Agenda - Council Work Session - 07/28/2020

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CC Work Session 2.4. Meeting Date: 07/28/2020 Information Title: Discuss Public Input Plan for Ramsey Gateway Plan - US Highway 10/169 Improvements Purpose/Background: The purpose of this case is to provide a high-level overview of the status of planning and design for Highway 10/169 Improvements as well as seek direction on continuing a communications and public input plan. Anoka County is the lead agency in the design process for US Highway 10/169 (the Ramsey Gateway). Anoka County has selected Bolton and Menk to complete Preliminary Design and Final Design for the Ramsey Boulevard Interchange. Funding was provided by the Minnesota Legislature through a previous bonding award. In addition, the City was recently awarded a $40 Million Grant from the US Government through an INFRA Grant. The City Engineer will provide a brief overview of the design process. During the Planning Study that preceded Engineering Design, the City was the lead agency and led public engagement and communication efforts. During the transition from the City to Anoka County, there have not been additional workshops or major communication efforts. There has been a targeted mailing to properties near the Ramsey Boulevard Interchange from Anoka County providing a status update. Additional updates and public engagement are planned once the design process begins in earnest. Staff is seeking consensus from the City Council that the City requests additional public engagement and communication within the next 30 days. There have been multiple properties with change in ownership. There are some stakeholders that expect quarterly updates, at minimum. In discussions with several Property Owners, there still appears to be a gap of knowledge of the approved plan for the Ramsey Gateway. Anoka County has been an excellent partner on this project in planning, communication and securing nearly $45 Million to date for the project. The intent of this case is to confirm that the City Council desires to communicate to Anoka County a hope to schedule additional communications/updates and perhaps a virtual town hall within the next 30 days. This case comes at the request of Council members. Timeframe: 30 minutes Funding Source: This case is being handled as part of normal Staff duties. Responsible Party(ies): Deputy City Administrator City Engineer Outcome: Staff seeks direction from the City Council to request that Anoka County, as lead agency, add additional short-term communication and public input opportunities for the Highway 10/169 Design Process. Attachments