5.2. SR 07-15-2002RAver
13065 Orono Parkway
Elk River, MN 55330
MEMORANDUM
Item#
5°2°
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
Mayor and City Council
Scott Harlicker, Senior Plann~
July 15, 2002
Northstar Corridor Update
At the NCDA meeting held on July 1s~ the Authority voted to continue efforts to develop
commuter rail in the Northstar Corridor as a grass roots initiative. Activities will include
public information efforts, support of development activities and lobbying at the state and
federal levels. The Authority also recommended that MnDOT evaluate the City of Ramsey's
request for a commuter rail station.
Phone: 763.441.7420
Fax: 763.441.7425
www. ci.elk- river, mn.us
NCDA
Agenda
Monday, July 1, 2002
4:30 p.m.
Sherburne County Government Center
Elk River, MN
o
Action Requested
Minutes of the June 6, 2002 NCDA Meeting*
Approval
Items Brought Forward from the June 6, 2002 NCDA Meeting
For Approval*Y
a. 2002 Budget Amendment as Presented and Discussed
b. 2002 Contract Actions as Presented and Discussed
Approval
Approval
Executive Committee/Capital Budget Committee Report:
a. Communications Plan and Schedule for Remainder of the Year*
b. Draft 2003 Proposed Budget and Funding Contributions*
c. St. Cloud/Stearns County Regional Railroad Authority
Participation in NCDA*
Discussion
Approval
Discussion
Commuter Rail Corridor Coordinating Committee Report:
a. Recommendation to Mn/DOT regarding Consideration
Of City of Ramsey's Request for Commuter Rail Station*
Approval
State/Federal Legislative Activities
Information
Other: Next Meeting
* Documentation Enclosed
DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT
NORTHSTAR CORRIDOR DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Regular Meeting Minutes
June 6, 2002
The Northstar Corridor Development Authority met in regular session on May 2, 2002, in the Board
Room at the Sherburne County Government Center, Elk River, Minnesota.
Present were: Peggy Aho, Lynn George, David Loch, Steve Novak, Steve Ruegg, Jim Norman,
Tom Gamec, Tim Yantos, Paul Ostrow, Dan Erhart, Steve Billings, Scott Harlicker, Robert
Kirchner, Elwood Bissett, Patrick Cairns, John Ellenbecker, Earl Bukowski, Duane Grandy, Duane
Cekalla, Bob Johnson, Ewald Peterson, Terry Nagorski, John Norgren, Lewis Stark, Gary Hammer,
Jerry Nelson, John Weaver, May McLinden, Jean Keely, Kirsti Marohn, Mike Schadauer, Ann-
Therese Schmid, Mike Rogers, Rick Speak, Jim Barton, Dean Michalko, Dartrell Lipscomb, Rollie
Peterson, Robert Eddy, Dan and Cathy Jo Severson, John Smaller, Andrew Gillett, Lona Schreiber,
Elliott Perovich, Bill Schreiber, Brian Bensen, Jeff Dehler, Paul McCarron
1. The meeting was called to order at 4:30 p.m. by Vice Chairperson Paul Ostrow.
2. It was the consensus of the Board to approve the agenda of June 6, 2002, as presented.
o
A motion was made by Duane Cekalla, seconded by Duane Grandy, and carried
unanimously to approve the meeting minutes of May 2, 2002 as presented.
Paul Ostrow, Vice Chairperson, called for nominations for the election of the Chairperson
replacing Betsy Wergin. Duane Grandy nominated Paul McCarron. No other nominations
were made. A motion was made by Duane Grandy, seconded by Duane Cekalla and carried
unanimously to close nominations for Chairperson and to cast a unanimous ballot for Paul
McCarron as Interim Chairperson to the Northstar Corridor Development Authority for the
period of June 6, 2002 to January 6, 2003. Motion carried unanimously on a voice vote.
5. Inter-Governmental Coordination Committee Report:
Steve Novak and Lona Schreiber presented a report on the final report of the 2002
Legislative Session. Paul McCarron noted that the Metropolitan Light Rail Transit Joint
Powers Board had taken action at their Board meeting the day before to make a
recommendation to Mn/DOT that they request funds appropriated for the State from the
Federal government. If request for these funds is not received in August of this year, the
States forfeits its rights to these funds and they get thrown back in the pot.
