Loading...
4.5. SR 09-15-2003City 13065 Oron0 Parkway ElkRiver, MN 55330 MEMORANDUM Item# 4°5. TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: Mayor and City Council Scott Harlicker, Senior Plannel~' September 15, 2003 Northstar Corridor Update At the NCDA meeting held on September 4th the Authority discussed the feasibility to extend bus service to Big Lake and approved request by Sauk Rapids for a commuter rail feasibility analysis. The updated ridership study authorized by the legislature is moving forward. Phone: 763.635.1000 Fax: 763.635.1090 DOCUMENT2 www. ci.elk-river, mn.us NCDA Agenda September 4, 2003 4:30 p.m, Sherburne County Government Center Elk River, MN Action Requested 1. Minutes of the July 10, 2003 Meeting* 2. Executive Committee Recommendation: A. Amendment #1 to Kimley-Horn, Inc. Agreement for Advanced Preliminary Engineering Services* B. Selection of Firms for Project Management Services* C. Northstar Commuter Bus Service* 3. Northstar Commuter Bus: Feasibility of Extension of Services to Big Lake 4. Consideration of City of Sauk Rapids Request for Commuter Rail Station Feasibility Analysis* 5. Advanced Preliminary Engineering: Ridership Evaluation Update on Legislative Activities A. State B. Federal 7. Update on Community Involvement Activities A. Citizens B. Businesses* 8. Other Approval Consider Executive Committee Recommendations Discussion Approval Information Information Information * Documentation enclosed DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT NORTHSTAR CORRIDOR DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Regular Meeting Minutes July 10, 2003 The Northstar Corridor Development Authority met on July 10, 2003, in regular session at the Sherbume County Government Center, Elk River, Minnesota. The following members, alternates and citizens were present: Paul McCarron, Lynn George, Duane Grandy, LeRoy Pauley, Ken Paulson, John Norgren, Denise Klint, Ewald Peterson, Terry Nagorski, Woody Bissett, Art Daniels, Jeanne Mason, Dan Lieser, Dick Soyka, Felix Schmiesing, Janice Halvorson, Linda Jungwirth, Kirsti Marohn, Alicia Vap, Todd Rapp, Jim Barton, Mike Rogers, Paul Danielson, Annie Taff, Lewis Stark, Dean Michalko, Steve Novak, Peggy Aho, Mark Stenglein, Bob Bamette, Steve Billings, Tom Gamec, John Weaver, Arne Engstrom, John Ellenbecker, Patrick Cairns, Jeff Dehler, John Himle, Bill Schreiber, Mike Schadauer, Ken Stevens, Brian Bensen, Dartrell Lipscomb, Lona Schreiber, John Olson, Kaye Bechtold, Cassidy Bechtold, Tim Yantos, Dan Erhart, Jean Keely, Bruce Nawrocki, Elliott Perovich 1. Duane Grandy, Chairperson, called the meeting to order at 4:35 p.m. A motion was made by Ewald Peterson, seconded by Paul Ostrow to approve the agenda of July 10, 2003, as presented, and the meeting minutes of the June 5, 2003 as presented. 3. Executive Committee Report: a) A motion was made by Paul Ostrow, seconded by Ewald Peterson and carried unanimously to approve the recommendation of the Northstar Executive Committee to approve the 2nd half of 2003 and 1 st half of 2004 budget at $6,015,897 with member contributions as follows: Benton $ 128,710.75 Sherbume $ 310,344.75 Hennepin $ 266,615.13 Anoka $1,202,126.37 Morrison $ 10,000.00 TOTAL $1~917~797.00 b) A motion was made by Ame Engstrom, seconded by Art Daniels and carried unanimously to approve the recommendation of the Northstar Executive Committee that the NCDA select Kimley-Horn & Associates as Technical Consultant for Advance Preliminary Engineering Services and authorize the Chairperson to finalize negotiations and execute the agreement in the amount of $428,900 ($348,900 scope of work; $80,000 contingency) for the time period of July 7, 2003 through October 1, 2004. DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT Northstar Corridor Development Authority Regular Meeting Minutes July 10, 2003 Page 2 c) A motion was made by Tom Gamec, seconded by Patrick Caims and carried unanimously to approve the recommendation of the Northstar Executive Committee authorizing the Chairperson to finalize negotiations and execute the contract amendments as follows: 1) 2) 3) Amendment #4 with Ken Stevens increasing the contract amount by $15,000 for services through October, 2003; Amendment #4 with