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6.3. SR 10-18-2004 Item# 6.3. MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: Mayor and City Council Scott Harlicker, Senior Planneri' October 18, 2004 DATE: SUBJECT: Northstar Corridor Update At the NCDA meeting held on September 2nd the Authority received comments on the passenger fare increase for the commuter bus. The proposal to was increase the fare by $1.00 from $3.50 to $4.50. The $1 increase was intended to cover the budget shortfall created when the state discontinued funding in September. Following the public hearing, the NCDA voted to not increase fare. The plan is to work with the state to reinstate funding. The Authority's motion included a .50 increase in June if it is needed. There was also an update on public information, and on state and federal funding. NCDA Meeting Agenda October 7, 2004 4:30 p.m. Sherburne County Government Center Elk River, MN Action Reauested 1. Minutes of the September 2, 2004 Meeting" Approval 2. 4:45 p.m - Public Hearing - to Receive Comments Information Regarding an Increase in Passenger Fares for the Northstar Commuter Coach Service, Route 888" 3. Consider increasing passenger fares for the Northstar Approval Commuter Coach Service - Route 888 - for passengers boarding at Elk River from $3.50 to $4.50 4. Executive Committee Report: a) Northstar Project Organizational Chart" Information b) Selection Process for Consultants for Advanced Approval and Final Design Services" c) Memorandum of Understanding with Mn/DOT for Final Update Design d) Withdrawal of Watab Township" Information 5. Public Information Update Information 6. Legislative Update Information a) State" b) Federal 7. Other: Next meeting - November 4, 2004 " Documentation enclosed If you are unable to attend this meeting, please contact Peggy Aho at 651-222-7227. Agenda Item #1 NORTH STAR CORRIDOR DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Draft Meeting Minutes for Approval September 2, 2004 The Northstar Corridor Development Authority Executive Committee/Capital Budget Committee met on September 2, 2004, in regular session at the Sherburne County Government Center, Elk River, Minnesota. In attendance: Duane Grandy, Dennis Berg, Bob Barnette, Felix Schmiesing, Leroy Pauley, Lewis Stark, Patrick Cairns, John Weaver, Scott Schulte, Woody Bissett, Ewald Peterson, John Norgren, Greg Bruestle, Dan Erhart, Jeanne Mason, Bruce Nawrocki, Tom Gamec, Jay Mclinden, Anna Youngerman, Jeff Dehler, Elliott Perovich, Paul Danielson, Jim Barton, Mary Richardson, Paul McCarron, Jay Mclinden, John Himle, Mike Schadauer, Jon Olson, Ken Stevens, Jim Barton, Tim Yantos, Steve Novak, Jill Brown, Brian Bensen, Peggy Aho 1. The meeting was called to order at 4:30 p.m. A motion was made by Woody Bissett, seconded by Ewald Peterson and carried unanimously to approve the meeting minutes of August 5, 2004, and the agenda of September 2, as presented. 2. Ken Stevens noted that the NCDA entered into an agreement with Kimley-Horn in 2003 for advanced preliminary engineering services including the preparations of the New Starts submittal to the FTA. He noted that the NCDA's New Starts submittal to the FTA has been delayed because the Metropolitan Council is in the process of developing a new regional ridership forecast model that will be used for NCDA's ridership analysis. Mr. Stevens noted that revisions to the financial plan are more substantial than anticipated due to inclusion of a Mn/DOT 20-year cash flow projection. The Executive Committee/Capital Budget Committee is recommending that the Agreement with Kimley-Horn, Inc. be amended to extend the term of the Agreement through January 31,2005 and increase the contract amount by $20,000. Mr. Yantos noted that an amendment to this Agreement would not change the scope of services and also that the $20,000 increase to the contract maximum is within the approved 2003/2004 NCDA budget and work plan. Tom Gamec made a motion that the NCDA authorize the Chair to finalize negotiations and execute Amendment No.2 to the Advanced Preliminary Engineering Agreement with Kimle-Horn, Inc. extending the term of the agreement through January 31,2005 and increasing the contract amount by an additional $20,000. The motion was seconded by John Norgren and passed unanimously on a voice vote. John Weaver asked if the $20,000 increase will be sufficient enough to cover work performed during the extended term. Mr. Stevens noted that staff are fairly confident that the $20,000 will cover the term extension. 