6.4. SR 11-15-2004
13065 Orono Parkway
Elk River, MN 55330
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
MEMORANDUM
Mayor and City Council
Scott Harlicker, Senior PlannJ
November 15, 2004
Northstar Corridor Update
Item# 6 -IJ-:-
Attached is the packet from the NCDA meeting held on November 4"'.
Phone: 763.635.1000
Fax: 763.635.1090
www.cLelk-river.mn.us
NCDA
Meeting Agenda
November 4, 2004
4:30 p.m.
4E7y
(J/
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Sherburne County Government Center
Elk River, MN
Action Requested
1. Minutes of the October 7,2004 Meeting* Approval
2. Criteria for Selecting Maintenance Facility Location* Approval
3. Northstar Commuter Rail Station Property Acquisitions
a) Resolution for Authorization to Acquire Right-of-Way Approval
for the Minneapolis Commuter Rail Station*
b) Resolution for Authorization to Acquire Right-of-Way Approval
for the Anoka Commuter Rail Station*
c) Resolution for Authorization to Acquire Right-of-Way Approval
for the Big Lake Commuter Rail Station*
4. Resolution Approving Mn/DOT Grant Agreement* Approval
5. Northstar Project Activities Update
6. Public Information Update Information
a) News Release issued by the NCDA on Strong
Support For Northstar Among Candidates for the
Minnesota House*
7. Legislative Update Information
a) State
b) Federal
8. Other: Next meeting - December 2, 2004
* Documentation enclosed
If you are unable to attend this meeting, please contact Peggy Aho at 651-222-7227.
Agenda Item #1
NORTHSTAR CORRIDOR DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
October 7,2004 Meeting Minutes
The Northstar Corridor Development Authority met on October 7, 2004, in regular session at
the SherbI,Jrne County Government Center, Elk River, Minnesota.
In attendance: Duane Grandy, Lewis Stark, Ewald Petersen, John Norgren, Terry Nagorski,
Woody Bissett, Ken Paulson, Robert Kirchner, Dan Lieser, LeRoy Pauley, Fay Huselid, Dana
Nemitz, Anthony Reel, Jon Olson, John Himle, Mike Schadauer, Bill Schreiber, MC\rk ,
Fuhrmann, Lona Schreiber, Ken Stevens, Todd Rapp, Jay Mclinden, Paul McCarron, Carol,.
,
Richter, Carol Lewis, Mark Stenglein, Dan Erhart, Jeanne Mason, Steve Billings, Scott .
Schulte, Dennis Berg, Tom Gamec, David Elvig, Louise Kuester, Arne Engstrom, Pat,
Wussow, Andrew Cockruf, Anne Walter, Tom Crubaugh, Rex Brejnik, Dave Keller, Kelly .
Hays, Dick Wolsfeld, Paul Danielson, Jesse Corrow, Tim Kirchoff, Jill Brown, Elliott Perovich, '
Anthony Reel, Gary Wieben, Kim Hayes, Marty Raymond, Dana Nemitz, Peg Aho '
1. The meeting was called to order at 4:35 p.m. A motion was made by Ewald Petersen,
seconded by Scott Schulte and carried unanimously to approve the meeting minutes
of September 2,2004 with the adjournment time revised to read 5:30 p.m., and the
agenda of October 7, as presented.
2. Public Hearing to receive comments regarding an increase in passenger fares for the
Northstar Commuter Coach service, Route 888 began at 4:45 p.m. Jon Olson gave an
update on the costs of operating Route 888. The following riders of Route 888
testified against the proposed rate increase: Anthony Reel, Fay Huselid,Gary
Wieben, Kim Hayes, Carol Richter, Carol Lewis, Marty Raymond, and Dana Nemitz.
3. Following testimony by riders, Tom Gamec made a motion that the pUblic hearing be
closed to further testimony. Ewald Petersen seconded the motion and the motion
passed unanimously that the public hearing be closed at 5:30 p.m.