Richardson, Richter & Associates, Inc. increasing the contract amount by $25,000 for services through October, 2003; Amendment #1 with Himle Homer Incorporated increasing the contract amount by $250,000 for services through December, 2003. d) A motion was made by Ame Engstrom, seconded by Tom Gamec and carried unanimously to approve and authorize the Chairperson to execute Resolution #2003-2 indicating that the NCDA is willing to fund the operation of the Northstar Commuter Bus Service as a demonstration project for a period of one year from 10/1/03-9/30/04, so long as: 1) funding is provided by the federal government, Mn/DOT and Metropolitan Council, pursuant to agreements acceptable to the NCDA; and 2) the local cost of providing such service is shared equally between Sherbume County Regional Railroad Authority, Anoka County Regional Railroad Authority and the Northstar Corridor Development Authority; and that the Northstar Corridor Development Authority will explore opportunities (including farebox recovery) to reduce the local government cost of such service and that the Northstar Corridor Development Authority will consider extending the service beyond September, 2004, if additional federal funding becomes available. A motion was made by Mark Stenglein, seconded by Patrick Cairns, and carried unanimously to approve and authorize the Chairperson to execute Resolution #2003-03 authorizing entering into a Grant Agreement with the Minnesota Department of Transportation and agrees to provide the local match as set forth in the budget. DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT Northstar Corridor Development Authority Regular Meeting Minutes July 10, 2003 Page 3 o o John Himle, Himle Homer, Inc. provided an update on public information strategies for the remainder of 2003 including public outreach and communication, legislative and administration communication, news media and research. Discussion was held on convening a work group to further study the feasibility of constructing the Northstar Commuter Rail. The tasks of the work group as set forth in passed legislation is: update ridership forecasts for the commuter rail based on 2000 census data and seek updated information from the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad regarding capacity improvements, railroad usage rights, construction, risk and liability allocation and other related issues. Findings of the work group will be presented to the chairs and ranking members of legislative committees having jurisdiction over transportation and capital investment during the 2004 Legislative Session. A motion was made by Art Daniels, seconded by Felix Schmiesing and carried unanimously to appoint the following individuals to represent the NCDA on the Northstar Work Group: Members: Tim Yantos, Co-Chair Ken Stevens, NCDA Mary Richardson, NCDA Gary Erickson, Hennepin County Brian Bensen, Sherbume County Jon Olson, Anoka County David Loch, Benton County Resource People: Bob Kessler, Kessler & Associates Paul Anton, Anton Lubov & Associates David Mahle, Mainline Management, Inc. John Sullivan, Anoka County Risk Manager Colleen Herrmann, Anoka County Attorney's Office Paul McCarron, McCarron and Associates Elected Officials Advisors: NCDA Executive Committee Members Representative Kathy Tinglestad Don Betzold, Senator DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT Northstar Corridor Development Authority Regular Meeting Minutes July 10, 2003 Page 4 A motion was made by Ken Paulson, seconded by Terry Nagorski to approve a feasibility study for the Northstar Commuter Bus project to be extended to the City of Big Lake. After discussion, a motion was made by Tom Gamec, seconded by Ken Paulson and carried unanimously to amend the motion to request that a feasibility study be conducted and reviewed by the Executive Committee with a recommendation developed for consideration by the NCDA at their August 7, 2003 meeting. o The next meeting of the Northstar Corridor Development Authority is scheduled for Thursday, August 7, 2003, at 4:30 p.m. at the Sherbume County Government Center. 