7.4. SR 10-17-2005
Item# 7.4.
MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
Mayor and City Council
Scott Harlicker, Senior PlanneNs:'
October 17, 2005
DATE:
SUBJECT:
Northstar Corridor Update
Councilmember Motin is the City's representative on the NCDA. He is scheduled to provide
an update at the October 17th Council meeting. Attached are the agenda and the packet from
the NCDA meeting held on October 6th.
NCDA
Meeting Agenda
October 6, 2005
4:30 P.M.
'or."
L!
:1 2005
Anoka County Government Center, 7th Floor, Boardroom
Anoka, MN
Action Requested
1.
Minutes of the August 4, 2005 Meeting*
Approval
2. Executive Committee Report:
a) Appointment of Deputy Director of Design
Information
b) Northstar Commuter Bus Agreements*:
Approval
i. Amendment to Grant Agreement #87195 for Commuter
Coach Bus Service
ii. Amendment to Memorandum of Understanding for
Coordination of Commuter Coach Activities
c) Commuter Rail Governance Legislation*
Approval
d) Real Estate Acquisition Issues
Information
3.
FT A Issues:
Information
a) Monthly Report*
b) Final Design Application Update
4.
Northstar Project Visualization
Presentation
5. Technical Reports: Discussion
a) Advanced and Final Design of Commuter Rail
i) Station Platform Layouts
ii) Environmental Assessment Process/Community
Meetings
iii) ADA Update
b) Advanced and Final Design of LRT Connection
6. Legislative Reports:
a) State Update
b) Federal Update
7. Public Information Reports Update
8. Other: Next Meeting - November 3, 2005
* Documentation enclosed
Please call Peggy Aho at Richardson, Richter & Associates, Inc., 651-222-7227, if you are
unable to attend this meeting.
NCDA Agenda Item #1
NORTHST AR CORRIDOR DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
DRAFT: Meeting Minutes for Approval
August 4, 2005
The Northstar Corridor Development Authority met on August 4,2005, in regular session at the Anoka
County Government Center, Anoka, Minnesota.
In attendance: Duane Grandy, Tim Yantos, Joe Voigt, Ewald Petersen, John Norgren, Felix
Schmiesing, Scott Schulte, Paul Motin, Dennis Berg, Mike Schadauer, Mark Fuhrmann, Jim Barton,
Linda Jungwirth, Arne Engstrom, Jeanne Mason, Paul Danielson, Ken Stevens, Jill Brown, Tom
Gamec, Peg Aho, Mary Richardson, Sue Youngs, Dee Guthmann, Jon Olson, Paul McCarron, Todd
Rapp, John Himle, Terry Nagorski, Dan Lieser, Dan Erhart, Mark Limpert, Montgomery Headley, James
Sanford, Dave Peterson, Barbara Schroeder, Scott Johnson, David Elvig, Carl Anderson, Steve
Apanian, Dominic DiBrito, Jan Lucke, Carolyn Braun, Woody Bissett, Mark Sable
1. Dennis Berg made a motion to approve the July 7, 2005 meeting minutes as presented at the
meeting. The motion was seconded by Arne Engstrom and passed unanimously on a voice
vote.
2. Executive Committee Report: 2005 Northstar Operating and Special Demonstration Project
Budget: Tim Yantos reviewed the final draft of the 2006 Northstar Operating Budget and
Special Demonstration Budget for consideration of approval. The operating budget includes
those expenses that are not eligible for FTA grant funding, including legislative activities,
community advocacy, insurance and miscellaneous administrative expenses. In addition, the
NCDA's budget includes the special demonstration project (Northstar Commuter Coach
service). David Elvig made a motion that the NCDA approve the final 2006 NCDA Operating
Budget and Special Demonstration Project Budgets as presented which total $896,759. The
budget allots contributions from the funding member counties as follows: Anoka County
$546,805.05, Sherburne County $193,203.50, Hennepin County $105,715.35 and Benton
County $51,035.10. The motion was seconded by John Norgren and passed unanimously on a
voice vote.
3. Broker/Insurance Consulting Services Agreement with Marsh USA, Inc.: Mary Richardson
reviewed the Request for Proposals process for the Brokerllnsurance Consulting Services work
on the Northstar Project. Proposers were asked to propose on the following tasks: advising the
NCDA in negotiating insurance terms and conditions with BNSF for both the construction and
operational phases of the Northstar Corridor Rail Project; identifying and determining insurance
requirements for design and construction professionals and contractors that would be involved
in this Project and advise the NCDA; placing insurance coverages to ensure all carriers are
providing coverages and services, as agreed; managing placed insurance, as agreed;
overseeing audit services, claim services and loss control and safety services to ensure that the
project is in compliance with all federal, state and local safety requirements while controlling
costs; monitoring issuance of certificates of insurance and on-going consultation of risk
management services to the NCDA; identifying and recommending insurance coverages and
assisting in managing the transfer from construction to operations stage of this Project while
maintaining coverages for all parties involved; and coordinating with light rail to ensure there are
no gaps in coverages, loss control and safety programs.
Ms. Richardson noted that two firms responded to the RFP: Willis of Minnesota, Inc. and Marsh
USA, Inc. (Marsh). At the June 2, 2005 NCDA meeting, the NCDA selected Marsh as the top
ranked proposer and directed staff to enter into contract negotiations with Marsh for
broker/insurance consulting services. The following staff represented the Northstar Project in
the negotiations: Phillip Blue, State Department of Administration, Colleen Herrmann, Anoka
County, Mary Richardson, Northstar Project Management Team, John Sullivan, Anoka County,
Phil Walljasper, Metropolitan Council, and Marlys Williamson, State Department of
Administration. Negotiations with Marsh took place in June and July 2005. The scope of
services provided by Marsh is responsive to the negotiation team's requested changes. Ms.
Richardson noted that the negotiation team completed its review of the scope for services and
recommends that the NCDA contract with Marsh. Scott Schulte made a motion that the NCDA
authorize the Chair to finalize negotiations and execute an agreement with Marsh for an amount
not to exceed $567,400 and with a term commencing upon contract execution and expiring July
31, 2009. The services that will be provided under this agreement will be paid for with federal
grant funds. The motion was seconded by Paul Motin and passed unanimously on a voice vote.