6. Executive Committee/Capital Budget Committee Report:
A motion was made by Paul Ostrow, seconded by Duane Cekalla and to approve the
following as recommended by the Northstar Executive Committee:
a)
The recommendation of the Northstar Executive Committee to continue the NCDA's
efforts to develop commuter rail in the Northstar Corridor, as a grassroots initiative.
Current activities include intensive public information and support development
Page 1
activities, lobbying on the State and Federal levels, promotion and technical
assistance with transit oriented development around stations and advice and
comment on Mn/DOT's project development activities. In addition, approve the
recommendation that the NCDA increase its efforts to build coalitions with other rail
corridors and transit/transportation groups seeking funding from the Minnesota
Legislature.
b)
Approve the amendment to the Operating Budget in the amount of $85,000 for
amended contracts as follows:
l)
Authorize the chair to execute a contract amendment to the professional services
agreement with David Loch to increase the contract amount by $20,000, for a
Contract Maximum for June 1,2001 through December 31, 2002 of $65,000;
2)
Authorize the chair to execute a contract amendment to the professional services
agreement with Kenneth Stevens to increase the contract amount by $15,000, for
a total Contract Maximum for June 1,2001 through December 31, 2002 of
$90,000;
3)
Authorize the chair to execute a contract amendment to the professional services
agreement with Richardson, Richter & Associates, Inc. to increase the contract
amount by $50,000, for a total 2002 budget amount of $160,000.
c)
Approve a grant in the amount of $85,000 to be given to the Anoka County Regional
Railroad Authority for Public Information Services.
d)
A motion was made by Paul Ostrow, seconded by Duane Cekalla to amend the
above motion to separate each amendment (a, b, and c) requesting a separate motion
on each request. The motion carried.
A motion was made by Paul Ostrow, seconded by Duane Cekalla and carried unanimously
to approve item "a" above as follows:
The recommendation of the Northstar Executive Committee to continue the NCDA's
efforts to develop commuter rail in the Northstar Corridor, as a grassroots initiative.
Current activities include intensive public information and support development
activities, lobbying on the State and Federal levels, promotion and technical assistance
with transit oriented development around stations and advice and comment on
Mn/DOT's project development activities. In addition, approve the recommendation
that the NCDA increase effort to build coalitions with other rail corridors and
transit/transportation groups seeking funding from the Minnesota Legislature.
Due to the lack of a quorum, a motion was made by Paul Ostrow, seconded by Duane
Cekalla and carried unanimously to table consideration of items b and c above until the next
meeting of the Northstar Corridor. Patrick Cairns notified the Committee that he had another
commitment and had to leave the meeting early. He requested that he go on record as
supporting items "b and c" above, if a quorum was reached and action was taken.
Tom Gamec, Mayor, and Jim Norman, Administrator, City of Ramsey, reviewed the transit
oriented development in the City of Ramsey. The City of Ramsey is requesting that the
Ramsey station be included as a potential rail station location site. The Authority agreed by
Page 2
o
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
unanimous consensus to send the request to the Commuter Rail Corridor Coordinating
Committee (CRCCC) for consideration at its next meeting.
Ken Stevens and Steve Ruegge, Parsons Brinkerhoff, reviewed the impact of the Northeast
Minneapolis station (near the 7th Street NE overpass) on the local environment, including
pm'king and access (walk, bike, transit and auto), both to and within the station area.
A motion was made by Paul Ostrow, seconded by Duane Grandy and carried unanimously
to support the coalition efforts of the Metropolitan LRT Joint Powers Board that Mn/DOT
apply for transportation funds as expeditiously as possible which have not yet been
requested, and further that the $3 million be split as follows: $1.6 million to the Northstar
Corridor Project, $.7 million for Red Rock and $.7 for the Cedar Avenue Project. The
motion passed unanimously on a voice vote. The $3 million was appropriated in 1999 and if
not applied for by August, the State would lose the funds.
