4.10. SR 10-08-2001TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
MEMORANDUM
Mayor and City Council
Scott Harlicker, Senior Planner
October 8, 2001
NCDA Update
Item~ 4.10.
Attached is thc agenda and packet information for the October 4, 2001, NCDA meeting.
Mayor IZ-dinzing will provide the update for this item at tonight's Council meeting.
OCT 02 '01 16:51
T0-7634417425
FROH-RIOHARDSON, RITCHER &ASSOC,
NCDA
T-591 P.03/10
F-862
Special Meeting
Agenda
Thursday, October 4, 2001
4:30 p.m.
1
2.
o
Sherburne County Government Center
Elk River, MN
Action Requested
Minutes of the September 6, 2001 NCDA Meeting'
Approval
Mn/DOT Action to Terminate the Northstar Corridor at Big Lake*
Overview of Mn/DOT's Submittal to FTA
Resolution 2001-08
Implications for NCDA's Plan B*
Next Steps
Information
Approval
Discussion
Discussion
Next Meeting
Other
Document attached
Next Meeting: November f, 200'1
OCT 02 '01 16:51 T0-7634417425
FROH-RICHARDSON, RITCHER &ASSOC,
Michael Rober~son 763-441-8823
Tim Johnson
Tom Gamec 763-427-5543
Jim Norman 7~3-427-5543
Ce~ot Fax J. Patrick Cairns 763-241-6021
Roqert Kessler 303-753-1:~26 Mitch Fiedler 763-393-3180
David Loch 218-568-5870 Mary Ostby
Ken Smvens 763-416-1960 Gory Then
Da~ Erha~ 763-323-5682 Daniel Goggles 763-784-3638
P, Colleen Herrmann 763-422-7589 Tim Hawley 763-784-3636
Tim Kirchoff 763-323-6~;6 John Eflenbeckar 3;~0-240-~454
Dartr¢ll Ltpscomb 763-323-5882 Steve Gae~z 320-255-7250
Paq. I McOarron 7~3-3z3--~88z Bot~ Jol~nson 32o-255-5714
Jay McLincJen 763-323-5882 Paul Goenner 783-421-8314
Joe Ol$on 753-323-5418 Robed Monk 763-421-8314
Joe G, Olson, P.E. 763-882-4201 ~Ke~ Hasskamp I202) 225-0699
Etliolt Perovich 763-323.5882 Michael Reis 312-885-0351
Lam/Pfaff 763-323-5682 Robert Bach 612-338-4608
Lena Schreiber 763-323-5682 Tracy Schroeder
Su~ youngs 763.323.t~6~2 David Hlmh (2o2) 673-7610
Ter~ Johnson 763-422-7~05 LeRoy Pauley
Je~iDehler 7~3-3Z3-5682 Lewis Stark 3:~0-251-8539
T raYon[os 763-323-5682 Carol Lace{oreo 612-348-9710
Gary Hammer 7~3-261-4078 Dean Michalko 612-348-9710
Duana CekalJa 320-393-2628 Mark S~ngleln 812-348-8701
Duana Greedy 320-259-4244 Gary Erickson 612-348-~710
Rick ~peak 320-968-5329 John Himle 952-831-5116
'id Paterson Pat Sexton 952-831-5116
.~ Norgren Robert Varani'
Spencer Arndt 783-782-3061 Mark Koegler 612-338-86:38
Patitcla Cosier 312-85~-5690 Ga~y Andrishak 949-833-5511
Johl~ Hovland 763.782-3017 Grog Bruestla
D. J, Mitchell, Il 817-234-7454 Sue Sager 65%28%1298
Ken Butler 7(33-620-4709 Dick Nowlin 651-223-5337.