4. Amendment #3 to Professional and Technical Service Agreement with Laidlaw Transit Services,
Inc.: Jon Olson noted that the NCDA had at its June 2, 2005 meeting approved continued
funding for the Northstar Commuter Bus Project for one more year (October 1, 2005 through
September 30, 2006). As part of continuing the bus service for another year, it is necessary to
amend the Agreement (2003-19) with Laidlaw Transit Services, Inc. for operating services.
Staff recommend that the contract amount not exceed $1,209,743 for the term of October 1,
2005 through September 30, 2006. Ewald Petersen made a motion that the NCDA authorize
the Chair to finalize negotiations and execute Amendment #3 between Laidlaw Transit Services,
Inc. and the NCDA for operating services October 1, 2005 through September 30, 2006 and a
contract amount of $1,209,743 for these services. The motion was seconded by Woody Bissett
and passed unanimously on a voice vote.
5. Subrecipient Agreements between the Anoka, Hennepin, and Sherburne County Regional
Railroad Authorities for Grant Funds to be used for Real Estate Acquisitions: Mary Richardson
noted that the acquisition of real estate for the commuter rail stations will be funded by a grant
from the Metropolitan Council, as well as grants from Mn/DOT of federal funds. In 2004, the
NCDA requested its member regional railroad authorities of Anoka, Hennepin and Sherburne
Counties to acquire the necessary property for the commuter rail stations and the maintenance
facility on behalf of the Northstar Project (Resolutions #2004-05, #2004-06, #2004-07 and
#2005-01). Ms. Richardson noted that the NCDA will provide grant funding for the property
acquisition to the regional railroad authorities. In order to transfer such funds to the regional
railroad authorities, it is necessary to enter into subrecipient agreements, incorporating the
terms and conditions of the grant agreements. Ms. Richardson reviewed the flow chart which
showed the Northstar Project's real estate acquisition process as submitted to the FT A as a part
of the Application for Final Design. As noted in the flow chart, the necessary parcels are
defined by the Project, and the Northstar Project Office will work closely with the regional
railroad authorities to ensure that FT A and grant requirements are met.
Scott Schulte made a motion that the NCDA authorize its Chair to finalize negotiations and
execute Subrecipient Agreements with Anoka County Regional Railroad Authority, Hennepin
County Regional Railroad Authority and Sherburne County Regional Railroad Authority to
provide funding for the acquisition of the necessary property for commuter rail stations and the
maintenance facility. The motion was seconded by John Norgren and passed unanimously on a
voice vote.
6. Funding Agreement between the NCDA, the Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority and
the Metropolitan Council for Light Rail Vehicle Acquisition: Mark Fuhrmann gave an update onh
2
the light rail vehicle acquisition process. He noted that the NCDA, at its meeting on January 6,
2005, approved the Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority's (HCRRA's) advance
payment of local match funds for two light rail vehicles contingent upon the Federal Transit
Administration's approval. On January 12, 2005, the Metropolitan Council authorized the
General Manager of Metro Transit to exercise light rail vehicle options with Bombardier Transit
Corporation no later than January 23, 2005 for two light rail vehicles, in an amount not to
exceed $6.3 million contingent upon the FTA approving the HCRRA advance local match. The
HCRRA approved the funding for the purchase of the two light rail vehicles by the Metropolitan
Council, in a total amount not to exceed $6.3 million and contingent upon the FTA's approval,
on January 13, 2005. On January 21, 2005, the FT A acknowledged that the HCRRA funding
commitment of up to $6.3 million to purchase two light rail vehicles may be used as a local
match, and confirmed that rolling stock previously purchased may be considered an eligible
local match towards a future FTA grant for a planned extension to a fixed guideway system.
David Elvig made a motion that the NCDA authorize the Chair to finalize negotiations and
execute the Northstar Project Funding Agreement between the NCDA, HCRRA and
Metropolitan Council providing for the Metropolitan Council to manage the procurement of the
two light rail vehicles with Bombardier Transit Corporation. The motion was seconded by Scott
Schulte and passed unanimously on a voice vote. Note: HCRRA will transfer up to $6.3 million
to the NCDA and the NCDA will forward the payment to the Metropolitan Council.
7. Amendment #4 to the Richardson, Richter & Associates, Inc. Agreement for Professional
Services (Contract No. 2003-2065): Tim Yantos noted that the NCDA approved Amendment #4
to the Richardson, Richter & Associates, Inc. (RRA) Agreement for professional services
increasing the contract amount by an additional $116,300.00 at its July 7,2005 meeting. During
discussion on the action for the amendment, an NCDA member noticed an error in the analysis
and justification for the amendment to the RRA contract. The action taken by the Board
reduced RRA's original request of an additional $126,300.00 by $10,000.00. After review, staff
is recommending that the RRA contract be amended to include the amount originally requested
of $126,300.00. The analysis and justification for the amendment to the RRA contract reads as
follows:
Original Contract Amount for 2005:
Estimated cost increase for additional RRA hours:
Receptionist/Secretarial Services at NPO:
New 2005 Amended Contract Amount:
$325,000.00
$104,374.25
$ 22,000.00
$451,300.00
2005 Contract Amendment Amount Requested:
$126,300.00
Paul Motin made a motion that the NCDA rescind the action taken at the July 7, 2005 meeting
approving Amendment #4 which increased the contract amount by $116,300.00 and authorize
the Chair to negotiate and execute Amendment #4 to the Richardson, Richter & Associates, Inc.
agreement for professional services increasing the contract amount by an additional
$126,300.00. The motion was seconded by Scott Schulte and passed unanimously on a voice
vote.