Chair McCarron introduced Representative Koskinen and thanked her for her hard work
during this legislative session. Representative Koskinen noted that it was a very difficult
session because the House leadership opposes rail. But she noted that the Senate seems very
strong in their support for the Project. Representative Koskinen urged that members
continue their hard work to ensure that this Project goes forwards because it will be a great
benefit to the State of Minnesota.
The Northstar Corridor Rail Project Quarterly Report dated January 23, 2002, was
distributed and reviewed. John Norgren questioned the expiration date of the current EIS.
Mike Schadauer noted that the FTA has questions about parks/recreation and historical
properties in the Corridor and that Mn/DOT is working on their response to FTA's issues.
Mike Schadauer indicated that the current EIS is valid for approximately three years without
having the need to submit updates.
A motion was made by Paul Ostrow, seconded by Duane Cekalla and carried unanimously
to set the next meeting of the NCDA for Monday, July 1, 2002 at 4:30 p.m. at the Sherburne
County Government Center.
The agenda will include recommendations on items #6b & #6c above.
Other issues: A local Big Lake business owner, Roland Peterson, expressed his support for
the Northstar Commuter rail line and is glad that the NCDA has decided to continue
working on the Project.
The Authority adjourned by unanimous consensus to adjourn the meeting at 5:40 p.m.
Paul McCarron, Chairperson
Date
Page 3
Agenda Item #2
MEMORANDUM
DATE: July 25, 2001
TO: NCDA
SUBJECT: Items Brought Forward from June 6, 2002 NCDA Meeting for
Approval
At the June 6, 2002 NCDA meeting, Paul McCarron distributed a memo
regarding the future of the NCDA and the Northstar Commuter Rail Project. After
discussion by the members as to the pros and cons of the various options
presented, the members unanimously decided that the Authority should continue
through 2002 its grassroots initiative to develop commuter rail in the Northstar
Corridor.
Due to a lack of a quorum at the June 6 meeting, necessary 2002 budget
amendments (see 2002 Budget as presented and discussed at the June 6
meeting attached to this memo) was held over for consideration and action by
the NCDA members at the July 1 meeting. Note that the requested amendments
will provide the necessary funding through December 31, 2002 for the NCDA to
fulfill the requirements of the new work plan which was acted on at the June 6
meeting.
2002 contract amendments (see attached Proposed Contract Amendments as
presented and discussed at the June 6 meeting attached to this memo) were
also held over for consideration and action at the July 1 meeting.
Action Requested:
That the NCDA: 1) approve the 2002 Amended Budget as
presented and discussed at the June 6, 2002 NCDA
meeting; and 2) authorize the Chair to negotiate and
execute a contract and contract amendments as listed in
the attachment.
Northstar Corridor Development Aathority
2100 3'" Avenue, Anoka, Minnesota 55303-2265 (763) 323-5700 Fax: (763) 323-5682 www. norths[artrain.org
Northstar Corridor Development Authority
2002 Bud.qet
(As Presented and Discussed at June 6, 2002 NCDA Meeting)
II Ail I ' I ~
1) Administrative Expense $30,000 $30,000
Note: Expenses include: Printing, postage, misc.
expenses
2) NCDA Administrative/Project Management $110,000 $195,000~
3) Insurance $10,000 $10,000
4) Legislative Activities $100,000 $100,000
Subtotal $250,000 $335,000
ITOTAL I $750,000 I $930,000
Contract amendments: K. Stevens, Loch & Associates, and Richardson, Richter and Associates, Inc.
Agreement with Anoka County Regional Railroad Authority for Public Information Services
Benton
Morrison
Sherburne
Hennepin
Anoka
25 095
$19 500
12 975
38 549
45 000
201659
323278
$40,000
$10 000
$29 750
$34 750
$156000
$250 000
$0
$60,000
$75,000
$325,000
Total $500,000
$59 500
$10 000
$89 750
$109 75O
$481 000
$75O 000
Proposed 2002 Amendments: No additional contributions requested.
Proposed Contract Actions
Relating to the 2002 Budget Amendment
Authorize the chair to execute a contract amendment to the professional services
agreement with David Loch to increase the contract amount by $20,000.
