5.1. SR 06-13-2005
Item 5.1.
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Mayor and City Council
DATE:
Pat Klaers, City Ad~.. OniSr)r t. ~r .
, .,y a;;W
June 13, 2005 ti1 \ I
FROM:
SUBJECT:
Highway 10 Project Update-The Tinklenberg Group
Elwyn Tinklenberg and Dan Krom from The Tinklenberg Group will be in attendance at
the June 13,2005 City Council meeting to provide an update on the status of the city's
federal funding proposal. Additionally, Elwyn and Dan will review with the City Council
upcoming collaboration and communication activities. It is difficult to move forward too
quickly with some of these activities until we are certain as to the funding level that will be
obtained for this project.
s: \Council\pat\2005\ Tinklenberg 61305 Wksn.doc
Elk River- Collaboration and Communications Activities
In addition to continuing to monitor and track federal funding processes, the next
phase of consultant services the Tinklenberg Group is providing for the City of
Elk River includes implementing the collaboration and communication strategies
identified in our initial proposal. The objectives of this phase of the project are to
share project information, solicit input from public and private stakeholders, to
garner support and to generate a partnership approach to interchange
improvements.
Once we have a better sense of the status of the federal funding request we
propose to focus efforts on the following activities:
Collaboration efforts:
. The coordination and facilitation of meetings to discuss the project with
community partners including, Sherburne County, Region 7W and with
Mn/DOT District 3 officials and representatives.
. The coordination of meetings to solicit support from private sector partners
including Chamber of Commerce and individual business owners and land
developers.
. Attend city council meetings / work sessions as needed to provide
information updates on project collaboration and information sharing
Information sharing:
. Development of stakeholder and target audience lists for information
dissemination.
. Develop and update appropriate information resources and project
materials. This could include an interchange project FAQ section for the
City's web site, City newsletter or any other citywide communication outlet.
. Distribution of project update materials to stakeholders and target
audiences.
. Attend and participate in appropriate, public meetings as directed.
. Develop and implement project supporting events and activities.
. Assist in various public involvement activities potentially including
workshops, open houses, meetings ,and other community outreach efforts
designed in such a way that result in: productive input.
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Depending on the status of the funding 'request, the proposed timeframe for
these activities to begin is mid summer and ongoing throughout the fall.
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Albertville and Elk River Congressional Meetings - 4/13-4/14 Washington, D.C.
General summary of the meetings, talking points for the City Councils and press interviews
. Meeting participants included: Congressman Kennedy and Tim Morrison, Legislative Aide;
Bill Richard, Legislative Director, Congressman Oberstar's Office; Senator Coleman; Katie
Pass, Legislative Assistant, Senator Dayton's Office; and Elwyn Tinklenberg and Dan Krom,
The Tinklenberg Group.
. Elwyn Tinklenberg provided introductory overview information - growth along and between
the 1-94 and TH 10 corridors, travel demands, congestion etc., and the impacts on both
communities.
o The 1-94 and THlO corridors represent the fastest growing region in the state. They
truly do represent Minnesota's "mega corridor" for development and the commuting,
commercial, recreational and freight movements in the region.
o With growth comes congestion, demands on expanded infrastructure, increasing safety
concerns and other impacts on the quality of life.
o Traffic volumes along these corridors have increased 50% in the past 10 years and are
expected to double by the year 2020.
o Transportation system improvements along 1-94 and TH 10 important to the vitality of
local communities and these communities have built positive relationships with their
neighbors to address current and future needs.
o The information that is being presented today represents the proactive approach
Albertville and Elk River are undertaking to address impacts of growth and
development on transportation infrastructure.
Background information on federal transportation program processes
Federal Transportation Le2islation
. Authorization is a multi-year bill that creates transportation programs and set funding limits.