8. Agreement with American Public Transportation Association (APTA) for Peer Review Services:
Ken Stevens noted that a peer review is required by the Federal Transit Administration as part
of the final design phase of project development. For many years, the American Public
Transportation Association (APT A) has provided peer review services. The concept of peer
reviews is to assist the requesting agency in addressing issues through subject matter experts
within the transit industry. Experts would conduct a review of issues and upon the conclusion of
the review, the peer review panel would provide a verbal summary of findings and
recommendations to the Northstar Project Management Team. APTA will formalize the peer
3
review findings and recommendations into a written report. APTA charges a $4,500
administrative fee to coordinate and facilitate the peer review and prepare a written report and
requests that the NCDA directly reimburse peer review panel members for travel and incidental
expenses. Staff estimate that the travel and lodging costs for the panel members will not
exceed $20,000.00. APT A requests that the NCDA sign a form agreeing to indemnify and hold
harmless APT A, its officers and employees, and any peer review panelists and their respective
agencies in the conduct of their activities for claims of any kind (including attorney fees) arising
out of the provision of this peer review, except to the extent such claims arise or are caused by
the negligence or willful misconduct of APT A, its officers and employees, or peer review
panelists.
Mark Limpert asked for clarification on the indemnification issue. Ms. Richardson noted that
experts don't want to be held liable for any advice they might give during a review process.
Woody Bissett made a motion that the NCDA authorize the Chair to finalize negotiations and
execute an agreement with APT A for peer review panel services for an amount not to exceed
$4,500.00; authorize the Executive Director to reimburse peer review panel participants for
travel and lodging expenses (with proper receipt/documentation) incurred as part of the review
process at an approximate total cost of $20,000.00; and that the NCDA authorize the Chair to
sign the indemnification form as noted above. The motion was seconded by Mark Limpert and
passed unanimously on a voice vote.
9. City of Anoka Request for Letter of Support for 2009-2010 CMAQ Application: Tim Yantos
noted that the NCDA had received a letter from Carolyn Braun with the City of Anoka which
requested a letter of support from the NCDA for the City of Anoka's Commuter Rail Transit
Village Parking Ramp CMAQ Application. Carolyn Braun gave a brief overview of the City's
project and CEMQ Application. Arne Engstrom made a motion that NCDA staff draft a letter of
support for the City of Anoka's CEMQ Application for their Commuter Rail Transit Village
Parking Ramp and that the Chair be authorized to sign the letter of support. The motion was
seconded by Dennis Berg and passed unanimously on a voice vote.
10. City or Ramsey Request for Letter of Support for their 2009-2010 CMAQ Application: A verbal
request for a letter of support was delivered to the NCDA by David Elvig for the City of
Ramsey's CMAQ application for operating assistance and facility funding. The City will draft a
formal request in writing and submit to the NCDA. Arne Engstrom made a motion that NCDA
staff draft a letter of support for the City of Ramsey's CEMQ Application for operating assistance
and facility funding and that the Chair be authorized to sign the letter of support. The motion
was seconded by Dennis Berg and passed unanimously on a voice vote.
11. FT A Issues:
a) Monthly Report: Mike Schadauer reviewed the July 2005 Monthly Report which was
sent to the FT A.
b) Final Design Application Update: Application has been submitted.
c) Risk Assessment: Mike Schadauer noted that PMT members had asked the FTA how
long the Final Design application process would take. Oversight consultant will be back
to the NPO by the end of the month to discuss risk issues.
12. Legislative Report: Jon Olson noted that SAFETEA-LU had passed on July 29. The bill
includes $43.5 million in funding for Minneapolis projects, including Northstar.
13. Technical Reports: Ken Stevens gave an update on station development.
a) Advanced and Final Design of Commuter Rail: Paul Danielson gave an update on the
development of the maintenance facility. Yard track layout has been revised as well as
the building layout. No expansion or footprint changes and there should be no added
4
costs. Light maintenance and inspections will be done at the maintenance facility.
There will be no heavy maintenance on the site. Next month Mr. Danielson will bring
station graphics showing platforms and shelters.
b) Bio-Diesel Fuel Report: Dominic DiBrito, L TK, gave an overview of a Bio-Diesel
Feasibility Study prepared of the Project dated August 2, 2005. The report recommends
that Northstar plan for the use of B2 bio-diesel which presents no technical risk, nor does
it increase the projected operating cost. Mr. DiBrito noted that the bio-diesel
concentration level can be changed at any time during the operation of the Northstar
system. Thus, blending percentages can be increased or decreased without changes to
the equipment or infrastructure. This makes choosing bio-diesel a relatively low risk
decision. Concentration levels can be changed as economic dictate.
c) Advanced and Final Design of LRT Connection: Steve Apanian gave an update on the
LRT connection. He noted that an alignment will need to be locked in on. Next month
he will bring an update on the site vertical circulation.
14. Public Information Reports: Jill Brown and John Himle gave updates on public information
activities in and along the Corridor.
15. Other: Next meeting date: Chair Grandy set the next meeting for September 1at 4:30 p.m. at
the Anoka County Government Center.
Duane Grandy, Chairperson
Date
5
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Executive Committee / Capital Budget Committee Agenda Item #6
NCDA Agenda Item #2b
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MEMORANDUM
DATE:
September 30,2005
TO:
Executive Committee / Capital Budget Committee
Northstar Corridor Development Authority
FROM:
Staff
RE:
Northstar Commuter Bus Agreements
At its meeting on June 2, 2005, the Northstar Corridor Development Authority (NCDA) agreed to
continue operations of the Northstar Commuter Bus for one year, from October 1, 2005 through
September 30,2006 and increase the fares by $0.75 per ride to/from the Elk River Station. The
NCDA also approved an additional $251,529.00 in funding for commuter bus services in the
NCDA's 2006 budget to be allocated 1/3 to the NCDA, 1/3 to Anoka County and 1/3 to
Sherburne County. As in previous years, federal funds are available to assist in payment of the
capital lease payments. For the next year, $380,765.00 will be provided pursuant to a grant
agreement with Mn/DOT. Additionally, the NCDA has an agreement with Metropolitan Council
for fare reimbursement. An amendment to this agreement is needed in order to reflect the new
fare structure and to extend the term.
In order to continue the bus service for another year, it is recommended that the NCDA amend
the following agreements:
1. Mn/DOT Grant Agreement #87195 for federal capital lease payments for coach lease in
the amount of $380,765.00.