Jon Olson noted the no matter how much an individual pays to ride the commuter
coach, the cost of operation is not going to be covered. A subsidy is still needed. If
fares are not increased, ridership will have to increase drastically in order to continue
the service or service will have to end. He also noted that every rider that is picked up
in Coon Rapids, the Coach makes a dollar. Tom Gamec asked why fare increases '
aren't being recommended for all stops. Jon Olson noted that fare increases for rider~
boarding at Coon Rapids are not feasible because the same riders could ride Metro
Transit buses from that station and pay less.
0.. .
.
Mark Stenglein asked if the monies needed could be found elsewhere i.n the budget.
Chair Grandy asked how long a fare increase of 50 cents would keep service running."
Jon Olson estimated through August 2005. Ken Paulson made a motion thatthe .
NCDA Approve Resolution 2004-04 which authorizes raising fares for the Northstar
Commuter Coach service from the Elk River station from $3.50 to $4.50, commencing
October 11, 2004. Woody Bissett seconded the motion.
Agenda Item #1
David Elvig suggested that fares from Elk River increase by 50 cents and Coon Rapids
be increased by 25 cents. Tom Gamec noted that if the NCDA raises fares from Elk
River now, the Legislature may say during the session that since fares have already
been increased why not increase them again to cover the operating costs. Mr. Gamec
suggested not increasing fares at this time, but waiting until the legislative session is
over and increase fares than if necessary. Jon Olson noted that the Commuter Coach
service would need to discontinue service in June of 2005 if no funds are brought in.
Ken Paulson amended his earlier motion to read that the NCDA raise the fare for the
Northstar Commuter Coach service from the Elk River station from $3.50 to $4.00,
commencing June 1, 2005, if needed. The motion was seconded by Woody Bissett
and passed unanimously on a voice vote.
Louise Kuester noted that part of the value of having the Commuter Coach was to
establish ridership habits. LeRoy Pauley noted that right now is an ideal time to get
Legislators listening to you. Dan Erhart thanked the citizens for their input on this
issue.
4. Tim Yantos gave an overview of the Northstar Organizational Chart. Mark Fuhrman,
Mn/DOT, noted his excitement to be part of the Northstar Project. He noted that the
new organizational chart for the Project will satisfy FT A's idea of scope and number of
people needed to assure the Project is done adequately and on time. He noted that a
Project Manager Oversight Consultant will be hired to look watch over the Project
development.
5. Mary Richardson reviewed the selection process for consultants for Advanced and
Final Design Services. Tom Gamec made a motion that the NCDA approve the
procurement process as described 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 for the Advanced and Final Design of the Northstar
Corridor LRT connection. The motion was seconded by Scott Schulte and passed
unanimously on a voice vote.
6. Tim Yantos noted that NCDA and Mn/DOT staff have finalized the Memorandum of
Understanding for Final design services and we are awaiting the Commissioner's
signature..
7. Chair Grandy noted that Watab Township has formally withdrawn from the NCDA Joint
Powers Board as of August 25, 2004. Dennis Berg asked that staff prepare and send
out under Chair Grandy's signature a letter of appreciation for Watab's participation in
the NCDA since 1996 and invite them to rejoin the Joint Powers Board at anytime.
8. John Himle gave an update on public information activities. He noted that an
information kit had been mailed out to all legislatures and NCDA members.
9. Bill Schreiber passed out Capital Partnerships memo on the extension of TEA-21
through May 31,2005, AMC's comprehensive transportation funding proposal as
approved by AMC's Transportation Policy Committee and the Transportation Alliances'
update dated October 1, 2004.
Agenda Item #1
10. Tim Yantos reviewed a recommendation by the Executive Committee/Capital Budget
Committee regarding authorization to acquire right-of-way for the Fridley Commuter
Rail Station located in Anoka County. Mr. Yantos noted that the Fridley commuter rail
station will consist of a center platform station between the BNSF railroad tracks, and
a 262 car park-and-ride facility on the west side of the BNSF railroad, and a 332 car
park-and-ride on the east side of the BNSF tracks. MnlDOT has delegated to the
NCDA the authority to acquire property for commuter rail purposes pursuant to Minn.