3. Mary Richardson noted that the NCDA agreed to continue operations of the Northstar Commuter Bus for one year, from October 1, 2004 through September 30, 2005. The Executive Committee/Capital Budget Committee is recommending that the NCDA approve the following in order to continue the bus service. The agreements/amendments being recommended are: a) an amendment to the agreement (2003-0199) between Laidlaw Transit Service, Inc., Mn/DOT, and the NCDA for operating services October 1, 2004 through September 30, 2005, not to exceed $1,188,374; b) an amendment to Mn/DOT Grant Agreement #85651 for federal funds for coach lease in the amount of $380,765; c) an amendment to the agreement (2003-0184) for transit convenience fares reimbursement with the Metropolitan Council to provide to the NCDA reimbursement for Northstar Commuter Bus fares collected by the Metropolitan Council as part of the regional transit system; d) an amendment to the 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, for one additional year; and 5) a grant agreement with the Metropolitan Council for an amount not to exceed $78,000 in federal and regional funding. Jeanne Mason made a motion that the NCDA authorize the Chair to finalize negotiations and execute the agreements/amendments as recommended by the Executive Committee/Capital Budget Committee and any other agreements necessary to receive funding for the Northstar Commuter Bus service. The motion was seconded by Leroy Pauley and passed unanimously on a voice vote. Bruce Nawrocki asked what percentage of cost for bus service is covered by fare box recovery. Jon Olson responded 45-46% is average but fare box recovery has been as high as 60%. [Subsequent to the meeting, it was determined that a new Grant Contract #87195 would be necessary in lieu of an amendment to the just expired Mn/DOT contract #84651.] 4. Mary Richardson noted that Governor Pawlenty's plan to provide interim funding for the Northstar Corridor commuter rail line project will secure $10 million in federal funding for property acquisition and related activities, as well as BNSF negotiations. $2.5 million of the State match will come from the Metropolitan Council. Ms. Richardson noted that the NCDA must enter into a Grant Agreement with the Metropolitan Council in order to use these funds. John Weaver made a motion that the NCDA authorize the Chair to finalize negotiations and execute a Grant Agreement with the Metropolitan Council for the $2.5 million in funding contribution to be used for land acquisition in the metropolitan area for the Northstar Corridor facilities, as recommended by the Executive Committee. The motion was seconded by Scott Schulte and passed unanimously on a voice vote. 5. Mary Richardson read the Executive Committee/Capital Budget Committees recommendation that the NCDA authorize the Chair to finalize negotiations and execute a memorandum of understanding for its partnership with the State of Minnesota, Department of Transportation, for final design work on the Northstar Commuter Rail Project. Scott Schulte made a motion that the NCDA authorize the Chair to finalize negotiations and to enter into a MOU with Mn/DOT to manage final design efforts for the Northstar Commuter Rail Project. The motion was seconded by Dan Erhart and passed unanimously on a voice vote. 6. Tim Yantos noted that the next step in the development of the Northstar Corridor Commuter Rail Project is final design. Funding for final design will be provided by the NCDA capital partners which include the regional railroad authorities of Anoka, Hennepin and Sherburne Counties. In order to begin the next step in the development process, the Executive Committee/Capital Budget Committee is requesting that the NCDA authorize the release of a Request for Proposals for engineering services. The scope of services would include: planning and development of six commuter rail stations; track and signal improvements to the BNSF railroad; development and design of maintenance, layover and central control facilities; and purchasing of rolling stock. Mr. Yantos noted that the term for preliminary engineering is from January 2005 through early 2006. Staff are proposing the following timeline: Issuance of RFP - September 13, 2004; Pre-proposal conference - September 30,2004; Questions due from respondents - October 4, 2004; proposals due - October 15, 2004; Interviews (if any) - week of October 25, 2004; Selection of consultant by NCDA - November 4, 2004; Contract negotiations - November 5 through December 1, 2004; Contract approval by NCDA - January 6, 2005. The Evaluation Team for this RFP consists of Tim Yantos, Mary Richardson, Kenneth Stevens, Mike Schadauer, Gary Erickson and Jon Olson. Mr. Yantos noted that funding for final design services is within the approved 2005 NCDA budget and work plan. Ken Stevens noted that the estimated cost of preliminary engineering for final design is $9.5 million. Jeanne Mason made a motion that the NCDA authorize staff to issue an RFP for engineering