2. The agreement for Transit Convenience Fares Reimbursements with the Metropolitan
Council. This agreement defines the reporting procedures required of the provider, fares
that are eligible for reimbursement, cash value of the reimbursable fares, and required
methods for the reimbursement process.
The commuter coach budget for the operating year of October 1, 2005 through September 30,
2006 is attached.
Action Requested:
That the Executive Committee/Capital Budget Committee recommend
that the NCDA authorize the Chair to finalize negotiations and execute
the above listed amendments.
Northstar Corridor Development Authority
21003 A\enue. Anoka.:vlinnesota 55303-2265 (763) 3n-5700Fax: (763) 323-5682 www.norrhstartrain.org
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Executive Committee Agenda Item #5
NCDA Agenda Item #2c
September 30, 2005
TO:
NCDA Executive Committee / Capital Budget Committee
NCDA
FROM:
Staff
RE:
Commuter Rail Governance Legislation
Over the last year, the NCDA has considered the issue of which public entity is the appropriate
body to own and operate Northstar Commuter Rail. Currently, Minnesota statutes provide that
the Minnesota Department of Transportation has the sole authority for developing, constructing,
and operating commuter rail in Minnesota.
At its December 2004 meeting, the NCDA Executive Committee adopted the four principles for
commuter rail operations (attached) to guide discussion and lobbying activities in the 2005
legislative session. In accordance with the adopted principles, a bill was developed and
introduced that would provide the Metropolitan Council the statutory authority for commuter rail
serving the metropolitan area. The reasons for the proposed legislation were as follows:
1. Metro Transit is an experienced operator of rail and bus transit services. Mn/DOT funds
transit operations but does not operate transit services.
2. Utilizing Metro Transit's experienced staff and facilities is more cost-effective than
creating new functions at Mn/DOT (e.g. transit police, fare collection and accounting,
communications, claims management, service planning).
3. Metro Transit could more easily assure the seamless integration of commuter rail into
the regional transit system.
4. Metro Transit has necessary management experience and authority for entering into the
complex operating agreements with private service providers (the freight railroads).
The proposed legislation was introduced at the end of the session and will be considered by the
Legislature during the 2006 session. House File 2552 (Tingelstad, Sviggum) fully incorporates
the NCDA's guiding principles. In preparation for the next legislative session, it is
recommended that the NCDA support legislation that would provide the Metropolitan Council
the statutory authority for development, construction and operations of commuter rail serving the
metropolitan area.
Action Requested:
That the NCDA Executive Committee recommends that the NCDA
support the commuter rail governance legislation that provides the
Metropolitan Council the statutory authority for commuter rail serving
the metropolitan area.
Northstar Corridor Development Authority
21003 Avenue. Anoka. Minnesota 55303-2265 (63) 323-570() Fax: (63) 323-5682 www,nonhstartrain,org
Principles for Commuter Rail Operations
1. If the Metropolitan Council/Metro Transit is the operating agency, the
expanded jurisdiction of the Metropolitan Council into Sherburne
County would be limited to commuter rail operations.
2. The operating agency should be capable of establishing seamless
interfaces with other modes of transit.
3. In order to establish the most cost-effective system, the governance
structure should:
a) Avoid duplication of services (e.g. fare collection, service
planning, transit police, etc.) and duplicate facilities (e.g.
communications and control center); and
b) Maximize use of existing facilities and experienced personnel.
4. The operating agency must have the legal authority to enter into the
necessary long-term agreements with BNSF.
~ ~ *-3~
NORTHSTAR CORRIDOR RAIL PROJECT
Monthly Report
August 2005 Draft
~~
....,:..NDBTHSTJlR
.. CO",,,,UTERRAIL
Minnesota Department of Transportation
in Cooperation with the
Northstar Corridor Development Authority
and the
Metropolitan Council
Northstar Project Office
155 Fifth Avenue South
Suite 755
Minneapolis, MN 55401
612-215-8200
The Northstar Corridor Rail Project
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Monthly Report
August 18, 2005
-2..
Northstar Corridor Rail Project
I. Introduction
The proposed Northstar Corridor Rail Project (Project) will provide commuter
rail service along a 40-mile corridor from downtown Minneapolis to Big Lake,
Minnesota parallel to Trunk Highways 47 and 10. It will use existing rail
tracks owned by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad (BNSF) and
include 6 stations. The commuter line is expected to carry 5,600 passengers
per day by the year 2025. The rail line will have inter-modal connections to
bus transit and to the Hiawatha Light Rail Transit (LRT) line. The Northstar
connection to LRT consists of a four-block extension on the north end of the
Hiawatha LRT to reach the downtown Minneapolis commuter rail station.
With the exception of the downtown Minneapolis station, all of the stations will
have park and ride facilities.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT), the grantee, is
working closely with its partners, the Northstar Corridor Development
Authority (NCDA) and the Metropolitan Council, to deliver the Northstar
Project. The Northstar Project Office (NPO) was established with staff from
each partnering agency to oversee the implementation of the Project.
Since the last written report to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) , dated
July 2005, the following occurred and are described in this report:
· The SAFETEA-LU bill authorized $80 million for Northstar
· NPO submitted draft materials to FTA to seek a "Recommended"
rating and approval for entry into final design
· The Northstar Risk Assessment process began August 9, 2005
· Continued to meet with city staff and elected officials regarding station
design, building codes and permit process
· BNSF design agreement kick-off meeting occurred August 4th
· FT A produced draft procurement system review report
· NCDA approved a contract on August 4th with Marsh USA, Inc. for
broker/insurance consulting services
· Continued Northstar public information efforts
· Conducted interviews for Deputy Director of Design position
Monthly Report
August 18, 2005
-3-
Northstar Corridor Rail Project
II. Project Milestones
The following table lists the major milestones in the development and ongoing
implementation of the Northstar project.