Stat. Section 174.82, as required by Minn. Stat. Section 398.04, subd.2. The Anoka
County Regional Railroad Authority has the power to acquire land by purchase or by
eminent domain in accordance with Minn. Stat. Section 398A.04, subd. 1. Ewald
Petersen made a motion that the NCDA pass Resolution 2004-03 which requests that
the Anoka County Regional Railroad Authority proceed to acquire the property
described in Exhibit A. on behalf of the NCDA and in accordance with FT A
requirements. The motion was seconded by Jeanne Mason and passed unanimously
on a voice vote.
11. Chair Grandy set the next meeting of the NCDA for November 3, 2004.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:02 p.m. by Chair Grandy.
Unanimously approved.
Duane Grandy, Chairperson
Date
Agenda Item #2
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MEMORANDUM
October 29, 2004
TO:
NCDA
FROM:
Staff
SUBJECT: Criteria for Selecting Maintenance Facility Location
The site previously selected for the Northstar Corridor Commuter Rail maintenance facility is
located southerly of the Elk River Commuter Rail station at 17151 Avenue NW. As a result of
the decision to terminate Phase I of the service at the Big Lake station, it is prudent to re-
evaluate the location of the maintenance facility to ensure that Elk River is still the most viable
location with respect to a shortened project. Consequently, staff is proposing to evaluate the
Elk River site and a potential site near the Big Lake Station.
The following criteria will be used in the evaluation. The criteria are selected from those
established and adopted by the NCDA for evaluation of termini, extensions and station
locations.
Evaluation Criteria:
. .Capital Cost
. Operating Cost
. Environmental Impact
. Site Availability
. Site Access
. Land Use Compatibility
. Railroad Operating Impact
. Community and Government Support
. Cost Effectiveness
Staff will work with Northstar technical consultants to complete the evaluation of the
maintenance facility sites and will provide a report to the NCDA for its consideration at the
December 2,2004 meeting. Advanced and final design, as well as any necessary
supplemental environmental work of the maintenance facility, will commence in January 2005.
Action Requested: Approval.
Northstar Corridor Development Authority
2W(J 3" Avenue. Anola. Minnesota 55303-2265 (763) 323-5700 Fax: (763) 323-5682 www.northstartrain.org
DRAFT
Agenda Item #3a
Northstar Corridor Development Authority
Resolution
2004-_
RESOLUTION fOR AUTHORIZATION TO ACQUIRE RIGHT-Of-WAY
FOR THE MINNEAPOLIS COMMUTER RAIL STATION
WHEREAS, the Northstar Corridor Development Authority ("NCDA") proposes to develop a
commuter rail station in the City of Minneapolis along the 4th Avenue North right-of-way between 5'h
Street North and ih Street North; and
WHEREAS, the Minneapolis commuter rail station will consist of a platform and station on the
southeast side of the Burlington Northern Santa fe ("BNSf") railroad; and
WHEREAS, certain lands are required to provide for said station development; and
WHEREAS, Congress appropriated funding for land acquisition for the Northstar Commuter
Rail Project, and such funding was made available to the NCDA pursuant to a grant agreement with
the Minnesota Department of Transportation and matched by the Northstar funding partners;
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Department of Transportation has delegated to the NCDA the
authority to acquire property for commuter rail purposes pursuant to Minn. Stat. 9174.82, as required
by Minn. Stat. 9398A.04, subd. 2; and
WHEREAS, the Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority has the power to acquire land
by purchase or by eminent domain in accordance with Minn. Stat. 9398A.04, subd. 1; and
WHEREAS, the proposed Minneapolis station is located in Hennepin County.
NOW, THEREfORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Northstar Corridor Development Authority
hereby requests the Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority to proceed to acquire the property
as needed for the commuter rail station, on behalf of the NCDA and in accordance with Federal Transit
Administration (FTA) requirements.