Typically the transportation authorization bill i,s six-years in length.
o These bills authorize money for specific purposes, but do not appropriate the money.
o Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) enacted in 1996, is still in
effect.
o Transportation Equity Act- A Lasting Legacy for Users (TEA-LU) is the
reauthorization bill passed out of the House in March.
o The authorizing committee in the House is the Transportation and Infrastructure
committee.
· Mr. Kennedy is a T&I Committee member and Vice Chair of the Highways and
Transit subcommittee.
· Mr. Oberstar is the Ranking Democrat of the entire committee
. Appropriations bills are annual and provide money to pay for the programs authorized.
o These bills are under the jurisdiction of the House Appropriations Committee and are
developed in the House Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee
. High Priority Projects (demonstration projects~ are specific projects that members of Congress
have included in legislation. If included in the! authorization bill they can be funded all or in
part over the life of the bill.
. Earmarks - In recent years the Appropriations Committee has been earmarking specific
projects in the annual appropriations bills not riecessarily identified in the authorization bill.
Albertville
Mayor Peterson presented Albertville's perspective with Larry Kruse's assistance. General
comments included:
o A brief summary of the funding request - $1 million for final design and right of way
and $12 million for interchange improvements. Project summary information was
provided as reference.
o Tremendous growth along the corridor, and the communities north and south of
Albertville that are increasingly dependent on improved access through Albertville.
o Limited access interchange at CSAH 19 forces traffic on local streets at CSAH 37 to
access the outlet mall.
o Retail growth at the outlet mall will eventually choke traffic on local streets and is
creating an increased safety risk to motorists and pedestrians
o Eventually 1-94 will be widened to three lanes each direction and the interchanges will
have to be rebuilt. Improvements made now will accommodate this expansion and
dramatically improve access and safety.
o Strong support exists from the commercial/developer community and local residents.
MnlDOT's District 3 office supports the request and has been participating in the
activities we have completed to date.
o The City has been proactive in addressing these issues and has funded 100% of the
environmental work and preliminary design work for interchange improvements to
date. Any federal funding provided will be spent promptly and local share will be
provided by the city. Final design may start this summer and construction could start as
early as 2006.
o An invitation was extended to the elected officials to visit Albertville to discuss this
project and other local issues.
. All of the offices were aware of the funding requests and offered to assist with obtaining funds.
The federal fiscal year '06 appropriations request that was submitted to Mr. Kennedy's office
was forwarded to the Senate offices to be considered during the Senate appropriations process.
. The Authorization request for $12 million has received $lm in the House bill. The Senate staff
are aware of this and will work to ensure it stays in the Senate version and in the House/Senate
conference bill.
Current Status of the Albertville funding request - (CSAH 37 and CSAH 19/1-94 interchanges)
. Federal transportation appropriations ($1.5 million for final design and ROW) and
authorization ($12 million for construction) requests have been submitted. They were split out
based on discussions with Mr. Kennedy's staff'- Mark Matuska. The House TEA-LV
(authorization) bill has the project included for $lm as a high priority project (placeholder).
The Senate needs to be supportive of it staying in the bill. No action on the appropriations
request for FFY'06 has occurred. 1fno appropriation is included, the authorization amount
will be treated as an appropriation if the President signs TEA-LV into law.
Next Steps- The Tinklenberg Group will:
. Continue to monitor legislative processes and maintain communications with congressional
offices. Respond to information requests froIlli congressional offices, the media and the public.
. Outreach activities include working with city staff to identify local business groups/ developers
to contact regarding the project and to develop a communications strategy to discuss and build
support for the project with neighboring comTIl-unities (Otsego, St. Michael, etc.).
Elk River
. Mayor Klinzing provided Elk River's perspective with Councilman Gumphrey's assistance.