LucJ Botzek 651-293-0373 Tom Matoff 530-795-4403
Mark Freeburg 763-576-2727 David Mahle
John Weaver 763-421-55.7.2 Ross Kramer 651-228-9787
Robe~ Klrchner 753-578-2727 Tom Poul 651-228-9787
Kelll Neu 763-261-4411 Bill Schreibar 651-228-9787
Ke~ 'J?au{~on 763-261-4686 J~,hn Byrd 612-34~-7675
Janlce Halverson 763-263-0133 Derek Crider
Steve Moore Jim Barton
Jim Thares 763-263-0133 Nacho Diaz 851-602-173a
Roger Fraser 763-785.6156 Ted Mondale 651-602-1358
Tom Ryan 763-785.6156 Kevln Gray 651-297-4795
William Kiffmeyer 320-743.2209 Randy Halvorsen
Walt~ I=eh~t 763-70C-,-3801 Mnr_qo Labau ~51-296-3..R87
Gar~ L. Paterson 783-706-3601 Mary McFsr[and 651-297-4776
Dave' ,~auncier~ Mike ~chadauer 851-284-4113
Jerry Wright 763-421-2601 Ann-Theresa Schmid 651-284-4113
Sco~t Had~cker 763-441-74~5 Cecil Selness 651-296-§135
~'-*~tck ~Klaers 763-441-7425 Elwyn Tinklenberg
.~hank= Klinzing 763-~441-7425 Bob Winter
Robert Barnette 763-571-1267 Tim Worke 651-282-2656
Ste¥~ Billings 763-571.1655 Mike Chris[ansan 651-582-1302
Ro~:rt S. Morgan, PE 612.673.3565 Lynn Clarkowsk[ 651-284-4113
Paq~' ~strow 612-673-3940
i Tuesday, Oclaber 02, 2001 T~eweey, O~lobet n~, ~OO1
T-591 P, 02/10
Tim Houle
Don Meyer
Tom Wenze[
John Brim~ek
Al Vogel
Kathryn DeSpie{]elaere
Linde Jungwirth
Alicia Vap
Brian Bensen
Ray Friedl
Lynn George
Terry Nagorsk[
Bevy Wergln
George Rinelaub
Bill Henson
Mr, Bill Hanson
Thomas Crulkshank
Woody Bissett
Dave Aelkens
Laude Blake
Vincent Montgomery
Paul Danielson
Tom Harrington '
Steve Malloy
Erik S. Mustonen
Bob Post
Mike Ringrose
Mark Ryan
David C;hawalter
Bill Weber
Jeanne Wi~.ig
Dick Wolsfeld
Joe[ EEInger
Sandy Cullan
Myra Paterson
S[aee Peka
Renee Zeleny
Tuesday, Ockmber {32. 7.001
F-862
320-~32-~294
320.632-0294
320-622-0294
202-2~-8803
~51-297-1887
~51-256-275~
651-266-8370
651-266-2761
763-241-2707
763-241-2707
763-263-3543
783-2~1-2707
320-252-6557
32Q-252-6557
(320) 251-3499
612-673-35~5
612-370-137a
612~7~-1378
612-370-1376
512-373-6~6~
503-232-6373
612-370-137~
612-370-1378
~12-370-1378
812-370-1378
812-370-1378
612-370-1378
312-~86-~351
551-430-4350
651-458-5474
320-255-8864
320-255-8864
OCT 02 '01 16:52 T0-7654417425 FROH-RICHARDSON, RITCHER &ASSOC, T-591 P,04/10 F-862
DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT
NORTHSTAR CORRIDOR DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Regular Meeting Minutes
September 6, 2001
The Northstar Corridor Development Authority met in regular session on September 6, 20017 in the Board
Room at the Sherburne County Government Center, Elk River, Minnesota.
Present were: Lynn George, Patrick Cairns, Mary Richardson, Scott Harlicker, Kelli Neu, Woody Bissett,
Bob Johnson, Terry Nagorski, Ewaid Petersen, Gary Hammer, John Norgren, Tom Garnet, Dave Sounders,
Robert Kirchner, Steve Billings, John Weaver. Tom Wenzel. Eugene Young. Renee Zeleny. Greg Bruesfle.
