Minutes - Council Work Session - 09/14/2021

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Councilmember Riley stated Mr. Knaak’s letter says, "litigation matters that do not exceed 10 hours.” Councilmember Riley stated he thinks both parties are qualified, and that is his number one criteria. He added his second criteria is price, and Mr. Knaak is substantially cheaper. Mayor Kuzma stated the current City attorney has done a good job for the City. Councilmember Woestehoff stated, from a financial standpoint, he agrees Mr. Knaak is the better choice. The consensus of the City Council was to move forward with Mr. Knaak’s proposal. 2.03: Update from Legislative Consultant El Tinklenberg El Tinklenberg, legislative consultant, gave an update on what has been going on in the State legislature. He added the Senate voted on the bill that included the City’s application, just as the City Council were discussing interest in withdrawing the application. He added the bill is tied to other legislation, and it is not a foregone conclusion that it will be approved. He noted Senator Klobuchar is optimistic that it will pass, as there is much interest driving the consideration of an infrastructure bill. Mr. Tinklenberg stated the City Council had discussed the possibility of designating Covid relief funds for the potential third lane project. He added what he learned from the Commissioner is that MnDOT has indicated that when they are ready to move forward with the third lane project, after Fair Oak and Ramsey Gateway are completed, funding will be available. He noted that would be better for traffic management for the third lane project in any case. Mr. Tinklenberg stated, with regard to the river crossing that the City Council has discussed, that potential project could represent a terrific opportunity for the City in terms of the economic development that it could support, as well as providing relief to traffic on Highway 10. He noted that is an opportunity that will require a significant degree of City involvement. Mr. Tinklenberg stated he spoke with Representative Stephenson, who has sponsored legislation that would provide funding for the river crossing, and he feels interest level is at a point where there is an opportunity to make progress. He noted there will be a lot of infrastructure money moving around in the next 3-5 years. Councilmember Musgrove stated there are many roadblocks, and this is a long-term vision. She added she understands the importance of getting some funding, but she questions whether it will be possible to get support. Councilmember Musgrove stated she is not interested in Mr. Tinklenberg’s research on the North Star commuter rail to St. Cloud. She added she is interested in Highway 47 capacity and access, as well as the potential river crossing. She noted, with regard to deferring the City’s portion of the $4 million, she would support that rather than adding in more components. City Council Work Session / September 14, 2021 Page 5 of 15