The information included:
o The City is in the midst of a downtown revitalization project with commercial, retail
and residential components.
o The goal of this effort is to ensure the long-term viability of the downtown historic
district through public and private sector investments that improve safety, traffic flow,
pedestrian connections and potential access to transit improvements.
o Traffic on TH 10 is increasing dramatically not just during the Friday/Sunday commute
to the Lakes region, but daily during the morning and evening rush hours. It is not
uncommon for traffic back-ups to be quite lengthy in Elk River. Increasing traffic from
the south in Otsego across the Mississippi River is adding to this.
o MnlDOT's Interregional Corridor Management Plan for TH 10 identified a general
design option through the historic downtown district when the highway is rebuilt. The
alternative has the highway being elev~ted through the downtown, which is not
conducive to the plan/vision the city has for the area. MnlDOT has acknowledged this
and is supportive of Elk River's funding request to explore other options.
o The alternatives analysis will build updn the IRC plan and explore alternatives to
elevated roadway that the business community, residents and City Council can support.
o With the federal funding provided, the City will provide local matching funds and
begin the study promptly. The study will include the county and MnlDOT, and have a
public involvement process to build community support for a preferred alternative.
o An invitation was made to visit Elk River to view the situation first hand and discuss
the vision for the downtown district with local interests.
. Information on the proj ect requests was provided for their reference.
. All of the offices were aware of the growth in traffic along TH 10 and were interested in
providing assistance in obtaining funds. The federal fiscal year '06 appropriations request that
was submitted to Mr. Kennedy's office was forwarded to the Senate offices to be considered
during the Senate appropriations process. The, same information was requested by Mr.
Oberstar's office.
Current status of the Elk River funding request - (lAlternatives analysis study)
. Federal transportation appropriations request ($500,000 for THI0 alternatives analysis) was
submitted to Mr. Kennedy's office. The project has support from MnlDOT, Chamber of
Commerce and the City Council. No action on the appropriations request for FFY'06 has
occurred. The Senate needs to be supportive of the appropriations request.
Next Steps- The Tinklenberg Group will:
. Continue to monitor legislative processes and maintain communications with congressional
offices. Respond to information requests from congressional offices, the media and the public.
. Outreach activities include working with city ~taff to identify local business groups, developers
and citizen groups to share information regarding the project funding request and build support
for the project within Elk River.
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River ---
Trunk Highway 10 - Downtown Elk
River Design Alternatives
Analysis
Proiect Overview
The City of Elk River's close proximity to
the Twin Cities metropolitan area and
location along a major transportation
corridor offers residents and businesses
a desirable location to live and work.
Rapid growth along the TH 10 corridor
however has resulted in the need for
transportation improvements at
locations within communities that will
impact businesses, neighborhoods and
potential future community development
and economic livelihood. The primary
part of Elk River that is impacted by
traffic growth is in the historic downtown
district.
City of Elk River's Downtown
Revitalization Project primary goal to is
to assure the long-term viability of the
historic downtown by making a
connection to the rest of the community
and by utilizing the riverfront location.
Redevelopment will enhance downtown
Elk River's role as a residential, retail
and commercial area and also revitalize
investment in the downtown business
district. The public/private sector
initiative is intended focus on the historic
context of district connecting retail and
residential mixed-use developments by
improved pedestrian connections, more
practical local traffic flows and the
potential for improved access to transit
alternatives for all the residents of the
community .
The Minnesota Department of
Transportation's (Mn/DOT) Interregional
Corridor Management Plan identifies
general design alternative for TH1 0
through historic downtown district. To
accommodate safe access and improve
traffic flow the plan proposes to elevate
the highway approximately 20 feet
through the downtown area. The City's
Comprehensive Plan calls for an
expansion of the downtown area
through an Old Town zoning district on
both the north and south sides of TH 10.
The elevated roadway alternative would
effective act as a barrier. consume
potentially redevelopment property and
provide an impediment to important
growth and redevelopment activities.