Duane CekalIa, Lewis Stark, Duane Grandy, Jean Keely, Kirsfi Marohn, Sue Youngs, Jeff Dehler, Jim
McLean, Margo LaBan, Ann-Therese gchmid, Miehelle Maflieon, Jon Olson, Kate Garwood, Elliott
Perovich, Dean Michalko, Gerry Botzek, Dartrell Lipscomb, Paul McCarron, Phil Cohen, Lone Schreiber,
Gordon Vass, John Himle, Bill Schrcib~r, David Loch, Peggy Aho
1. The meeting was called to order at 4:35 p.m. by Ci~airperson Betsy Wergin.
A motion was made by Bob Johnson, seconded by Dave Saunders, mid carried unanimously to
approve the agenda of Thursday, September 6, 2001. as presented, and the meeting minutes of June
7, 2001, as presented.
3. Executive Committee/Capital Budget Committee Report:
a)
Chair Wergin reviewed the NCDA Commuter Rail Strategy (Plan B)adopted by the NCDA
Executive Committee on July 12, 2001, which details strategies to ensure that the Northstar
commuter rail project stays on track and state and federal funding is secured in 2002. The
NCDA proposes the following strategies to reach its objectives: ignite local support;
develop a statewide transportation coalition; establish strong, cooperative CRCCC oversight
of Project; and actively pursue federal funding.
b)
A motion was made by Dave Sounders, seconded by Ewald Petersen and carried
unanimously to approve the NCDA proposed 2002 budget in the amount of $750,000 as
recommended by the Executive Committee, with funds to come from member regional
railroad authorities (BenTon County, $59,500; Morrison County, $10,000; Sherburne County,
$89,750; Hennepin County, $109,750; Anoka County, $481,000). Chair Wergin noted that
Mn/DOT had stated to the Executive Committee at its August 23 meeting that Mn/DOT
intends to provide the necessary $2.5 million match for the federal funding. Chair Wergin
further noted that in a phone conversation with Commissioner Tinklenberg on August 29,
the Commissioner had assure her that it is Mn/DOT's intent to provide the $2.5 million.
~)
A marion was made by Paul MeCarron, aeconded by John Norgren and carried unanimously
to approve the recommendation of the Executive Committee that the NCDA approve a
contract wkh Himle Homer fbr public information servic;~ and direct staff to negotiate the
scope and contract amount (up to a maximum amount of $500,000) for 2002. The scope of
services of the contract will include items to held the NCDA implement Plan B.
Page I
OCT 02 '01 16:52 T0-7654417425 FROH-RIOHARDSON, RtTCHER &ASSOC. T-591 P.05/10 F-862
DRAFT DRAFT DR-~,FT DRAFT
Northstar Corridor Development Authority
Regular Meeting Minutes
September 6, 2001
Page 2
d)
Ken Stevens noted that all of thc work specified in thc URS/BRW contract ~cop¢ of 3ervices
has been completed. Mr. Stevens further noted that, due to additional tasks because of the
transition of the Northstar Project to Mn/DOT, URS/BRW has exceeded their contract amount
by $104,760, but subsequent discussions have results in a reduction in that amount to
$21,978.89, which requires a contract increase of $22,490 for a total contract amount of
$1,020,189. A motion was made by Paul McCarron, seconded by Duane Grandy and carried to
approve revising the URS/BRW Preliminary Engineering contract authorizing the Chair to
execute an amendment increasing the contract amount by $21,979, for a total contract amount
of$1,020,189.
e)
The Committee discussed the lawsuit filed by residents in NE Minneapolis who objected
to procedures for locating a commuter rail station in that community. Judge Larson dismissed
all of the plaintiff's claim.q. The Committee acknowledged and expressed gratitude to Mary
Richardson and the staff at Richardson, Richter & Associates for their assistance.
Commuter Rail Coordinating Committee Report (CRCCC):
a) Ken Stevens reviewed the following recommendations which the CRCCC made to the
Commissioner of'Transportation:
])
Recommendation wn~ made to Mn/DOT that Mn/DOT relcaac a request for proposals for thc
hiring of a consultant to evaluate various options for the procurement of vehicles for the
Northstay Commuter Rail project.