9. A motion was made by and carried unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 5:55 p.m. Duane Grandy, Chairperson Date H2Admndata\Committees\Corridor NCDA~2003\Minutes\071003 NCDA Draft.doc NCDA Executive Committee Agenda Item #3 NCDA Agenda Item #2A MEMORANDUM August28,2003 To: From: Subject: Executive Committee / Capital Budget Committee Northstar Corridor Development Authority Tim Yantos, Project Director Amendment No. 1 to the Kimley-Horn, Inc. Agreement for Advanced Preliminary Engineering Services At the July 2003 NCDA meeting, the NCDA entered into an agreement for preliminary engineering services with Kimley-Horn, Inc. One of the steps in the procurement process is that a successful proposer is required to provide pre-award audit information to Mn/DOT on itself and any subcontractors performing work of $10,000 or more. The Mn/DOT audit department has requested the NCDA to consider a number of contract amendments as a result of the pre-award audit. Staff is working with Mn/DOT staff to determine which of the recommendations, if any, require a contract amendment. In anticipation of Mn/DOT recommended changes, staff are recommending that the NCDA Executive Committee / Capital Budget Committee make a recommendation to the NCDA that the NCDA authorize the Chair to negotiate and execute a contract amendment, if upon completion of the pre-award audit, an amendment to the original agreement is necessary. Action Requested: The Executive Committee / Capital Budget Committee recommends that the NCDA authorize the Chair to finalize negotiations and execute Amendment No. 1 to the Advanced Preliminary Engineering Agreement with Kimley- Horn, Inc., if upon completion of the pre-award audit an amendment to the original agreement is necessary. Northstar Corridor Development Authority 2100 3''' Avenue, Anoka. Minnesota 55303-2265 (763) 323-5700 Fax: (763) 323-5682 www. northstartrain.org Date: To: From: Subject: NCDA Executive Committee Agenda Item #4 NCDA Agenda Item #2B MEMORANDUM August 28, 2003 Northstar Corridor Development Authority Staff Selection of Firms for Project Management Services Background The Northstar Corridor Development Authority (NCDA) issued a request for proposals ("RFP") soliciting proposals for project management services through the completion of the Northstar commuter rail project. The NCDA received 20 requests for the RFP. Six firms attended the pre- proposal meeting on August 14, 2003. Two responses to the RFP were received: (1) a joint venture proposal by Richardson Richter & Associates, Inc., Kenneth Stevens and Loch & Associates; and (2)InterNuntius, Inc. An evaluation team was formed to evaluate the responses to the RFP. The team included the following members: Tim Yantos, Project Manager Colleen Herrmann, Assistant Anoka County Attorney Karen Skepper, Community Development Manager, Anoka County Mike Schadauer, Fixed Guideway Transit Manager, Minnesota Department of Transportation Proposals were evaluated and scored based on the following criteria: experience of the proposing firms, experience of personnel, work plan, quality of response, disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) participation, ability to meet contractual requirements, and price. Results of the Evaluation The joint venture proposal of Richardson, Richter & Associates, Inc., Kenneth Stevens and Loch & Associates consistently scored equal to or higher than the other proposals in most criteria. The joint venture team has strong qualifications and experience related to the services requested by the NCDA and includes substantial participation of a DBE firm. In addition, Richardson, Richter & Associates, Inc., Kenneth Stevens, and Loch & Associates have a history of on-time and on-budget performance and these firms have considerable experience in 1 Northstar Corridor Development Authority 2100 3'" Avenue, Anoka, Minnesota 55303-2265 (763) 323-5700 Fax: (763) 323-5682 w ww.northstartrain.or.g providing the requested services to the NCDA. The joint venture proposal of Richardson, Richter & Associates, Inc., Kenneth Stevens and Loch & Associates agreed to the contract terms set forth in the RFP, but took minor exceptions to the insurance requirements. In addition, the proposal requests a modification to the NCDA's escalation of fees payable under the contracts be modified. Finally, the proposal demonstrated a clear understanding of the