Reauest Summary
The City is requesting $500,000 to
undertake alternative analyses on the
segment of TH 10 from TH 169 to the
east and Upland Avenue, west of the
historic downtown district. This
alternative analysis will not only look at
options for TH 10 through the core of
Elk River. but also their effect on
economic development in the downtown
area. As part of the alternatives
analysis, the City will initiate a public
involvement process to build community
support for the TH 10 project that is
consistent with the City's redevelopment
goals. In addition, the City will study
options for pedestrian movements
throughout the Old Town area that lies
on both sides of TH 10 and determine
multi modal opportunmes in the
downtown area in conjunction with the
proposed Northstar Corridor.
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Trunk Highway 10 - Dow~town Elk River Design Alternatives Analysis
Project Type:
An alternatives analysis for roadway improvements and access management of TH 10
through Historic Downtown Elk River. The City Council adopted a resolution in 2002
endorsing the Inter Regional Corridor (I RC) management plan vision for the TH 10
corridor, but identified the need for more study of alternatives through the core city and
their effect on the downtown area.
Project needs:
The transportation corridor from St. Cloud to the Twin Cities is one of the fastest growing
corridors in the country. Elk River is a primary thoroughfare for commuters, freight
movements and recreational traffic to central and northwestern Minnesota. The 2000
Average Daily Traffic (ADT) on TH 10 in downtown Elk River was 22,300; the forecast
2025 ADT is 43,600. The City's current population is approximately 20,000; the City's
Comprehensive Plan calls for a full build out population of 35-40,000. Vehicular and
pedestrian access and safety issues are becoming increasing in important to the
community.
The City August 204 Comprehensive Plan calls for an expansion of the downtown area
through an Old Town zoning district on both the north and south sides of TH 10. The
City in conjunction with a private developer is initiating a $20 million redevelopment of
two blocks in the downtown area by constructing three level multi use buildings. To
accommodate safe access and improve traffic flow, the IRC management plan proposes
to elevate the highway approximately 20 feet through the downtown area.
Project Benefits:
With federal transportation appropriations, Elk River will perform alternative analysis,
coordinate with the ongoing economic redevelopment of the downtown area, initiate a
public involvement process to build support for the chosen alternative, as well as
analyze safe pedestrian movements and multi modal opportunities in the downtown
area.
SchedulelTimeframe:
The alternatives analysis process will begin as soon as federal funding is identified and
made available to the City. MnDOT's District 3 fiscally constrained 2030 plan has no
money slotted for TH 10 improvements in Elk River. MnDOT's TH 10 I RC Corridor
Management Plan states that by 2025 with no improvements, TH 10 through Elk River
will operate at Level of Service (LOS), which is the worst congestion on the LOS scale.
Downtown redevelopment activities cannot be ~ubject to Mn/DOT's schedule. The
preferred design alternative selected by the city will be completed in partnership with
Mn/DOT to ensure compatibility with the IRC Management Plan. The City will then
team with MnDOT in an attempt to move forward MnDOT's investment in TH 10 before
2030. .
Contact Person:
Terry Maurer, City Engineer
763/635-1 051
tmaurer@cLelk-river.mn.us
e Tinklenberg Group
The interchange of strategies and solutions
City of Elk River
Consulting Services Proposal
Introduction
The City of Elk River is in a unique position resulting from its close
proximity to the Twin Cities metropolitan area, its scenic association with
the Mississippi River and its location along two major transportation
corridors in the north metro. While this offers residents and businesses a
desirable location to live and work, rapid growth within the City and
surrounding communities. has resulted in the need for safety
improvements, additional roadway capacity, and improved access to the
existing transportation infrastructure, particularly along the Trunk
Highway 10 (TRIO) corridor.
In addition to congestion and safety issues along TRIO, the City of Elk
River is also concerned with preserving the vitality of its historic
downtown area and addressing development and redevelopment
opportunities along the corridor. As the City examines its options and
develops a plan for moving forward with transportation improvement
alternatives, it is extremely important to incorporate a wide range of
funding strategies as a part of the process, as well as a sound plan to
communicate with stakeholders and the general public.