2) Recommendation was made to Mn/DOT that Mn/DOT provide an accounting of all state and
federal funds that have been appropriated for the Northstar Corridor, individually and as one
'of the Twin Cities Transit'ways.
~)
A recommendation was made to Mn/DOT that Mn/DOT join the Northstar Corridor
Development Authority in pursuing legislation that u~ould: a) authori:,e crate bonding
authority to finance the $120 million which is needed from the State of Minnesota to match
federal and local funding for thc construction &thc Northstar Project; b) provide for an
exemption from paying sales tax on fuel used for the operations &the commuter rail system;
and c) provide for an exemption from paying sales tax on materials, supplies and equipment
used in the construction and equipment of commuter rail projects, including railroad cars and
engines.
b)
Tim Yantos reviewed the Northstar Commuter Bus Service scheduled to begin operations in
October. 2001. Woody Bisset asked that Mn/DOT give an update on the Commuter Bus
Service in six months. Margo LaBau agreed.
c) Ann-Therese Schmid, Mn/DOT, provided an update on EIS/PE/Final Design. Final comments
have not yet been received.
Page 2
OCT 02 '01 16:52 T0-7654~17425 FROH-RICHARDSON, RITCHER &ASSOC. T-591 P.06/10 F-862
DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT
Northstar Corridor Development Authority
Regular Meeting Minutes
September 6, 2001
Page 3
The next meeting is scheduled for November 1,2001, at 4:30 p.m. at the Sherbume County
Governmenl: Center.
A "draft" Northstar Corridor Development Authority/Commuter Rail Corridor Coordinating
Committee directory was distributed for review. ' Modifications should be sent to Peggy Aho at
Richardson Richter & Associates or brought to the next NCDA meeting.
2002 Legislative Strategy Development
'a) Bill Schreiber and Lona Schreiber expressed the need to provide information and urge support
for the project to legislators and ¢onstituent~.
b) The members met in small groups to discuss options/strategies for meeting with legislators and
constituents.
The Authority decided by unanimous consensus to ad. joum the meeting at 6:15 p.m.
Bctsy W~rgin Clmirp.r~on
Date
H :\Admndam\COMMITTE\CORRI DOR\2001 \M inures\090601 NCDA dra/'Ldoc
Page 3
OCT 02 '01 16:52 TO-7639417425 FROH-RICHARDSON,RITCHER &ASSOC. T-5@1 P.07/10 F-862
IIORTIISTAR
CORRIDOR
F'~ T~p
October 2, 2001
MEMO TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
Executive CommJtteelNCDA Members
Commissioner Paul McCarron, NCDA Intergovernmental Liaison
Mn/DOT Action to Terminate the Northstar Corridor at Big Lake
On Friday, September 28, 2001, we were informed that Mn/DOT submitted to the
Federal Transit Administration (FTA) the Northstar Corridor Rail Project New
Starts Criteria. The documentation was submitted by Mn/DOT without the review
and advice of the Northstar Executive Committee or the CRCCC (the committee
established by law to advise Mn/DOT on issues relating to the Northstar Corridor).
It is important to note that the New Starts Criteria is the information used by the
FTA to rate projects for recommendation for funding by Congress. I was informed
on Friday that the information submitted to the FTA significantly modifies the
definition of the Northstar project. Mn/DOT seems to have unilaterally changed
the project as follows:
1)
The terminus of the project is now Big Lake, not Rice (a 40 mile
corridor, not an 82 mile corridor).
2)
The completion date of the project is now December 31, 2005, not
December 31. 2004.
3)
The capital costs of the project appears to have been reduced only
slightly.
4)
Mn/DOT has chosen to delay the Request to Enter Final Design until
early 2002, not September 2001.
As you may recall, on May 3, 2001, the NCDA adopted Resolution 2001-04,
which defined the Locally Preferred Alternative for the Northstar Final
Environmental Impact Study (ELS). This action was taken by the NCDA as joint
lead agency with Mn/DOT. The Locally Preferred Alternative and the FEIS
defined the corridor as an 82 mile corridor extending from Rice to Minneapolis.
The decision was made based on technical analysis showing that the entire route
is viable and cost effective.
