testifying on any Highway 10 related issue. He noted a recent breakfast that he attended which included members of the Highway 10 coalition and there was some confusion on whether the third lane would go to Round Lake Boulevard to direct traffic to Riverdale or forward further to 7th Avenue. Representative Heinrich stated that he is optimistic that if the approval were given to Round Lake Boulevard, for efficiency he believes that it would make sense to do one project that would go to 7th Avenue. He stated that his mindset is to try to push the issue, as it will need to happen eventually. He stated that whether the full extension to 7th Avenue is approved, or to Round Lake Boulevard, either would be helpful. City Administrator Ulrich stated that at the State of the Cities earlier today, Anoka announced that MnDOT has funds to replace the bridge over the Rum River, along with the Thurston and Fair Oak interchanges. He stated that if the third lane can be added, that will help to get people off the highway during that construction period. Mr. Tinklenberg commented that the City can appreciate the leadership and cooperative efforts of Representative Heinrich towards Highway 10 related issues. He stated that with everything going on at the legislature it would be helpful to have a coordinated group to ensure that a consistent message and correct information is being shared. Representative Heinrich agreed that would be helpful. Representative Peggy Scott stated that she has signed onto all of the bills authored by Representative Heinrich as it is important to support the region. She stated that the majority of her time this session has been spent related to the cleanup of the hazardous waste pit in Andover. City Council Work Session / February 12, 2019 Page 3 of 6