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<br />Ms. Corkell stated that MnDOT completed their regional corridor study in 2002 and their <br />recommendation, at that time, was to close the Ferry Street interchange. She stated that Anoka <br />did not want this to close and MnDOT asked them to consider closing the Main Street <br />interchange. She stated that she thinks Anoka is getting close to making a decision about which <br />interchange they will support closing. <br /> <br />Mr. DeMars stated that, while official mapping is a difficult process, this step needs to be <br />completed in order for MnDOT to financially support the project. . <br /> <br />Mayor Gamec asked if the maps previously completed could be used. <br /> <br />Mr. DeMars stated that they will not repeat any maps that have been officially filed, but they <br />may need to augment those maps. <br /> <br />Mr. DeMars reviewed the proposed schedule for the project, including one team meeting a <br />month, and at least four public meetings. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig noted that Ramsey has a history of having a very involved community and <br />he would like to make sure residents have ample opportunity to give feedback on this project. <br /> <br />Ms. Fricke stated that SRF Engineering is really committed to public involvement and reviewed <br />the ways the public will have a chance to be involved. She reviewed the environmental process, <br />which begins with the initial interchange layout. She stated that the first portion will focus on <br />the preliminary technical work, surveying contaminated sites and a cultural resources survey. <br />She stated that after there is a preferred design layout, then they get going on the environmental <br />documentation. She stated that they will complete one document that fulfills both the State and <br />Federal requirements and when this is complete, will go out for public and agency review. She <br />reviewed the tools SRF Engineering uses for stakeholder involvement such as meetings, <br />newsletters, press releases and website. She noted that of the public meetings scheduled, two of <br />them are broad public information meetings and the others are planned to be more one-on-one <br />meetings with businesses to get their ideas and concerns. She stated that right now, she expects <br />the newsletter to be a stand alone type document, but the City could choose to include articles in <br />the City or County newsletter also. <br /> <br />Public Works Director Olson stated that for good communication with the public there has been <br />discussion of including information in the Ramsey Resident, which goes out to the entire City <br />versus a separate mailing that would just go to the parties within the project area. He stated that <br />the City can tailor this communication however they feel the citizens will be best served. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig stated that if a big business, like Target would like to come to the City, <br />that would greatly change the demographics and traffic patterns for this area. He stated that is <br />similar to what happened in Lakeville, where they put in traffic interchanges anticipating growth <br />as a way to stimulate growth, and it happened. He stated that he would like the City to consider <br />finding business partners to really get things going. <br /> <br />City Council Work Session / October 9, 2007ePage 3 of 6 <br />