Minutes - Council - 01/14/2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Councilmember Musgrove stated that there was previous discussion related to receiving updates. She stated that while the Council has received some written updates, she would like to receive more specific information. She noted that she would also like to hear additional details on what the increase would entail. Elwyn Tinklenberg, The Tinklenberg Group, explained that the previous contract amount has remained consistent for the past several years and includes the preparation phase. He stated that the work thus far included a lot of the preparation, events that involve legislators that occur prior to the session beginning, along with meetings with legislators. He stated that this year will be a critical funding opportunity for Highway 10. He stated that it is clear that there will not be a major effort in terms of a transportation increase and therefore the funding would most likely be bonding that would be allocated to transportation, which requires more work and often occurs at the very end of the session. He stated that the House Transportation Committee is going to be in Ramsey tomorrow and thanked Councilmember Heinrich for her efforts. He highlighted other upcoming events and meetings. He stated that the change will be that during the session there are so many conversations that must be engaged and tracked and the City will be working with the County on a larger scale. He stated that they want to make sure that in all conversations the third lane project and the two Ramsey projects are brought up together, which requires a great level of detail. He stated that he would also organize a Day on the Hill, which would help to create awareness and priority. He stated that they have been successful in creating an environmental that will lead to a good opportunity in this session. Councilmember Heinrich thanked Mr. Tinklenberg for his work on Highway 10. She stated that she has benefited and learned from Mr. Tinklenberg, noting that he represents the City well. She stated that at the end of the day she has to answer to the taxpayer. She asked if there would be a level of work that would not continue if the increase is not awarded. Mr. Tinklenberg commented that he would not do that. He stated that Ramsey has asked him to only have one municipal client, and he obliged. He stated that he wants to see this completed and is proud of the relationship he has with Ramsey and is proud to represent Ramsey as he believes that this is a critically important project not just for Ramsey but for a larger regional area. He stated that he brought forward this request as there would be a much larger level of effort on his part, and others on City staff during this session. He stated that there is a lot of opportunity for confusion during that process and wants to ensure that does not happen. He recognized that his statement was not in his best interest, but he is committed to the City and this effort. Councilmember Heinrich asked if Mr. Tinklenberg is also contracted by Anoka County. She asked how long the rate has remained at $3,300 a month. Mr. Tinklenberg commented that his rate has remained at that rate for the past three years, unchanged. He clarified that he does not contract for Anoka County. He explained that his job is to represent the City of Ramsey and ensure that Ramsey's interests are a part of the discussion as the County has stated that the third lane is its top priority. He believed that there is an opportunity for both options to be successful. City Council/January 14,2020 Page 13 of 16