NCDA's needs for project management services. Staff recommends that the proposal of Richardson, Richter & Associates, Inc., Kenneth Stevens, and Loch & Associates be selected and that the Chair of the NCDA be authorized finalize negotiations and execute agreements with each of these firms for a term ending December 31, 2008, with the option to extend the term of the agreements by mutual agreement of the parties. The RFP provides that the contract maximum would be established by the NCDA on an annual basis and incorporated into the agreement by amendment. Staff recommends that the contract maximums through 2004 be as follows: Richardson Richter & Associates, Inc. Kenneth Stevens Loch & Associates $200,000.00 $100,000.00 $5O,OOO.OO Action Requested: That the Executive Committee recommend that the NCDA select the joint venture proposal of Richardson, Richter & Associates, Inc., Kenneth Stevens, and Loch & Associates and authorize the Chair to finalize negotiations and execute agreements as outlined above. 2 DATE: August 28, 2003 NCDA Executive Committee Agenda Item #5 NCDA Agenda Item #2C MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: RE: NCDA Executive Committee / Capital Budget Committee NCDA Staff Northstar Commuter Bus Service At its last meeting, the Northstar Corridor Development Authority (NCDA) adopted Resolution #2003-02 (attached), agreeing to assume responsibility for the Northstar Commuter Bus service for a period of one year and to share equally with Anoka County and Sherburne County Regional Railroad Authorities in the local share of the costs. This action was contingent on the terms and conditions of the necessary agreements being acceptable to the NCDA. In order to assume responsibility for the bus service, the NCDA will enter into a number of agreements including: A grant agreement with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT), pursuant to which Mn/DOT will provide federal and state funding for one additional year. A assignment agreement between Laidlaw Transit Service, Inc., (the commuter bus service provider currently under contract with Mn/DOT), Mn/DOT, 'and the NCDA. This agreement will transfer Mn/DOT's rights and obligations under the Laidlaw agreement to the NCDA. An agreement with the Metropolitan Council to provide to the NCDA a reimbursement for Northstar Commuter Bus fares collected by Metropolitan Council as part of the regional transit system. An agreement between the NCDA and Anoka County to provide contract management services, relating to Laidlaw Transit Service, Inc.'s operation of the Northstar Commuter Bus system. Staff are reviewing the terms and conditions of the drafts of contracts provided by Mn/DOT and the Metropolitan Council. It is anticipated that some revisions and negotiations with Mn/DOT will be necessary. Staff will present a contract summary and recommendation to the Executive Committee and the NCDA at the September 4, 2003, meeting. Action Requested: Consideration of recommendation and appropriate resolutions. Northxtar Corridor De velopment Authority 2100 3'~ Avenue, Anoka, Minnesota 55303-2265 (763) 323-5700 Fax: (763) 323-5682 www. northstartrain.org NCDA Executive Committee Agenda Item #6 NCDA Agenda Item #2d NORTHSTAR CORRIDOR DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY RESOLUTION 2003- ~) ~ NORTHSTAR COMMUTER BUS SERVICE WHEREAS, the Northstar Corridor Development Authority initiated the planning and development of the Northstar Commuter Bus Project, in conjunction with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT); and WHEREAS, Mn/DOT took over the Northstar Commuter Bus Project and commenced operations in October 2001 using State and federal funding; and WHEREAS, the purpose of the Commuter Bus Service is to provide an interim solution to the transportation needs of the Corridor and to promote the future use of Northstar Commuter Rail by offering a transit alternative to serve the Corridor; and WHEREAS, the Northstar Commuter Bus is successfully attracting' ridership at the Elk River and Riverdale Park and Ride Facilities; and WHEREAS, the 2004 Legislature authorized Mn/DOT to provide funding from accumulated fare revenues for one additional year of operation (1011103- 9130104) if'~he NCDA or a local governmental unit agrees to operate the service beginning October 1, 2003 and provides the necessary local match; and WHEREAS, the local match for one year of service is $103,608. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That the Northstar Corridor Development Authority is willing to fund the operation of the Northstar Commuter Bus Service as a demonstration project for a period of one year from 10/1/03- 9/30/04, so long as: 1) funding is provided by the federal government, Mn/DOT and Metropolitan Council as laid out in attachment A, pursuant to agreements acceptable to the NCDA; and 2) the local cost of providing such service is shared equally between Sherburne County Regional Railroad Authority, Anoka County Regional Railroad Authority and the Northstar Corridor Development Authority; and NCDA Executive Committee Agenda Item #6 NCDA Agenda Item #2d BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the Northstar Corridor Development Authority will explore opportunities (including farebox recovery) to reduce the local government cost of such service and that the Northstar Corridor Development Authority will consider extending the service beyond September, 2004, if additional federal funding becomes available. Duane Grandy, Chairperson Dated: Certification I hereby certify that the foregoing resolution is a true and correct copy of the resolution presented to and adopted by the Northstar Corridor Development Authority at a duly authorized meeting thereof held on the 10th day of July, 2003 as shown by the minutes of said meeting in my possession. (Name) (Title) .- C A OUNTY OF ANOK O. ffice of Public Services Di~,ision Administration GOVERNMENT CENTER 2100 3rd Avenue · Anoka, Minnesota 55303-2265 (763) 323-5700 JON G. OLSON, P.E. Division Manager Direcl #763-323-5789 Fax #763-323-5682 Mobile #612-850-4106 jon.olson @ co.anoka.mn.us June 5, 2003 MEMO TOA/~I Northstar Corridor Development Authority FROM:,(~ Jori OIson, Division Manager, Public Services SUBJECT: NORTHSTAR COMMUTER COACH UPDATE - JUNE 5, 2003 AS OF JUNE 5, 2003, DONNA ALLAN OF MNOOT HAS CONFIRMED OUR COST NUMBERS FROM MY MARCH 11,2003 MEMO. THIS MEMO EXPANDS ON THAT INFORMATION IN LIGHT OF THE LEGISLATION PASSED THIS YEAR. THE FOLLOWING REFLECTS THE FUNDING REMAINING ANO NEEDED TO CONTINUE COMMUTER COACH SERVICE FROM ELK RIVER AND RIVERDALE TO DOWNTOWN MINNEAPOLIS AFT, ER SEPTEMBER 30, 2003, ALONG W!TH THE SOURCE OF THOSE FUNDS. USAG~ ~EACH BUS HAS A CAPACITY OF EIGHT (8) BUSES RUN IN EACH DIRECTION DAILY TOTAL PASSENGER CAPACITY 57 PERSONS X 8 BUSES. 456 PASSENGERS RIDERSHIP WAS NEARLY 700 PER DAY IN OCTOBER. SINCE JANUARY THE AVERAGE HAS BEEN 558 PER OAY OR 279 EACH WAY (SEE A-I-FACHED SHEET). PERCENTAGE OF CAPACITY = 558/912= 61% FULL ACTUAL RIDERSHIP BY PICKUP LOCATION IS SHOWN ON THE ATTACHED SHEET. BASICALLY 73% RIDE FROM ELK RIVER ANO 27% FROM RIVERDALE. COST OF SERVICE MONTHLY BUS LEASE (80% FEDERAL): TRIP RATE FOR 9-30-03 TO 9-30-04 IS $137.90 PER TRIP TIMES 16 TRIPS PER DAY TIMES 21 DAYS PER MONTH: MONTHLY ADMINISTRATIVE FEE TO RUN SERVICE: $43,169 $46,335" $10752 Contract Issues with Laidlaw TOTAL MONTHLY COST: S100,226' FAX: 783-323-5682 Affirmative Action/EquaIOpportunity Employer TDD/-FTY: 763-323-5289 Memo Continued Page 2 Northsta. r Corridor Commuter Coach Update TOTAL FUNDING AVAILABLE FEDERAL FUNDS FOR MONTHLY BUS LEASE: FARE BOX RECOVERY: METR© TRANSIT FARE CARD (FARE BOX RECOVERY): TOTAL MONTHLY REVENUE: MONTHLY OPERATING SUBSIDY MONTHLY SUBSIDY ($100,226 LESS $63,185): THE CURRENT LEGISLATION INDICATES THAT THE LOCAL UNIT OF GOVERNMENT MUST PROVIDE THE MATCH FOR THE FEDERAL FUNDS, THAT AMOUNTS TO $8,634 PER MONTH. THE LEGISLATION PROVIDES FOR THE STATE TO PAY THE REMAINDER OF APPROXIMATELY $28,407. PER MONTH. ANNUAL OPERATING SUBSIDY_ ANN. UAL LOCAL COST TO PROVIDE SERVICE $8,634 TIMES 12 MONTHS: THESE COSTS HAVE BEEN PAID BY MNDOT FROM THE "ADVANTAGE FOR TRANSIT" FUNDS THAT WERE PUT IN PLACE DURING THE LAST ADMINISTRATION; THEY LAPSE ON 9-30-03. ANNUAL COST TO THE STATE TO PROVIDE THE SERVICE $28,407 TIMES 12 MONTHS: $34,535" $ 3,65O* $25,000* I Agreement with Met I Councilneeded $63,185' $37,041' $ 8,634 $28,407 $103,608 J Annual cost to LGU $340,884'** [ Annual cost to State * THESE COSTS VARY