Duane Grandy, Chairperson
Date:
Certification
I hereby certify that the above resolution is a true and correct copy of the Resolution duly presented
to and adopted by the Northstar Corridor Development Authority at a duly authorized meeting
thereof held on the 4th day of November, 2004.
(Name)
DRAFT
Agenda Item #3b
Northstar Corridor Development Authority
Resolution
2004-_
RESOLUTION FOR AUTHORIZATION TO ACQUIRE RIGHT-OF-WAY
FOR THE ANOKA COMMUTER RAIL STATION
WHEREAS, the Northstar Corridor Development Authority ("NCDA") proposes to develop a
commuter rail station in the City of Anoka at 4th Avenue between Johnson Street and Pleasant Street;
and
WHEREAS, the Anoka commuter rail station will consist of two platforms, a station, and a 65
car park-and-ride facility on the south side of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe ("BNSF") railroad, and
a 203 car park-and-ride facility on the north side of the BNSF railroad; and
WHEREAS, certain lands are identified as necessary to provide for said station development;
and
WHEREAS, Congress appropriated funding for land acquisition for the Northstar Commuter
Rail Project, and such funding was made available to the NCDA pursuant to a grant agreement with
the Minnesota Department of Transportation and matched by the Northstar funding partners and the
Metropolitan Council; and
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Department of Transportation has delegated to the NCDA the
authority to acquire property for commuter rail purposes pursuant to Minn. Stat. ~174.82, as required
by Minn. Stat. ~398A.04, subd. 2; and
WHEREAS, the Anoka County Regional Railroad Authority has the power to acquire land by
purchase or by eminent domain in accordance with Minn. Stat. ~398A.04, subd. 1; and
WHEREAS, the proposed Anoka station is located in Anoka County.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Northstar Corridor Development Authority
hereby requests the Anoka County Regional Railroad Authority to proceed to acquire the property as
needed for the commuter rail station, on behalf of the NCDA and in accordance with Federal Transit
Administration (FTA) requirements.
Duane Grandy, Chairperson
Date:
Certification
I hereby certify that the above resolution is a true and correct copy of the Resolution duly presented
to and adopted by the Northstar Corridor Development Authority at a duly authorized meeting
thereof held on the 4th day of November, 2004.
(Name)
DRAFT
Agenda Item #3c
Northstar Corridor Development Authority
Resolution
2004-_
RESOLUTION FOR AUTHORIZATION TO ACQUIRE RIGHT-OF-WAY
FOR THE BIG LAKE COMMUTER RAIL STATION
WHEREAS, the Northstar Corridor Development Authority ("NCDA") proposes to develop a
commuter rail station in the City of Big Lake at County Road 43 south of Humbolt Drive west of County
Road 43; and
WHEREAS, the Big Lake commuter rail station will consist of two platforms, a station, and a
400 car park-and-ride facility on the north side of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe ("BNSF") railroad;
and
WHEREAS, the Mn/DOT has completed construction of a portion of the park and ride facility;
and
WHEREAS, certain lands are required to complete said station development; and
WHEREAS, Congress appropriated funding for land acquisition for the Northstar Commuter
Rail Project, and such funding was made available to the NCDA pursuant to a grant agreement with
the Minnesota Department of Transportation and matched by the Northstar funding partners; and
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Department of Transportation has delegated to the NCDA the
authority to acquire property for commuter rail purposes pursuant to Minn. Stat. S174.82, as required
by Minn. Stat. S398A.04, subd. 2; and
WHEREAS, the Sherburne County Regional Railroad Authority has the power to acquire land
by purchase or by eminent domain in accordance with Minn. Stat. S398A.04, subd. 1; and
WHEREAS, the proposed Big Lake station is located in Sherburne County.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Northstar Corridor Development Authority
hereby requests the Sherburne County Regional Railroad Authority to proceed to acquire the property
as needed for the commuter rail station, on behalf of the NCDA and in accordance with Federal Transit
Administration (FTA) requirements.
