Minutes - Council Work Session - 10/27/2020

Home

Mayor LeTourneau asked the possibility to take advantage of this energy and make the projects on Highway 10 more concurrent. He asked how this could be expedited to possibly move ahead with the Anoka improvements, which would combine construction of both the Anoka and Ramsey projects into two years rather than four. Elwyn Tinklenberg provided details on the bonding bill funds and input he received related to program delivery funds and the intent for some of those funds to be spent at Sunfish and Ramsey Boulevards. He stated that MnDOT also believed that this should be a priority because of the federal funding deadlines. He stated that MnDOT stated that they can meet the 2023/2024 timeline and support that timeline. He agreed that if there is a way to accelerate this, the City would be in a good position to do that and gain additional funds. He stated that there seems to be a willingness to move this ahead and fund it. Jennifer Wiltgen, MnDOT, stated that related to schedule, she believes that 2023/2024 is an aggressive schedule when it comes to advancing projects, especially projects with federal funding as there is a specific process that needs to be followed. She stated that they are very supportive, and the District Engineer is supportive of the project. She commented that they are committed to moving this project forward as much as possible and on an accelerated schedule, as much as they can, but with the recognition that they need to coordinate as much as possible with other projects (including the Anoka projects). She stated that Ramsey moved their projects forward and they will work as best as they can to coordinate and move through, making sure that they do as much as they can to mitigate construction. She commented that it has been great to work with Ramsey and Anoka County, as they have taken great leadership. Councilmember Menth asked the next step from here. Mr. Tinklenberg stated that the City’s plan would go back to the next legislative session requesting additional funds. He noted that there are also applications for other funding that may be available. He stated that there has been terrific cooperation and the City needs to continue to push this forward and build on the momentum that has been built. Mr. MacPherson reviewed the next steps, which will begin with the value engineering study. He stated that they will continue to move forward to ensure that this can be delivered on time. Mayor LeTourneau thanked everyone for their efforts in supporting this project. 2.02: Discuss Resolution #20-225 for New Curbside Recycling Contract with ACE Solid Waste, Inc. It was the consensus of the Council to defer this topic to another meeting. 3. TOPICS FOR FUTURE DISCUSSION 3.01: Review Future Topics/ Calendar Noted. City Council Work Session / October 27, 2020 Page 6 of 7