services for final design of the Northstar Commuter Rail Project as described. The motion was seconded by Tom Gamec and passed unanimously on a voice vote. John Weaver asked how BNSF negotiations are progressing. Tim Yantos responded very well. Bruce Nawrocki asked if an agreement had been reached yet with BNSF. Mr. Yantos noted that engineering services to complete the final design work should help negotiations progress. Mr. Nawrocki asked how many companies are expected to respond to this RFP. Ken Stevens noted that nationally there are quite a few firms that could respond and on a local level probably 6 to 7 firms could put together a proposal to carryout the work. 7. On behalf of the NCDA, Tim Yantos presented Jeff Dehler a certificate of appreciation for his creativity and enduring commitment to the realization of Northstar Commuter Rail and introduced Jill Brown with Anoka County as the new contact for public information needs. 8. John Himle gave an update on public information activities. He noted that a letter to Administrator, Jenna Dorn, FTA, thanking her for her efforts in helping to advance the Project, had been developed and jointly signed by Senator Dean Johnson, Senator Dick Day, Representative Steve Sviggum and Representative Matt Entenza and sent out. Mr. Himle also noted that his staff will be distributing briefing packets to the NCDA members as an example of what is given to new legislative members. 9. Elliott Perovich noted that not much had changed on the federal legislative process. He encouraged everyone to attend the Metropolitan Council's open house on October 18, 2004 regarding the Transportation Policy Plan. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:30 p.m. by Chair Grandy. Unanimously approved. NCDA Agenda Item #2 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR PASSENGER FARE INCREASE Notice is hereby given ihat on the 7ih day of Ociober, 2004, at 4:45 p.m., in the Sherburne Couniy Government Center, 13880 Highway 10, Elk River, Minnesota 55330, the Northstar Corridor Development Authority will conduct a public hearing to consider increasing its passenger fare for the Northstar Commuter Coach Service, Route 888. A copy of the proposed passenger fare is on file and of record in the office of the Northstar Corridor Development Authority, Anoka County Government Center, 2100 Third Avenue, 7th floor, Anoka, Minnesota 55303. Copies of the passenger fares and further information regarding this matter can be obtained from Tim Yantos, Executive Director of the Northstar Corridor Development Authority, at (763) 323-5692. If you have a disability and need accommodation, such as an interpreter or printed material in an alternate format (I.e., Braille, large print, or audio), please contact Tim Yantos at (763) 323- 5692, TDDmY (763) 323-5289. \ ~~~ ~ Tim Yantos, Exec tive Director Northstar Corridor Development Authority \ ~~-~-~ Dan Klini Assistant Anoka County Attorney Publish in: Anoka County Union - September 24, 2004 NCDA Executive Committee Agenda Item #3 NCDA Agenda Item #4a N orthstar Organization Chart FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION COMMISSIONER OF TRANSPORTATION (FEDERAL GRANTEEI ----- ---- NCDA EXECUTIVE COMMITfEE ....... NCDA BOARD METROPOLITAN COUNCIL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TIM YANTOS TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITfEE KEN STEVENS - CHAIR JON OLSON GARY ERICKSON NACHO DIAZ RANDY HALVORSON NCDA OVERSIGHT CONSULTANT KEN STEVENS PROJECT DIRECTOR MARK FUHRMANN DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF LEGAL DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF AND INTERGOVERMENT AL BUDGET/GRANTS/pROJECT DESIGN AND AFFAIRS CONTROLS CONSTRUCTION MARY RICHARDSON MIKE SCHADAUER ED HUNTER KEY: Blue Red Green Mn/DOT staff NCDA staff Met Council staff U [j[j@!X3'[f[}{]@'[f!JJJXj @@!X3!X30!1J@!X3 Executive Committee I Capital Budget Committee Agenda Item #4 NCDA Agenda Item #4b MEMORANDUM October 1, 2004 To: Executive Committee I Capital Budget Committee Northstar Corridor Development Authority From: Staff Subject: Selection Process for Consultants for Advanced and Final Design Services At the September 2, meeting, the NCDA authorized the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Engineering Services for the Final Design of the Northstar Commuter Rail Project. The engineering services requested in the RFP were to include a general engineering consultant responsible for the final design of the following project components: six commuter rail stations; track and signal improvements to the BNSF railroad; maintenance, layover and central control facilities; and rolling stock. In addition, the consultant would be responsible for value engineering and assisting the NCDA in the