Minutes - Council Work Session - 03/01/2001

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MnDOT, Mayor of Ramsey, Mayor of Maple Grove, Mayor of Dayton, and herself. During that meeting it was the first time that she has heard MnDOT say what might occur at a bridge crossing between Elk River and Ramsey. MnDOT does not want to be the lead agency and it has been suggested that one of the cities be the lead agency. MnDOT did not feel that they have the resources so it was felt there should be a joint powers agreement between the two counties and MnDOT and one of the counties would take the lead. Nobody has talked about the location of the bridge being moved. MnDOT has indicated that their interest is to have as direct a connection to 1-94 as they can get and they have laid out an ambitious schedule. $250,000 has been designated to complete a scoping document which will identify three routes through Hennepin County and should be completed by the end of the year. Once that is completed MnDOT will immediately begin an EIS, which is typically a two year process. Once that phase is completed, MnDOT expects a preferred route to be selected and begin to buy right-of-way immediately. During that meeting the question was asked as to how much land would be needed for an overpass and someone responded 12 acres. The City of Ramsey has always indicated that they want the overpass to go over the railroad tracks and so MnDOT needs to know how much land they will need. Ms. Steffen had conversations with the County Engineer regarding the possible alignments of the overpass and he indicated that section 29 is a crucial area if the City is in agreement with the location of the bridge. It was suggested that the City should place moratorimn on Section 29 while the study is being completed.- Councilmember Hendriksen stated that where there is higher traffic volumes, many of the businesses that currently exist at Armstrong Boulevard and Highway #10 will probably be replaced with businesses that accommodate more people. He does not think that the City should plan around the existing businesses. He also indicated that it might make sense to merge Armstrong Boulevard into the entire development. Ms. Steffen replied that merging Armstrong Boulevard is a possibility being considered by MnDOT. MnDOT would like to see Section 29 preserved on both sides of Highway #10. Councilmember Hendriksen inquired as to why the City needs to include the railroad station to the Comprehensive Plan. He felt that the Council could achieve more by separating those issues and then do a transportation overlay when they have answers. Ms. Steffen replied that there is a time element involved. She explained that the opportunity grant is one that the Governor is interested in and would like to get planning started. If the City wants the opportunity grant then they need to move forward with the Comprehensive Plan. If the Council is in favor of moving the station to the west of Armstrong Boulevard then she has nothing to offer the City, but if there is a compromise east of Armstrong Boulevard then she would have some options to discuss. Mayor Gamec stated that he wants to make sure that the City gets the bridge crossing. Councilmember Hendriksen replied that making the statement that if the City does not have a rail station they will lose the bridge is false. He questioned if the Council is willing to give up all or most of the industrial area for a North Star Corridor station when around that station there needs to be a lot of"rooftops". City Council Work Session/March 1, 2001 Page 4 of 10