Authorize the chair to execute a contract amendment to the professional services
agreement with Kenneth Stevens to increase the contract amount by $15,000.
Authorize the chair to execute a contract amendment to the professional services
agreement with Richardson, Richter and Associates, Inc. to increase the contract amount
by $50,00O.
Authorize the chair to finalize negotiations and execute an agreement with the Anoka
County Regional Railroad Authority to provide public information services relating to the
Northstar Commuter Rail Project, in the amount of $95,000 for a term of June 21, 2002
through December 31,2002.
HHI DRAFT 2 (6/19/02)
NCDA COMMUNICATIONS PLAN
SUMMER/FALL 2002 STRATEGY
Prepared by Himle Horner Inc.
SITUATION ANALYSIS (ADVANCING PROJECT)
Project Strengths
· Northstar enjoys strong support
database of volunteer stakeholders
corridor residents
local governments/policymakers
credible third parties (business, veterans, students, labor, transit, etc.)
key Congressional leaders & FTA
· Gubernatorial race won't cloud 2003 Leg. Session
· Committed legislative authors
· Transportation likely as one of top 3 issues in 2002 state campaigns
· Many new legislators will be elected in 2002 (over 30% new?) - opportunity to
educate new class of lawmakers
Project Challenges
· One of top 3 divisive issues of 2002 leg. session
· GOP House opposition & defining issue among GOP party activists
· Critics aggressive in using misinformation to justify opposition
· 2002 MN defeat weakens federal position/status
· State funding match will be challenging in budget deficit situation
· Many new legislators will be elected -less experience on transit issues
Unknowns
· Who becomes governor
· Leadership/structure of MNDOT (based on governor race outcome)
· Control/leadership in House & Senate
· Status of federal funding
· BNSF negotiations
COMMUNICATIONS GOALS
1. Further elevate Northstar as a viable, cost-effective and needed component
of the region's transportation system.
2. Build additional active support for the project within the corridor and from
entities throughout the state.
3. Inform candidates running for governor and the legislature about the
Northstar project and its merits.
KEY STRATEGY POINTS
1. Actively communicate with corridor residents and opinion leaders about the
project and how they can assist.
2. "Broaden the Corridor" to reach audiences outside the formal corridor who
see the benefits.
3. Link Northstar with other unfunded transportation interests in order to
leverage support for the proiect among a broader coalition --> attempt to
develop a comprehensive transportation package, brand it and promote it.
4. Actively interject Northstar into the transportation issue debate among opinion
leaders, the news media and ultimately, candidates.
5. Recruit additional third parties to support and assist in promoting the project.
6. Provide communications support for federal decisionmakers.
TARGET AUDIENCES
Primary Audiences
· Corridor residents
· Project supporters/potential supporters
· Other transportation groups/interests
· Candidates for governor
· Candidates for MN House & Senate
Secondary Audiences
· MN Congressional delegation & staffs
· FTA
· News media
HHI-Drafl 2 NCDA Communications Plan
^s ofJu.o ~9, 2002 Summer/Fall 2002
Prepared by Himle Horner, Inc.
Transportation Coalition JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC
Discussions-other groups
Develop package
Communicate package ~
Research
Design Questionnaire-Corridor Poll Update
Conduct Fieldwork
Communicate poll results
Conduct Issue Research b
Materials
Update Packets
Develop window stickers
Reprint existing materials (if needed)
Distribute materials ;.
Corridor-Wide Newsletter
Editorial Outline
Draft Stories
Production
Distribution X
Web Site Communication
Revisions to Web Site
Recruit Supporter Sign-Ups ~
E-mail Updates X X X X X X X X X X
Promote NS Links from other sites ~
Billboards/Ad Slicks
Identify Locations/Pricing
Production
Billboard Placement/Displayed
Produce Ad Slick for placement by other groups
!Encourage placement
HHI-Dralt 2
As of June 19, 2002
NCDA Communications Plan
Summer/Fall 2002
Prepared by Himle Horner, Inc.
JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC
Ne~ws Media
)date Media Kit
Capitol Press Corp. visits
Twin City media visits
Corridor media visits
Greater MN media visits
qorthStar Feature Story
Metro op-ed
Non Metro op-ed
Letters to Editor
Radio acutalities
News Releases/Assist Media
Mailed Media Updates
X
X
X
X
X
X X X
X
X
X
X X
X
Northstar Corridor Development Authority Agenda Item #3b
Recommended 2002 Amended Bud.qet and 2003 Bud.qet
June 24, 2002
1)
Administrative Expense
Note: Expenses include:
2)
3) Insurance
Printing, postage, misc.
expenses
NCDA Administrative/Project Management
$30,000 $30,000
$195,000
$110,000
$10,000 $10,000
4) Legislative Activities $100,000 $100,000
Subtotal $335,000 $250,000
TOTAL
$930,000 $700,000
1 Agreement with Anoka County Regional Railroad Authority for Public Information Services
2 Six month time period.
Benton
Morrison
;rburne
8.0% $19,500 $40,000 $59 500
4.0%
12.0%
pin 14.0%
Anoka 62.0%
Total 100%
$10,000
$29,75O
$0
$250,000
$60,000
$34,750 $75,000
$156,000 $325,000
$500,000
$10 000
$89 750
$109 750
$481 000
$750 000
Benton 8.0% $19,407 $28,000 $47,407
Morrison 4.0% $10,034 $0 $10,034
Sherburne 12.0% $29,811 $42,000 $71,810
14.0% $34,800 $52,500 $87,300
Hennepin
Anoka
62.0% $155,949 $227,500 $383,449
Total 100% $250,000 $350,000 $600,000
Agenda Item
Options for St. Cloud/Stearns County Regional Railroad Authority participation:
Current Percent of Contribution Based on Population:
Benton 8.0%
Morrison 4%
Sherburne 12.0%
Hennepin 14.0%
Anoka 62.0%
Total 100%
#1: Percent of Contribution Based on Population:
Benton 7.05%
Morrison 0%
Sherburne 10.8%
Hennepin 12.6%
St. Cloud/Stearns 13.0%
Anoka 56.55%
Total 100%
#2: Percent of Contribution Based on St. Cloud/Stearns Contribution being Equivalent to Benton
County's (Northern Termini):
Benton 7.5%
Morrison 1%
Sherburne 11.5%
Hennepin 13.0%
St. Cloud/Stearns 7.5%
Anoka 60.00%
Total 100.0%
Percent of Contribution Based on St. Cloud/Stearns Contribution being Equivalent to Hennepin
County's (Southern Termini):
Benton 7.0%
Morrison 1%
Sherburne 10.8%
Hennepin 12.7%
St. Cloud/Stearns 12.7%
Anoka 56.7%
Total 100.0%
#3:
Commuter Rail Corridor
Coordinating Committee
RECOMMENDATION TO THE COMMISSIONER OF TRANSPORTATION
MEETING DATE:
SUBJECT:
#2002-01
June 20, 2002
Consideration of City of R-amsey Request for
Commuter Rail Station
Recommendation:
The CRCCC recommends that Mn/DOT evaluate the City of Ramsey request for
a Northstar Corridor Commuter Rail Station located in the City of Ramsey
between Ramsey Boulevard and Armstrong Boulevard. Specifically, the CRCCC
recommends that Mn/DOT, together with NCDA staff, review, 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
Background Information:
In February, 2000, the NCDA reviewed potential station sites in Ramsey, Anoka,
and Coon Rapids. It was believed that acceptable service and ridership would
be provided to corridor residents by locating stations at two of the three possible
sites. Ultimately, the NCDA adopted a recommendation for stations at Anoka
and Coon Rapids-Riverdale, providing that Ramsey would be considered at a
futu re date.
The City of Ramsey did not agree with that decision and also disagreed with
much of the analysis. The City, therefore, took action to further review the
potential for commuter rail service to their community at their own initiative. The
City, in cooperation with the Metropolitan Council, hired a consultant, Calthorpe
and Assoc, to analyze transit and commuter rail potential and transit oriented
development, solicit public input, and make recommendations to the City.