Northstar Pro'ect Milestones
Date
March 2000
June 2000
October 2000
Janua 2001
March 2002
December 2002
April 2005
4 Quarter 2005
May 2006
Activit
Major Investment Study completed-Commuter rail
recommended
FT A a roved ent into Prelimina En ineerin
Draft Environmental 1m act Statement DEIS ublished
Su lementallnformation to the DEIS ublished
Final Environmental 1m act Statement ublished
FT A issued Record of Decision
Minnesota Legislature commits $37.5 million in bonding for
Northstar
FT A a roves ent into Final Desi n
Minnesota Legislature commits remaining state funding for
Northstar
FTA issues Letter of No Pre'udice enablin utilit relocation
FT A enters into Full Fundin Grant A reement for Northstar
Construction be ins
Revenue service be ins
III. Project Finances
Project Budget
The following table lists the existing Northstar Project budget by FT A
Standard Cost Category.
Northstar Proiect BudQet
No. CateClorv Amount (YOE $)
10 Guideway & Track Elements $67,871,90C
20 Stations, Stops, Terminals, Intermodal $20,665,50C
30 Support Facilities: Yards, Shops, Admin, Bldgs $21,829,50C
40 Sitework & Special Conditions $17,539,00C
50 Systems $7,568,700
Construction Subtotal CCateQories 10-50) $135,474,600
60 ROW, Land, Existing Improvements $8,497,10C
70 Vehicles $76,604,30C
80 Professional Services $35,410,30C
90 Unallocated Contingency $7,985,10C
Subtotal (CateQories 10-90) $263,971,400
100 Finance Charges $1,258,10C
Drotal Project Cost
Monthly Report
August 18,2005
$265,229,50Oj
-4-
Northstar Corridor Rail Project
Funding Sources
The Northstar project was authorized for $80 million in the Safe, Accountable,
Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-
LU) bill passed by Congress on July 29. The following table summarizes the
sources of funding to date for the Northstar Project, including federal
appropriations to date. The NCDA member counties have passed resolutions
committing their full share of the Northstar Project. Their commitment to date
totals approximately $44 million or $26 million in addition to that shown below.
Northstar Proiect Fundin! Sources to Date
Source Federal State Met Council NCDA
1998 Twin Cities Transitway Projects $ 350,000 $ 287,56<:
Section 5309 (Grant MN-03-0056)
1999 STP Grant Section 5307 (MN-90 $ 3,999,981 $ 1,000,000
X110)
1999 STP Grant Section 5307 (MN-90 $ 2,000,000 $ 500,000
X138)
2000 CMAQ Grant Section 5307 $ 960,000 $ 69,885 $ 170,115
(Amendment to MN-90-X138)
2000 & 2001 Twin Cities Transitway $ 4,346,669 $ 1,086,667
Projects Section 5309 (MN-03-0088)
2002 New Starts Section 5309 (MN- $ 9,900,131 $ 2,475,033
03-0111 )
NCDA -- Advanced & Final Desion $ 10,000,000
NCDA (Hennepin County) -- LRV $ 6,300,00C
Procurement
2003 New Starts Section 5309 (no $ 4,917,912
grant yet)
2004 New Starts Section 5309 (no $ 5,659,028
grant yet)
2005 New Starts Section 5309 (no $ 4,960,000
grant yet) .
2005 Minnesota Bonding $ 37,500,000
Total $ 37,093,721, $ 39,069,885, $ 2,475,033, $ 17,844,344
The NCDA member counties have passed resolutions committing their full share of the Northstar project. Their
commitment to date totals approximately $44 million or about $26 million more than the $17.8 million shown above.
Project Obligations
The following table lists the contracts and obligations that have been incurred
by the Northstar project, including the amount expended to date. All funds
expended to date have been for professional services.
Monthly Report
August 18, 2005
-5-
Northstar Corridor Rail Project
Northstar Proiect Obliaations and Expenses
Puroose Contractor Obligated Expended Balance
Total throuoh Preliminarv Enoineerino $ 8,474,650.71 $ 8,474,650.71 $ -
Advanced Preliminarv Enoineerinq Kim lev Horn & Assoc $ 428,900.00 $ 341,522.64 $ 87,377.36
PrOlect Manaaement Kenneth Stevens 12004\ $ 150,000.00 $ 146,491.92 $ 3,508.08
Project Manaaement Kenneth Stevens 12005\ $ 220,000.00 $ 28,127.81 $ 191,872.19
Proiect Manaaement Richardson, Richter & Associates 12004\ $ 322.000.00 $ 308,788.66 $ 13,211.34
Project Manaaement Richardson, Richter & Associates (2005) $ 473,300.00 $ - $ 473,300.00
Proiect Manaoement Loch & Associates $ 50,000.00 $ 2,123.05 $ 47,876.95
Protect Manaaement Mn/DOT (under MN-03-0088) $ 248,569.00 $ 248,569.00 $
Project Manaoement Mn/DOT (under MN-03-0111 \ $ 320,000.00 $ 5,764.17 $ 314,235.83
Host Railroad Neaotiations Greene-Esoel (2004' $ 100,000.00 $ 45,172.94 $ 54,827.06
Host Railroad Neaotiations Greene-Espel 12005\ $ 300,000.00 $ $ 300000.00
Tech Suooort for Railroad Neootiations Mainline Manaaement $ 158,000.00 $ 79,297.14 $ 78,702.86
Public Information Northwoods Advertisino $ 245,285.00 $ - $ 245,285.00
Station and Maintenance Facility
Advanced & Final Desion Kim lev Horn & Assoc $ 4,173,632.00 $ 1 091,237.85 $ 3082394.15
LRT Advanced & Final Design &
Commuter Rail Oversioht L TK Ennineerina $ 3,098,927.00 $ 566,388.70 $ 2,532 538.30
LiOiit Rail Vehicle Procurement Bombardier $ 6,300,000.00 $ $ 6,300,000.00
Advanced & Final Design of Track &
Sianallmorovements BNSF $ 1,112,188.00 $ $ 1,112,188.00
Grand Total $ 26,175,451.71 $11,338,134.59 $ 13,725,129.12
Based on invoices received by Mn/DOT to date.