Duane Grandy, Chairperson
Date:
Certification
I hereby certify that the above resolution is a true and correct copy of the Resolution duly presented
to and adopted by the Northstar Corridor Development Authority at a duly authorized meeting
thereof held on the 4'h day of November, 2004.
(Name)
Agenda Item #4
NORTH STAR CORRIDOR DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
RESOLUTION
2004-_
AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF GRANT AGREEMENT NO. 87336
WHEREAS, the Northstar Corridor Development Authority ("NCDA") and
the Minnesota Department of Transportation ("Mn/DOT") continue development
of the Northstar Project; and
WHEREAS, the State of Minnesota will provide federal funding to the
Northstar Corridor Development Authority for the continued development of the
Northstar Project (land acquisition, utility relocation planning, BNSF negotiations,
New Starts Reporting, community involvement and public information, and
project management) in the amount of $9,900,131.00 less Mn/DOTs
administrative expenses; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Northstar Corridor
Development Authority enter into Grant Agreement No. 87336 with the State of
Minnesota, acting through its Commissioner of Transportation.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Chair or Vice Chair of the Northstar
Corridor Development Authority are hereby authorized finalize negotiations and
to execute the aforementioned Grant Agreement.
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 4th day of November,
2004 as shown by the minutes of said meeting in my possession.
(Name)
Agenda Item #6a
~
URIIIITIISTJUf
..."'1Uf MIL
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
October 21, 2004
Contact:
Tim Yantos
763-323-5692
Forum Highlights Strong Support for Northstar
Among Candidates for the Minnesota House
Candidates emphasize need for transportation alternatives in the
Northstar Corridor
Ramsey, Minn. - With a large audience in attendance, eleven House candidates from
the northwest suburbs pointed to the need for transportation improvements in the
Northstar Corridor and said that Northstar Commuter Rail is an important transportation
alternative for the region.
"The high turnout from candidates and the pUblic shows how important transportation is
to area voters and that Northstar commuter rail is clearly seen as the right alternative for
this region," said Dennis Berg, Anoka County Commissioner and Northstar Corridor
Development Authority Board member. "We're pleased that a majority of the candidates
said they would make Northstar their priority if elected."
The forum was held at Connexus Energy in Ramsey and co-hosted by a coalition of area
chambers of commerce, businesses and community groups. "By saving area
commuters nearly 900,000 hours in travel time, Northstar commuter rail will have a
positive impact on our business and the area's transportation system," said Larry
Peterson, Vice President at Connexus Energy. "That's why we sponsored this event
and why Connexus has been a long-time supporter of the Northstar project."
Many of the candidates also expressed optimism that a bonding bill including Northstar
could be passed during the 2005 legislative session. In addition, candidates expressed
their support for funding a balanced transportation plan that includes roads, rail and bus
systems.
Candidates in attendance were: Jim Huthala (DFL-16B), Denise Dittrich (DFL-47A), Rep.
Bill Haas (R-47A), Melissa Hortman (DFL-47B), Rep. Tom Hackbarth (R-48A), Mike
Starr (DFL-48A), Rep. Kathy Tingelstad (R-49B), LeeAnn Mortensen (DFL-49B), Rep.
Andy Westerberg (R-51A), Kendra Brodin (DFL-51A) and Rep. Connie Bernardy (DFL-
51 B).
About the Northstar Commuter Rail project
The Northstar commuter rail proposal is for service on the 40-mile segment along
Highways 10 and 47 from Big Lake to Minneapolis. The Governor and the NCDA are
seeking $37.5 million in low-interest bonding from the 2005 Legislature. The NCDA is a
joint powers board of 30 counties, cities, townships and regional railroad authorities
along the corridor. For more information about the Northstar Corridor Commuter Rail
project, please visit the Northstar web site at www.mn-GetOnBoard.com.
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