preparation of New Starts reports and in providing support for community involvement and transit-oriented development activities. Following the Board meeting, staff had much discussion about the procurement process with the NCDA's partners on the project, including BNSF, Mn/DOT and the Metropolitan Council. It was a consensus that a more cost-effective approach to the procurement of design services was to issue two separate RFP's - one for the advanced and final design of commuter rail facilities, and one for the advanced and final design of the LRT connection and for the technical services necessary to assist in the New Starts process and oversight of the commuter rail design. Additionally, BNSF indicated that its strong preference was to manage the final design of the track and signal improvements on its railroad, subject to the review and approval of the NCDA. Consequently a sole source contract with BNSF will be necessary. The revised timeline for the proposed procurement process for the selection of both consultants is: . Issuance of RFPs - October 11, 2004 . Pre-proposal conference - October 28, 2004 . Questions due from respondents - November 2, 2004 . Proposals due - November 12, 2004 . Interviews - November 19, 2004 . Selection of consultants by NCDA Executive Committee - Week of November 22, 2004 . Negotiation of contracts - November 29 through December 10, 2004 . Contract approvals by NCDA - January 6, 2005 . Work completed - early 2006 Northstar Corridor Development Authority 2100 Y Avenue. Anoka. Minnesota 55303-2265 (763) 323-5700 Fax: (763) 323-5682 www.northst1ll1rain.org Note that in order to complete the procurement process in time for NCDA approvai of the contracts at its January meeting, staff recommend that the NCDA delegate to the Executive Committee the authority to rank the proposers and select the preferred consultants for contract negotiations. The NCDA will retain the authority to approve the contracts. The Evaluation Team for these RFP's will consist of: Tim Yantos, Mary Richardson, Kenneth Stevens, Mike Schaduaer, Gary Erickson, Jon Olson and representatives of the Hiawatha Project Office. Funding for advanced and final design services is within the approved 2005 NCDA Budget and Work Plan. Action Reauested: That the Executive Committee I Capital Budget Committee recommend that the NCDA approve the procurement process as described above and authorize the issuance of an RFP for the Advanced and Final Design of the Northstar Corridor Commuter Rail Project and an RFP for Professional Services and for the Advanced and Final Design of the Northstar Corridor LRT Connection. Watab Township 8900 Lakewood Shores Rd. NW Rice. MN 56367 NCDA Executive Committee Agenda Item #6 NCDA Agenda Item #4d August 25, 2004 Chair of the Board Northstar Corridor Development Authority c/o Richardson, Richter & Associates 477 Selby Avenue St. Paul, MN 55102 Dear Chair: Please find enclosed a copy of Resolution 2004-4 from the Town ofWatab requesting withdrawal from the Joint Powers Agreement of which we are currently a member_ Since Watab Township will no longer be directly served by the commuter rail, the Watab Town Board voted to withdraw at its August monthly meeting. Thank you for your consideration of our request. Sincerely, \~4--- Patricia B_ Spence Town Clerk RESOLUTION 2004-4 Withdrawal from Northstar Corridor Development Authority Whereas, Watab Township Board of Supervisors has voted to withdraw from the Joint Powers Agreement that established the Northstar Corridor Development Authority at their monthly board meeting on August 3, 2004; and Whereas, authority to withdraw from the agreement is granted in Article VIII. Withdrawal and Termination, Section I; Now, therefore, be it hereby resolved that the Town ofWatab, Benton County, in the State of Minnesota officially withdraws from the Northstar Corridor Development Authority. Executed this o<S/! day of C2u..-~ Our Lord Two Thousand and Four. in the Year of By: ~c /) Supervisor L ~ ~ -; t:::J'1 f/? C/ tC / Supervisor Attested by: . !!-.. ~ ~~ . V!~ Watab Township Clerk ASSOCIATION Of ~ Jl.INNESOTP, COUNTIES NCDA Agenda [tern #6a Alert from AMC President Dennis Fink 09/24/2004 Comprehensive Transportation Funding Proposal approved by AMC Transportation Policy Committee Last week, the Transportation Policy committee unanimously supported the AMC Transportation Work Group recommendation for a comprehensive transportation funding package. "This package is like Ragu spaghetti sauce of transportation funding: 'it's in there'," said AMC President Dennis Fink (St. Louis County). The work group met five times with each meeting lasting an average of four hours. Sixteen commissioners were appointed to the work group and overall attendance at each meeting exceeded