EACH MONTH DEPENDING ON THE NUMBER OF WEEK DAYS IN THE MONTH ** AS OF 9-30-03 THERE WILL BE APPROXIMATLY $700,000 OF FEDERAL FUNDS REMAINING AND $350,000 IN MATCHING FUNDS FROM THE STATE. '** AS OF 9-30-04, THE STATE MATCH WILL END WITHOUT ADDITIONAL LEGISLATION THE LOCAL COST TO CONTINUE THE SERVICE WOULD THEN INCREASE TO $37,041 PER MONTH OR $296,328 THROUGH MAY 30, 2005 *" AFTER 5-30-05, THE FEDERAL FUNDS WILL BE DEPLEATED, THE COST TO CONTINUE THE SERVICE WILL INCREASE TO $71,576 MONTHLY OR $858,912-PLUS ANNUALLY, UNLESS ADDITIONAL FEDERAL FUNDS BECOME AVAILABLE JO:kr Attachment tJorl, hstar c,ommu~.er coach update.doc MONTH o3-J~ 03-F~b 03-Mar 03-Apr 03-M~y NORTHSTAR COMNFLITER COACH RIDERSHIP 2003 TOT.AL PASSENGERS ER PASS# RD PASS# TOT~a& PASS: DAYS OF SERV. 8,778 3,422 12,200 22 8,380 3,107 11,487 20 8,902 3,205 12,107 21 9,323 3,149 12,472 23 8,522 2,904 11,426 21 AVG. MONTHLY I'.,_IDERSHIP MONTH o3-Jan 03-Feb 03-M,'tr 03-Apr 03-Ma7 8,781 3,157 11,938 AVERAGE RIDERSHIP PER DAY ELK RIVER RIVERDALI~ TOTAL 399 156 555 419 155 574 424 153 577 405 137 542 406 138 544 MONTH 03-Jan 03-Feb 03-Mar 03-Apr 03-May % ER RATIO OF PASSENGERS %RD 72% 28% '73% 27% 74% 265'0 75% 25% 75% 25% nordast~ 03 fidershJp.::ls DATE: August 28, 2003 TO: NCDA FROM: SUBJECT: NCDA Agenda Item fl4 Staff Consideration of City of Sauk Rapid's Request for Commuter Rail Station Feasibility Analysis On May 27, 2003, the City of Sauk Rapids passed Resolution No. 2003-36 - Requesting a Commuter Rail Station Feasibility Analysis (see attached resolution). The NCDA budget and work program has funds identified for the Study. The contract with Kimley-Horn, Inc., anticipated and does include work tasks and funding for the Sauk Rapids station feasibility analysis. This action by the NCDA documents the decision to proceed with station analysis. Staff recommends that the NCDA approve and direct staff to conduct a commuter rail feasibility analysis including a review of potential sites, site evaluation, site selection and project impacts for a commuter rail station serving the City of Sauk Rapids. The review shall include, but not be limited to the following issues: · NCDA station criteria and results of initial NCDA evaluation and recommendation · Impact on distribution of ridership among stations · System ridership · Travel times · Operational impacts · Capital and operating costs · Station access · Property availability · Timing of implementation · Transit-Oriented Development potential Action Requested: That the NCDA approve the City of Sauk Rapid's request and direct staff to begin the feasibility analysis of the commuter rail station. Northstar Corridor Development Authority 2100 3'" Avenue, Anoka, Minnesota 55303-2265 f763) 323-5700 Fax: (763) 323-5682 www. northstartrain.org Northstar Commuter Rail - Business Outreach Strateqv Elevate public support for Northstar from business leaders Increase business contact with legislators, Governor's office on importance of Northstar Tactical Plan Identify potential business recruiters · Identify and enlist known Northstar supporters (local officials, business leaders, key legislators, interested citizens) to recruit new supporters from business and engage existing supporters · Hold organizational meeting of Northstar business recruiters · Retain fieldworker to assist with management and targeted recruitment · Himle Horner will prepare materials for recruitment · Jan Lucke of Richardson Richter will provide support Timeline: August - early September Recruitment team meets with potential business supporters · One-on-one meetings · Activities to be requested of supporters include: ~ Public support for Northstar ==> Input/feedback on Northstar plan ~ Distribute petitions, recruitment materials to employees :=> Hold meeting with local legislators :=> Contact Governor Pawlenty's office ~ Participate in community advisory groups ~ Submit letters of support to local/regional media Timeline: September-December Increase outreach to corridor business groups · Renew contact with all local Chambers, Rotaries, trade associations in the Northstar corridor ·Make presentation/hold informational with each interested group :=> Update on Northstar project :=> Request public support for Northstar, informational