IV. New Starts Criteria and Request to Enter Final Design
The Northstar request for a change in rating from "Not Recommended" to
"Recommended" and the draft request to enter final design were submitted to
FTA in July. A matrix summarizing all the documents qssociated with that
request follows:
Matrix of Documents for Re-RatinQ and Entry into Final Desian
Deliverable Status
NEPA
DEIS Aooroved October 2000
Supplement to DEIS Approved January 2001
FEIS Approved March 2002
Record of Decision Issued December 2002
Final DesiQn Application
Draft FD Aoolication Cover Letter E-mailed 07/11/2005, Submitted 07/14/2005
Project Reports
Project Manaaement Plan Submitted 03/31/2005
Value Engineering Report Submitted OS/24/2005. PMOC submitted
favorable comments to FT A 06/30/2005.
Financial Plan Submitted 07/14/2005
Request to Enter Final Design-Includes Submitted 07/14/2005
make the case narrative, project summary,
project schedule, New Starts criteria, travel
forecasts, Summit results, cost estimates
Quality Plan E-mailed 07/11/2005, Submitted 07/14/2005
Real Estate Plan E-mailed 07/11/2005, Submitted 07/14/2005
Commuter Rail Fleet Mariaaement Plan E-mailed 07/11/2005, Submitted 07/14/2005
Cover Letter and Response to FTA's E-mailed 07/11/2005, Submitted 07/14/2005
Request for Information on Level Boarding
Issues
Before and After Study Plan E-mailed 07/11/2005, Submitted 07/14/2005
Project AQreements
Inter-agency Cooperation Agreement- Submitted 06/30/2005
Mn/DOT, Metro Transit, NCDA
BNSF Desiqn Agreement E-mailed 07/11/2005, Submitted 07/14/2005
Monthly Report
August 18,2005
-6-
Northstar Corridor Rail Project
Matrix of Documents for Re-RatinQ and Entrv into Final Design
Deliverable Status
Other
Letter requesting FT A to raise value Submitted 07/14/2005
thresholds for local property acquisition
decisions
NPO staff traveled to Chicago to meet with FTA Region V staff on July 14.
Staff from the regional office of the Federal Railroad Administration also
attended as well as existing Project Management Oversight Consultant
(PMOC) staff from Hill International and future PMOC staff from Jacobs Civil.
They discussed the process for achieving a new project rating and gaining
FTA approval to enter final design.
NPO staff provided a draft schedule for the process of gaining approval to
enter final design. Project sponsors recognized it was an aggressive
schedule and described the importance of providing a solid cost estimate to
the 2006 Minnesota Legislature for deliberation about the second and final
state commitment of capital funds for the Project.
FT A staff confirmed that it was highly aggressive schedule, stating the risk
assessment exercise must be completed prior to entry into final design, and
will likely lengthen this schedule (see the Risk Assessment Section of this
report).
The following is a draft revision to the schedule discussed on July 14,
incorporating issues raised by FT A.
into Final Desi n
Com letion
07/14/2005
07/27/2005
08/03/2005
08/05/2005
08/09/2005
08/11/2005
08/24/2005
08/24/2005
08/24/2005
08/28/2005
08/30/2005
11/11/2005
11/18/2005
12/19/2005
Monthly Report
August 18, 2005
-7-
f\Jorthstar Corridor Rail Project
Level boarding was discussed at the July 14 meeting. The NPO staff
described BNSF's clearance requirements and the conclusion that mini-high
block platforms appear to be a logical solution to providing level boarding for
disabled passengers. FT A will review the Project data submitted in response
to FT A's level boarding questions.
FTA and Project staff also discussed environmental documentation of project
changes. FTA's Planning and Environment Office in Washington requested a
letter summarizing the Project's changes so that FT A can determine if the
associateq environmental documentation and record of decision amendment
must be complete before approval could be granted to enter final design.
That letter was sent to FTA on August 5,2005.
V. Risk Assessment
A team led by representatives of the new PMOC from Jacobs Civil visited the
NPO on August 2 and 3 to review project documentation. They determined
there was sufficient information to conduct the Risk Assessment. The team
returned August 9 through 11 for an on-site document review and corridor
tour. Future steps will include review of the scope, schedule and cost
estimate; development of the risk register; contingency analysis; risk
workshop; un-mitigated scenario risk assessment; risk mitigation workshop;
and mitigated scenario risk assessment. Mn/DOT will then prepare a risk
mitigation plan. The process is scheduled to conclude in mid November.
VI. Property Acquisition
The acquisition of real estate for the commuter rail stations will be funded by
a grant from the Metropolitan Council, as well as grants from Mn/DOT of
federal funds. The NCDA has requested its member regional railroad
authorities of Anoka, Hennepin and Sherburne Counties to acquire the
necessary property for the commuter rail stations and the maintenance facility
on behalf of the Northstar Project. The NCDA will provide grant funding for
the property acquisition to the regional railroad authorities. In order to
transfer such funds to the regional railroad authorities, it is necessary to enter
into sub recipient agreements, incorporating the terms and conditions of the
grant agreements.
On August 4,2005, the NCDA authorized its Chair to finalize negotiations and
execute subrecipient agreements with Anoka County Regional Railroad
Authority, Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority and Sherburne
County Regional Railroad Authority to provide funding for the acquisition of
the necessary property for commuter rail stations and the maintenance
facility.
Monthly Report
August 18,2005
-8-
Northstar Corridor Rail Project
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VII. Advanced Design
Advanced design is underway, with theassistance of two teams of consultants.
A team led by Kimley Horn and Associates (KHA) is responsible for the six
commuter rail stations and the maintenance facility including the central control
facility. A team led by L TK Engineering (L TK) is responsible for the LRT
.Connection and providing technical support for KHA's work on the commuter rail
stations and maintenance facility. The entire project design team meets on a
weekly basis.
Project staff and consultants are evaluating several major issues including
Central Control Communication technology and location; Inter-modal station
coordination with prospective developers and uses; and level boarding in
compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Metro Transit made an
operational decision to locate the Control Facility at the existing Transit Control
Center (TCC).
Project staff and consultants continue to meet with city staff and elected officials
to keep each city informed about progress on station design, building codes and
permit processes to ensure full understanding of expectations and plans. Staff
presented a status report to the Big Lake City Council on August 10 and held a
work session with Fridley City Council on August 15.
The City of Anoka is pursuing a Congestion Mitigation/Air Quality (CMAQ) grant
for a parking ramp at the Anoka commuter rail station. Addition of a ramp at this
site would reduce the parking lot footprint and property requirements for the
current Northstar station.