The conclusion by the City of Ramsey is that TOD is viable as presented to the
NCDA Board at its meeting on June 6, 2002. Ramsey Mayor and NCDA Board
Member, Tom Gamec, on behalf of the City of Ramsey, requested that a station
location be identified by the NCDA and Mn/DOT for the City of Ramsey, and
further noted that the City of Rams.ey is committed to TOD which the City
concluded is viable as presented to the NCDA at its meeting on June 6, 2002.
The City of Ramsey has demonstrated a commitment to transit and TOD. In
addition, the Metropolitan Council has supported their study and findings. Other
changes that have occurred since the NCDA decision which may warrant further
consideration include:
· Population growth and demographics available from the current census
· Availability of property
· Timing of the Northstar project
· Elimination of the Clearwater station from Phase I development
· Mississippi River Crossing location developments.
Mn/DOT Response Requested by: September 19, 2002
Mn/DOT Response Received On:
t ORRIDOR
Agenda Item
MEMORANDUM
To:
Northstar Corridor Development Authority
From: Project Management Team.
Date: February 3, 2000
Subject:
Northstar Corridor
Station Site Recommendation
Attached is a table that compares the proposed Ramsey, Anoka, and Riverdale commuter rail
station sites. Based on the information in this table, it is recommended that the NCDA carry
forward the Anoka and Riverdale stations for further development and designate the Ramsey
station site for potential future development. This recommendation is based on the following
technical considerations:
Both the Anoka and R_iverdale stations generate higher forecast station boardings than the
Ramsey station.
Total system ridership is highest with the combination of the Anoka and Riverdale stations.
With the Anoka and Riverdale stations together, forecast station boardings are more equally
distr/buted between the t~vo station sites. With the Ramsey station, park and ride demand at
either Anoka or Riverdale could exceed the site capacity.
Direct connections to existing transit service providers are more easily accomplished at
Anoka and Riverdale.
The Anoka station is proximate to the downtown Anoka employment center and the
Riverdale station is proximate to a rapidly developing retail area. The Ramsey station is
currently agricultural with little current development activity in the vicinity.
A future Ramsey station should be considered if the planned new Mississippi River crossing
at Ramsey is constructed.
Northstar Corridor
Page 1
Febrzta~. 3, 2000
NORTHSTAR CORRIDOR COMMUTER RAIL
ALTERNATIVE STATION SITE COMPARISON
ALTERNATIVE STATION SITE
CRITERIA Ramsey J Anoka I Riverdale
Capital Cost (19995) $ 4,916,000 $ 5,329,000 $ 5,387,000
Park and Ride Spaces 470 520 500
Size (Acres) 7.2 8.4 8.5
Station Spacing See Attached Graphic
,Existing Land Use Agriculture Industrial Undeveloped
Residential/
Adjacent Land Use Undeveloped Employment Residential / Retail
Oriented
Land Use Deveioment Potential Medium High High
Daily Station Boardings(2020)
Ramsey-Anoka 244 1,351
Ramsey-Riverdale 304 2,057
Anoka-Riverdale ' 1,058 1,346
Intersections Forecast to Operate TH 10/Ramsey 4th Ave/Pleasant; Northdale Blvd
at LOS F in 2020 Blvd 7th Ave/Johnson /Crooked Lake Blvd
No Significant Potential soil No Significant
Environmental Concerns
Concerns corrections required Concerns
Direct Connections to Transit Low Medium High
Access to Jobs (Reverse
Commute) Low High Medium/High
With Ramsey With Ramsey
station, park and station, park and
Other ride demand could ride demand could
exceed available exceed available
capacity capac!!)/
BRW, Inc. 02/03/2000
.... ELK RIVER-
STATION
"! '~.amsey
RAMSEY.
BLVD.
i la:x ;...5..'
ANOKA - .-:.
4TH AVE.
"'"- 'COON RAPIDS-
IRIVERDALE
Coon
I ORTHSTAR
CORRIDOR
Alternate Station Site Evaluation - Anoka @ 4th Avenue
COON RAPIDS-~.' BLVD.
: '
"::':'
FRIDLEY.' '
Fridlcy, . ::..:.:...'
Station Spacing ^"~= '~, ~''--: