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Councilmember Haas Steffen also stated that although Ramsey is cooperating with rail travel, <br />MnDOT is reticent to support transit because they have no money to build the roads required. <br />Councilmember Zimmerman added "They want us to take the population, but they don't want to <br />help us with the roads." He noted that although they put stoplights on Highway #10, both <br />Ramsey and Anoka County shared in the cost. <br /> <br />Councilmember Hendriksen advised that the Council recently voted to support the westerly river <br />bridge crossing, and therefore, the plan must be updated by deleting the easterly one. He added <br />that there was no need for item #7 of the Goals of the Transportation Plan due to the recent <br />Council action. <br /> <br />With regard to managing traffic, Councilmember Haas Steffen also noted that attempts by the <br />City to establish a "Park and Ride" lot have been futile due to Met Council's policy prohibiting <br />such outside the service area. <br /> <br />Councilmember Anderson stated she didn't want to see us providing "pretend alternatives" to <br />alleviating traffic and thereby letting MnDOT offthe hook. <br /> <br />Mr. Scheib reiterated that the language will clearly state that Ramsey can implement changes to <br />help alleviate some of the traffic, but it is unlikely that they will solve the problem. <br /> <br />Councilmember Haas Steffen inquired as to what happened to the reference of a bridge crossing <br />the Rum River. <br /> <br />Mr. Scheib explained that after researching the possibility, the consultants didn't find this ~ cc <br />alternative, given the environmental impact, as a valuable benefit. <br /> <br />Councilmember Haas Steffen stated such a crossing would be one alternative to keeping traffic <br />off Highway #10, and Mr. Scheib stated they would revisit this possibility. <br /> <br />Councilmember Haas Steffen suggested considering contracting with the Anoka County Traveler <br />for some kind of route included places to shop, the senior housing facility, etc. <br /> <br />Mr. Scheib stated such an endeavor probably wouldn't be feasible for another 10 years. <br /> <br />Referencing the first paragraph of page 61, Councilmember Zimmerman indicated the additional <br />need to focus on development of C.R. #116 west of Armstrong Boulevard, and there was <br />consensus to coordinate this with Anoka County. <br /> <br />Discussion ensued regarding whether Ramsey provides enough affordable housing and just what <br />is affordable housing. Councilmember Haas Steffen mentioned that the average hourly wage <br />provided from Ramsey's newest businesses is $11-12 per hour, and you can't buy a home on that <br />wage. Commissioner Nixt wondered whether the Plan should provide land usage to meet the <br />type of businesses we want to attract. Mr. Scheib pointed out that this was addressed in item 3 of <br />the Economic Development Goals listed on page 116. Commissioner Nixt noted that the rail site <br />would attract good businesses. Commissioner Jensen stated the importance of transitional <br /> <br />City Council-Planning Commission Joint Workshop/January 25, 1999 <br /> Page 3 of 6 <br /> <br /> <br />