Project staff and consultants also meet as-needed with the City of Minneapolis,
State Historic Preservation Office and Minneapolis Heritage Prese.rvation
Commission on design issues of the LRT Connection and inter-modal station.
Coordination meetings with the Twins baseball team, HOK stadium architects,
Hines Development Group and Hennepin County continue in an on-going effort
to design an inter-modal facility that will work with the various potential future
adjacent land uses.
VIII. BNSF Negotiations
The NCDA and BNSF have initiated design of the rail capacity improvements in
accordance with the Rail Passenger Capital Improvement Agreement and
Amendment No.1. Acting Deputy Director of Design Ken Stevens, together with
representatives from Northstar consultants KHA and L TK, met with BNSF staff
and design consultant Toltz, King, Duvall and Anderson (TKDA) on August 4.
BNSF had twelve people in attendance.
Discussion focused primarily around design process, schedules, and
coordination between BNSF, BNSF design consultants, and Northstar
consultants. Schedule issues such as lead-time to acquire personnel and
Monthly Report
August 18.2005
-13-
Northstar Corridor Rail Project
materials to implement a construction plan were identified and discussed. BNSF
agreed to expedite flagging services, utility locations, and design coordination in
an effort to maintain the current design schedule and deliver a reliable cost
estimate by year-end.
IX. Twins Baseball Stadium and Inter-modal Station Design Coordination
The Minnesota Twins and Hennepin County have agreed to a funding plan for a
new baseball stadium in downtown Minneapolis. The stadium site sits adjacent
to the inter-modal station connecting Northstar commuter rail and the Hiawatha
LRT Connection. The plan for the $478 million facility will include private funding
from Twins owner Carl Pohlad and public money from the county in the form of a
0.15% sales tax. The Minnesota Legislature must approve any county invoking a
sales tax. The Legislature did not do so during the regular 2005 session nor in
the special session that ended July 13. Governor Pawlenty may call for a special
session to address stadiums and other issues this fall.
The property owners of the Twins ballpark site have teamed with Hines
developers and announced plans for a major transit oriented development either
with or without the ballpark. Stated plans include 1,000 residential units with a
ballpark or a mixed-use development including 3,000 residential units without a
ballpark. The property owners cite the inter-modal access afforded by Northstar
and Hiawatha as key elements in their development plans. Staff continues to
meet with both ballpark designers and the developers in an effort to come up with
a design for the vertical circulation component that will not preclude either a
baseball stadium or development.
X. Procurement System Review
The FT A conducted a procurement system review of Mn/DOT and the
Metropolitan Council, including the Northstar and Hiawatha Projects. Staff from
Leon Sneed and Associates arrived June 6 and departed June 24. The review
team also visited Anoka County to interview NCDA procurement personnel and
view NCDA procured contracts.
Mn/DOT received the review team's draft report on July 29,2005. It described
shortcomings they found in the overall procurement processes of each
organization as well as shortcomings within specific contract files. Mn/DOT and
NCDA will respond to the draft report by August 28, 2005.
XI. Risk Management
On August 4, 2005, the NCDA approved an agreement for broker/insurance
consulting services with Marsh USA, Inc. The total contract amount, including
options for insurance placement, is $567,400. The term of the contract will
commence upon execution and will continue until July 31,2009. The scope of
services includes four key areas, including:
Monthly Report -14- Northstar Corridor Rail Project
August 18, 2005
1. Project risk assessment. Marsh will conduct a comprehensive risk
assessment to identify exposures arising in the construction and operation
of Northstar. Based on identified exposures, Marsh will design a risk
mitigation plan to finance or transfer identified risks.
2. Project consulting services. Marsh will consult with the NPO on
appropriate risk and insurance provisions in construction contracts and,
importantly, will advise the BNSF negotiating team on provisions relating
to indemnification and insurance.
3. Insurance placement and administration. Marsh will design, marketand
negotiate the insurance program for the project, including coverage for
builder's risk, rolling stock, railroad liability, railroad protective,
environmental liability, and project professional liability.
4. Optional services relating to claims/loss control and safety services. At
the request of the project, Marsh and its DBE subconsultant will facilitate
the adjustment of claims and losses and address safety issues.
The Marsh contract was procured in accordance with NCDA, Mn/DOT, and FT A
procurement policies.
XII. Land Use
The Northstar Project Office met with staff from the cities of Anoka, Big Lake,
Coon Rapids, Elk River and Fridley in July 2005 to discuss concepts for transit
oriented development adjacent to the commuter rail stations.
XIII. Community Involvement
The following public meetings, events, and presentations have occurred since
the July 2005 Northstar report:
Date( s) Audience.
July 13, 2005 Presentation to the Tour Minnesota Organization,
Minnesota Tourism Industry Organization at the
Science Museum. About 40 people in attendance.
July 26-31, 2005 Anoka County Fair, Information Booth
July 28, 2005 Richfield Rotary
August 4, 2005 NCDA Board Meeting, Anoka
XIV. Project Staffing
Metro Transit conducted interviews with five candidates for the vacant Deputy
Director of Design position within the Northstar Project Office on July 20 and 22,
Monthly Report -15- Northstar Corridor Rail Project
August 18, 2005
2005. Second interviews of the top two candidates were held August 5,2005.
Metro Transit will make their selection soon.
Meanwhile, the position has been filled on an interim basis by a combination of
Jon Olson, the Anoka County Public Services Division Manager and registered
engineer, and Ken Stevens, a long time consultant to the Northstar Corridor
Development Authority and former director of the Hennepin County Regional
Railroad Authority.
XV. Next Steps
Project staff will work with FT A to revise material and provide information as
needed for FT A to change the project's rating from "Not Recommended" to
"Recommended" and to approve entry into the final design phase. Project staff
will communicate with FT A Region V and headquarters staff and PMOC
throughout the review process to ensure timely project responses and progress.
Concurrently, project staff will work with the team from the PMOC conducting the
risk assessment.
NPO staff are working with BNSF on the design of track and signal
improvements. Initial efforts will concentrate on preliminary design of
improvements that were not covered in the earlier preliminary engineering effort.