The Tinklenberg Group has experience in the areas of transportation
planning, project development and funding, government relations and
public involvement working with both public and private sector
organizations. The Group brings access to all levels of government, a
thorough understanding of project processes, a successful record of
positive public involvement activities and a proven track record working
with communities to foster collaborative efforts that result in long term
support for projects.
Understanding the broad range of processes, regulations and funding
mechanisms relative to moving transportation plans and projects forward
enables the Group to develop innovative and creative strategies for its
clients resulting in the funding and support fundamentals necessary to
advance client objectives.
at,> of Elk River [
The Tinklenberg Group Proposm"
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January 2005
The following sections highlight specific areas where The Tinklenberg
Group can effectively assist the City of Elk River both in the near term
through development of appropriate federal funding applications and
materials and longer term through implementation of communications and
government relations strategies.
Task 1 - Interim funding sources and strategy
The identification and packaging of financial resources from local, state
and federal sources is essential to project success, particularly given the
current budget environment where transportation program funding
demands are high and resources limited. The TinklenbergGroup offers
direct experience developing funding requests and applications, following
application processes and procedures, and communicating project needs to
Minnesota's local, state and federal elected officials.
Based on a thorough understanding of these programs and processes, and
established access to transportation departments and congressional staff,
The Tinklenberg Group will develop a comprehensive, aggressive strategy
to identify and secure necessary funding to meet the City's immediate and
long-term objectives for needed transportation improvement plans and
projects.
Under the current appropnatlons and reauthorization cycle, federal
funding requests are due to Members of Congress by the end of January
2005 for submittal to the appropriate committees in the U.S. House and
Senate, and correspondence with the appropriate congressional staff in
both Minnesota and Washington D.C. offices needs to occur prior to
submittal of the funding requests. The Tinklenberg Group will complete
the necessary tasks to ensure that the City of Elk River is in a position to
submit its request for funds during this current cycle.
The following tasks provide additional detail relative to the Group's initial
funding strategy and activities:
. Coordinate with the city and congressional offices the preparation
of necessary funding applications.
. Assist the city in developing effective supporting materials
designed to accompany and reinforce the application.
. Communicate with appropriate local and federal staff regarding the
city's funding request and the needs and rationale behind it.
Ci9' of Elk River
The Tinklenberg Group Proposal
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January 2005
Task 2 Collaborative planning and project
development
Communication and facilitation among responsible planning agencies is
extremely important in the progression of project development. Building
strong relationships with the City's partner communities, Sherburne
County and Mn/DOT will assist in identifying issues and concerns, and
facilitate discussions as to how the various needs of the community and
the corridor can be addressed.
The Tinklenberg Group can assist the City of Elk River to maximize
resources, gamer support, increase project awareness, and develop
consensus that will not only expedite the processes, but aid in positioning
the community to take advantage of a variety of funds at the local,
regional, state and federal levels.
Specific examples of activities that will assist in collaborative planning
efforts include:
. Meet with City staff to review Council intent and vision for the
project area relative to transportation improvements.
. Schedule and conduct meetings with appropriate stakeholders to
clarify issues and listen to community concerns.
. Review existing transportation and development plans at the local,
~ regional and state levels.
· Work with City staff to identify potential development projects in
the area that could impact transportation systems needs.
. Conduct analysis of the economic impacts of various land uses and
transportation improvement options for the extension area.
. Facilitate communication and coordination among other affected
local governments such as the Cities of Otsego and Ramsey,
Sherburne and Anoka Counties, and Mn/DOT to generate a
partnership approach to planning and implementing transportation
improvements.
· Develop a working group consisting of City staff, local community
representatives, Sherburne County and Mn/DOT to meet and
discuss needs, issues, opportunities and alternatives for projects
along the corridor.
· Attend council work! sessions as needed to provide information and
updates related to pl~nning activities to policy makers.