meeting with local legislators, resolution of support ~Sign up recruits/petition signers · Presenters: fieldworker, Jill Brown, selected NCDA representatives Timeline: September-December HHI Draft- 8/8/03 Business Leaders Speak Out For Northstar A growing number of companies are adding their support on behalf of Northstar commuter rail for a simple reason - it's good for business. Traffic congestion has become a major business and competitiveness issue for employers along the Northstar Corridor. Transportation improvements in the north west metro have lagged, putting area businesses at a competitive disadvantage because: Traffic hassles reduce employee productivity. v' Lack of adequate transportation makes it more difficult to recruit employees. v' Congestion makes it harder to move products, employees and customers to area companies. "As the CEO of a business in the corridor, I am increasingly concerned about our ability to provide services in an efficient manner. Much of your electrical service relies on our ability to move trucks and equipment along Highway 10. Traffic congestion is only expected to get worse. The development of Northstar commuter rail is the best solution to help resolve this issue." - Rick Newland President/CEO Connexus Energy "The St. Cloud business community is expanding, and while the economic centers of our region and the Twin Cities move closer together, congestion makes it more difficult for St. Cloud comPanies to conduct business in the Twin Cities metro area. We need the ability to move employees and students into St. Cloud, and freer highways will allow our companies to market their goods and services elsewhere. Northstar will provide the efficient and reliable transportation link our region needs to continue our economic growth. - Teresa Bohnen President St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce "United Defense can certainly use the benefits of Northstar commuter rail to both attract and keep highly skilled employees. We are only a few blocks from a proposed station, so our employees could have a high quality, reliable means to get to and from work and many of us would take advantage of easy access to the airport for our business travel." - Keith Howe Vice President/GM United Defense How Business Can Help Here are five things you can do to help make Northstar a reality 1. Publicly add your name to the list of employers who support Northstar funding as a critical business issue. Fill out the enclosed sign-up sheet to add your company name to the growing list of businesses declaring their support for Northstar, or call the Northstar Corridor Development Authority at 763-323-5729 2. Sponsor a voluntary petition drive with employees and/or customers of your company to support Northstar. Be sure to add your name to the petition! You can add your business name to the enclosed Business Competitiveness petition or go to www.mn-GetOnBoard.com to sign-on to the web petition Work with employees who support Northstar to circulate the petition and solicit voluntary signatures to the Business Competitiveness petition or the Quality of Life petition 3. Meet with your state legislators to talk to them about how Northstar will impact your business. · Invite your legislators to your company - legislators can talk to employees and see first-hand how your business will benefit from a nearby station · Tell them how traffic is impacting your company and the importance of Northstar to your business and employees 4. Write a letter to Governor Pawlenty asking him to support Northstar as a business issue that's important for the economic future of the region. Review the enclosed sample letter - customize your letter to reflect your specific concerns about traffic and the need for transportation improvements 5. Write a letter to the editor to your local newspaper and tell the public why you support the Northstar commuter rail. · Tell your company's story- How will Northstar help your business? Please see the enclosed attachments -- including sample letters, instructions on how to reach your legislators and the Governor and other materials to help your efforts on behalf of Northstar. For assistance submitting letters to the editor, contact the NCDA at 763-323-5729. HHI -draft