SO individuals, which included others working on the transportation packages: MnDat, the Transportation Alliance, and Senate and House research staff to name a few. What the work group attendees saw was leadership in action. Work group co-chairs, Warren Affeldt (Polk County) and Paul Krause (Dakota County) set a tone of civility as the work group primarily listened during the first few meetings and focused on debate during the final meetings. It was a thing of beauty as factual information, emotions, geographic needs and compromise unfolded into a funding package, The group even took time to joke as Keith Nelson (St. Louis County), cracked after arriving late one day, "Do you know you have a congestion problem here in the metro area?" In the end, the group agreed to move a comprehensive package to the Transportation Policy Committee. Key elements of the package include: . Gas tax increases .05 cents first year, .05 cents second year, indexing the third year . Local option sales tax - .005% for transit and transportation . Wheelage tax . Bonding for special items, i.e. interchanges . Bonding for bridges . Formula change - old money formulas stay the same; new gas tax money formulas changes to 60% needs and 40% registration. Now begins the real work, AMC's membership wifl need to bring our message to everyone who will listen. We need to say this is our package. We want every component, not just one or two. The package is worth $1 billion. "We may need to adjust the size of the package but it is the component parts that make this package viable," explained Transportation Work Group members explained to the Transportation Policy Committee last week. For more information and details: . AMC Comprehensive TransPortation Plan (PDF) . Consensus Positions for a 2005 Transportation Proposal (PDF) . la-Cent Gas Tax Variations Spreadsheet (PDF) Prepared By State Aid For Loca! Transportation AMC Staff will be providing more in depth explanation of the plan at the Fall District MeetinQS. Association of Minnesota Counties 125 Charles Avenue Saint Pau!, ~"N 55103~2108 Phone: 651.224.3344, Fax: 651.224.6540 iIN Chamber of Commerce .......~._..-_..-.- 2004 Policies & Backgrounds Policy Committees Links 400 Robert Street North Suite 1500 5t. Paul, MN 55101 ph 651.292.4650 ph 800.821.2230 fax 651.292.4656 Page 1 of 1 .....-."....,.-......- .------...-- .-. .... L__.' . ..- ~-- MINNEsOTA CHAMBER 1.......,.,~.;!I~J.. September 30, 2004 THE VOICE OF BU5INF.SS A~out Us News & Evenls HR Benefils Join Us h1CCE Grow Miruul'soia! Minnesota Moves A Blueprint for Change Minnesota Moves < "FASTER" Although Minnesota's transportation issues have long been a Steering Committee < top priority for the Minnesota Chamber, solutions have encountered many obstacles - legislative, political and practical. As we have reported in the June issue of Business Views, the Chamber now is leading an effort called Minnesota Moves that looks at transportation needs as defined by business sectors. A working group of busIness leaders has released the preliminary details of Minnesota Moves with six focus areas that result in "FASTER." FASTER means Freeways In the seven county metropolitan area. This includes completion of the existing be!tway to at least three continuous lanes, removal of bottlenecks throughout other existing metro freeway corridors, capacity expansions in heavily congested and high growth areas, and support for the FAST Lanes concept for expanding capacity in viable corridors, FASTER means Alternatives such as investment in non~highway modes for business travel and goods movement, support for general aviation service at regional trade centers, support far federal improvements to the Mississippi waterway system and improvement of reliever airport capacity, FASTER means State and Local Roads. The state needs to make investments to expand and maintain Minnesota's interregional corridor system and 10-ton road network and accelerate the replacement and rehabilitation of Minnesota's aging bridges, FASTER means Transit that includes development of an integrated network of transit options in the metropolitan area and resources for transit services in greater Minnesota. FASTER means Economic Development, Transportation needs should be linked to economic data and analysis, Minnesota businesses should have a greater voice in the planning process, FASTER means Revenue that requires a financing plan to invest an additional $500 million to $700 million per year in state funds toward transportation projects over the next twenty years. Options include non-traditional forms of transportation financing and the leverage federal funding and other sources of funding to the maximum extent posslb!e, New revenues should be spent efficiently and be accountable to the public.