Northstar Corridor Development Authority
2100 3r~ Avenue, Anoka, Minneaota 55303-2265 (363) 323-5700 Fax: (763) 323-5692
www. northstarrrain.org
OCT 02 '01 16:53 T0-7634417425 FROH-RICHARDSON, RITCHER &ASSOC, T-591 P,08/10 F-$62
At our special meeting on Thursday, October 4, 2001, I will be presenting for the
NCDA's consideration a resolution that strongly opposes Mn/DOT's decision and
the unilateral manner in which Mn/DOT submitted the information to the FTA
without regard to the policy position previously taken by the NCDA that supports
the entire corridor.
It is critical that Mn/DOT's action does not result in a loss of momentum for this
very important project. We must continue our efforts to secure funding for the
construction of the entire corridor, and we need to recognize that Congress will
ultimately make the decision regarding the corridor length and funding.
PM:sky
OCT 02 '01 16:53 T0-7654417425 FROH-RICHARDSON,RITCHER &ASSOC. T-591 P,09/10 F-862
Agenda Item #2c
NCDA COMMUTER RAIL STRATEGY
(PLAN
ADOPTED BY THE NCDA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ON JULY 12, 2001
OBJECTIVE:
To ensure that the Northstar commuter rail project stays on track and state and federal
funding is secured in 2002.
ASSETS:
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
NCDA organization - local political support
Strong public support
Public trust in' the Northstar solution
Viable project with history of good project management
Strong legislative team
Strong congressional support
BARRIERS:
2.
3.
4,
5.
House leadership opposition
Northstar commuter rail not seen as top priority for local legislative delegation
Insufficient public advocacy
Mn/DOT takeover weakened support
Northstar not included in Governor's Aglobal solution@
PROPOSED STRATEGY:
1. Ignite local support
We must educate, keep informed, and ask the public to request that their
legislators fund the Northstar commuter rail or the region will suffer
consequences. Increased involvement by NCDA members will be critical to this
effort.
Develop Statewide Transportation Coalition
Many agree that transportation funding as a whole (not just Northstar) was
inadequately addressed by the 2_001 Legislature. The Northstar funding is most
likely to be achieved through bonding, which requires a super majority of 60%.
To get that 60%, we need to align ourselves with other people seeking bonding
money and other interested parties to build a statewide coalition.
Establish Stronq, Cooperative CRCCC Oversiqht of Project
This oversight will be necessary to ensure that the project stays on track and to
avoid escalating costs due to delays. For project advocacy to succeed, the
technical work and the BNSF negotiations must continue to progress in a timely
fashion.
OCT 02 '01 16:53 T0-7634417425 FROH-RICHARDSON,RITCHER &ASSOC, T-591 P, IO/IO F-862
Actively Pursue Federal Fundinq
This element of the strategy will involve providing support to our congressional
delegation and working with Mn/DOT to ensure that all FTA requirements are
met.
IMPLEMENTATION ACTIVITIES:
1. Develop materials for public information and public involvement in the Northstar
Corridor. Examples include newsletters, brochures, project updates, website,
action kit for citizen advocates, media, etc.
Undertake coalition-building activities with transportation/transit stakeholders.
Examples include developing a stakeholder database, involving business
interests and e-mail updates.
3. Develop significant information or involvement initiatives. Examples include
participation at State Fair, a demonstration event, corridor-wide mailing, etc.
4. Work in close coordination with Mn/DOT on project management activities. This
strategy will involve active staff participation as advisors in project development
activities and communicating actively the local expectations and perspective.
FUNDING STRATEGY:
1. To move forward to activate the structure to issue bonds for the local share in
appropriate increments with an initial issuance of $3 million. The proposed uses
of these funds include:
1. $2.5 million to match proposed $10 million FY2002 federal appropriation
2. Up to $500,000 for NCDA implementation activities
To work with Mn/DOT to develop a funding strategy for the use of state and
federal appropriations made for Northstar Corridor individually and as a part of
the Twin Cities Transitways, in 1999, 2000 and 2001.