· Participate in a p~esentation and report to the City Council
including a recommendation regarding the submittal of a federal
appropriations request and necessary follow up activities.
city of Elk River
The Tinklenberg Group Proposal
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January 2005
. Present findings and recommendations to City Council and other
appropriate groups for feedback.
Task 3 - Communications and public outreach
The Tinklenberg Group believes that engaging the community early on in
the planning process is most effective in building support and consensus
for projects. Methods that involve input from public and private
stakeholders can enhance support at the local, regional, state, and more
importantly the federal level.
Discussing the needs and issues surrounding transportation improvements,
development and redevelopment opportunities, and the potential
shortllong-term benefits to the community and traveling public, has
proven successful in moving the planning process along more efficiently
and with less resistance.
Specific examples of outreach activities include:
. Facilitate communication among stakeholders including the
businesses community, local, regional and state elected officials,
and residents to ensure issues and concerns are voiced, heard and
addressed.
. Assist in various public involvement activities including
workshops, open houses, meetings and other community outreach
efforts designed in such a way to result in productive input.
. Assist in developing necessary updates and printed materials that
reflect consistent, accurate and timely information.
. Incorporate feedback, issues, concerns and ideas into final report
and recommendations to City Council.
Task 4 - Project funding
In addition to the project funding actIVItIes identified in Task 1, The
Tinklenberg Group will provide critical ongoing assistance and support
related to the initial application and the identification of other local, state
and federal funding opportunities, timing, and necessary applications
and/or requests. The Group has strong relationships with members of
Congress and local staff, and is able to provide regular updates in the form
of individual meetings and written materials.
city of Elk River
The Tinklenberg Group Proposal
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January 2005
The following tasks provide additional detail relative to the Group's
ongoing project funding strategies and activities:
· Prepare a summary of state and federal transportation funding
sources.
· Review current and proposed state and federal transportation
programs and assess the potential for new funding for necessary
planning aCtivities from all available and appropriate sources.
· Develop a strategy to maximize planned investments and advance
project improvements as funding is identified, requested and
becomes available.
· Develop a strategy to potentially pursue high priority designation
and appropriate federal funding for the project area.
· Develop an investment strategy on an improvement-by-
improvement basis! consistent with the overall goals for the
projects.
· Coordinate with other affected local governments, the county and
the state to generate a partnership approach to roadway
improvements.
· Assist with the preparation of federal fun~ing requests for
transportation improvements and create necessary
materials/responses to the Transportation Appropriations
Committee information requests for targeted funding.
· Establish, coordinate and participate in meetings with state
legislative leaders .and elected officials in Washington D.C.
Provide regular communication updates with all elected officials
and coordinate special events as project improvements occur.
Schedule and Costs
The Tinklenberg Group- proposes an interim contract of 45 days. to
complete the tasks identified in Task 1 (Interim Funding Sources and
Strategy), and to follow these activities through the initial funding request
process. The cost to complete these activities is $5,000.
The second component ot this proposal includes Tasks 2, 3 and 4
consisting of collaborative planning efforts, project development, public
involvement and community outreach and additional identification of
funding sources to support recommendations brought forward by the City
Council.
The estimated time to complete the second portion of the proposal is one
year at a cost of $40,000-$55,000 depending on the scope of the elements
city of Elk River .
The Tinklenberg Group Proposal!
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January 2005
selected. Upon completion of the tasks identified in this proposal, the City
and The Tinklenberg Group will review the status of the project and may
negotiate the inclusion of additional work as deemed necessary or
appropriate.
Members of The Tinklenberg Group have direct hands-on experience as
practitioners in local, state and federal government, multi-modal
transportation planning, project. management, and collaboration among
agencies. This experience reflects a successful track record in helping
governments and other groups make the right decisions and, ultimately,
financially sound, publicly accepted improvements.
city of Elk River
The Tinklenberg Group Proposal
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January 2005