Agenda - Council - 04/26/2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Cotmcihncmber Jeffi'ey requested staff to provide the Council with the true cost if the City were to pay thc entire amount of the capitalized interest in eight years. ["inancc Officer Lurid indicated the next Council meeting will include a resolution to proceed with lhe bonding thc end of May for the Municipal Center and the county share of the bond. City Administrator Norman suggested Case No. 3 be moved up next in the agenda. 3) Northstar Corridor - Ramsey Station and Commuter Bus City Administrator Norman reviewed that in June 2004, the City Council discussed the Northstar Corridor project in a worksession. A rail station feasibility study had been formed on the proposed Ramsey station by the firm of Kimberly-Horn & Associates, Inc. in April 2004 and stall' presented the findings of the feasibility study. The Northstar Development Authority was not prepared to place the Rmnsey station on the map and the Council kept the topic on the work session list of topics to be considered at a later date. He indicated staff was a little disappointed with thc ridership projections, which show a Ramsey station in the year 2025 with half of the ridership of an Anoka station. Staff would like the Northstar Development Authority to reconsider the Ramsey project. He would like to discuss the Council granting staff the authority to proceed in obtaining ridership projections if they are not able to do this with Northstar staff. Representative Natalie Haas Steffen of the Metropolitan Council stated there is some nervousness with the local Northstar Development Authority due to the funding situation in Watshington D.C. She stressed that Ramsey should allow a chance for the political process to work, and they should have access to any public documents. She requested that the City be patient until some things are signed and not to muddy the waters. ('.ouncihnember Cook expressed concern that the Municipal Center parking ramp needs to be completed by the first of the year to qualify for the grant that has been received. However, if the construction is started without receiving the proper paperwork in advance they will not be able to receive ~'cdcral funding. Representative Itaas Steffen replied there is a two year period allowed when a grant is received, with the ability to negotiate a third year for extenuating circumstances. Councihnember Elvig suggested Ramsey work on their due diligence at this time, which does not mcan they need to throw their weight around. There are representatives at the County the City should be working with. He noted the City's need for a Letter of No Prejudice, as this relates to approximately $8,000,000 funding opportunities. Representative t-taas Steffen indicated she would be willing to do what she can to help the City, but they should be careful not to cause any difficulty at the legislature at this time. She does not think thc City has exhausted all the ways to get the information they want. She noted Ramsey has ~dways been included as a station at a later time. She indicated she will assist the City in obtaining the required letter. City Council Work Session/April 5, 2005 Page 4 of 6