Project staff will continue working closely with station cities and counties on
design issues. Public information efforts are ongoing with a Northstar project
booth at the Minnesota State fair being a highlight of the coming month.
Monthly Report
August 18,2005
-16-
Northstar Corridor Rail Project
NORTHSTAR CORRIDOR RAIL PROJECT
Monthly Report
September 2005
..~~
............NORTHSTAR
...CO",.UTER RAIL
~\\'\NESO~
rf ~
~ ~
:Ii ~
-\ tJ:
o
Minnesota Department of Transportation
in Cooperation with the
Northstar Corridor Development Authority
and the
Metropolitan Council
Northstar Project Office
155 Fifth Avenue South
Suite 755
Minneapolis, MN 55401
612-215-8200
The Northstar Corridor Rail Project
v..\ Medkal
DOlrnlDWll SI.Cload Center .. .
{MIe T:zuit Cctr'; "~"""-"''%......" ,
:(i'?&
St. Cloud'-"":"
Phase 2
(Proposed J-"uture Route)
Phase 1
IJigLak;1W (2004 Minnesota Bonding Request)
. . I> Elk River
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Monthly Report
September 15, 2005
-2-
Northstar Corridor Rail Project
I. Introduction
The proposed Northstar Corridor Rail Project (Project) will provide commuter
rail service along a 40-mile corridor from downtown Minneapolis to Big Lake,
Minnesota parallel to Trunk Highways 47 and 10. It will use existing rail tracks
owned by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad (BNSF) and include 6
stations. The commuter line is expected to carry 5,600 passengers per day by
the year 2025. The rail line will have inter-modal connections to bus transit and
to the Hiawatha Light Rail Transit (LRT) line. The Northstar connection to LRT
consists of a four-block extension on the north end of the Hiawatha LRT to
reach the downtown Minneapolis commuter rail station. With the exception of
the downtown Minneapolis station, all of the stations will have park and ride
facilities.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT), the grantee, is
working closely with its partners, the Northstar Corridor Development Authority
(NCDA) and the Metropolitan Council, to deliver the Northstar Project. The
Northstar Project Office (NPO) was established with staff from each partnering
agency to oversee the implementation of the Project.
Since the last written report to the Federal Transit Administration (FT A), dated
September 2005, the following occurred and are described in this report:
· NPO staff continued working with FTA and the Project Management
Oversight Consultant (PMOC) on revising materials needed to gain a
"Recommended" rating and approval for entry into final design
· NPO staff worked with the PMOC so FT A could assess if the Project is
ready for the Risk Assessment
· The Project Management Team is reviewing the roles and
responsibilities for property acquisition
· Continued BNSF Construction and Operating Agreement discussions
· Mn/DOT and NCDA responded to FT A's draft procurement system
review report
· Marsh USA, Inc. is planning to conduct an insurance risk assessment
· Continued Northstar public information efforts
· Announced the new Deputy Director of Design
Monthly Report
September 15, 2005
-3-
Northstar Corridor Rail Project
II. Project Milestones
The following table lists the major milestones in the development and ongoing
im lementation of the Northstar ro"ect.
Northstar Pro'ect Milestones
Date
March 2000
June 2000
October 2000
Janua 2001
March 2002
December 2002
April 2005
Jan 2006
May 2006
Jul 2006
October 2006
S rin 2007
Earl 2009
Monthly Report
September 15, 2005
Activit
Major Investment Study completed-Commuter rail
recommended
FT A a roved ent into Prelimina En ineerin
Draft Environmental 1m act Statement DEIS ublished
Su lementallnformation to the DEIS ublished
Final Environmental 1m act Statement ublished
FT A issued Record of Decision
Minnesota Legislature commits $37.5 million in bonding for
Northstar
FT A a roves ent into Final Desi n
Minnesota Legislature commits remaining state funding for
Northstar
FT A issues Letter of No Pre'udice enablin utilit relocation
FTA enters into Full Fundin Grant A reement for Northstar
Construction be ins
Revenue service be ins
-4-
Northstar Corridor Rail Project
III. Project Finances
Project Budget
The following table lists the existing Northstar Project budget by FT A Standard
Cost Category.
No. Cate 0
10 Guideway & Track Elements
20 Stations, Stops, Terminals, Intermodal
30 Support Facilities: Yards, Shops, Admin. Bldgs
40 Sitework & Special Conditions
50 S stems
Construction Subtotal (Cate ories 10-50)
60 ROW, Land, Existing Improvements
70 Vehicles
80 Professional Services
90 Unallocated Contin enc
Subtotal Cate ories 10-90)
100 Finance Char es
c=JTotal Project Cost
et
Amount (YOE $)
$44,643,700
$15,135,200
$23,082,800
$15,830,200
$41,754,300
$140,446,30
$8,417,800
$71,082,200
$35,410,30
$8,480,500
$263,837,200
$1,258,100
$265,095,2001
The capital cost estimate and budget were revised in late August when unit
prices, formerly from year 2001, were updated to year 2005. This, combined
with other changes to the project and methods of allocating items to standard
cost categories, resulted in a slightly different cost estimate.
Funding Sources
The following table summarizes the sources of funding to date for the Northstar
Project, including federal appropriations to date. The NCDA member counties
have passed resolutions committing their full share of the Northstar Project.
Their commitment to date totals approximately $44 million or $26 million in
addition to that shown below.
Monthly Report
September 15, 2005
-5-
Northstar Corridor Rail Project
Northstar Proiect Fundin~ Sources to Date
Source Federal State Met Council NCnA
1998 Twin Cities Transitway Projects $ 350,000 -$ 287,562
Section 5309 (Grant MN-03-0056)
1999 STP Grant Section 5307 (MN-90 $ 3,999,981 $ 1,000,000
X110)
1999 STP Grant Section 5307 (MN-90 $ 2,000,000 $ 500,000
X138)
2000 CMAQ Grant Section 5307 $ 960,000 $ 69,885 $ 170,115
(Amendment to MN-90-X138)
2000 & 2001 Twin Cities Transitway $ 4,346,669 $ 1,086,66i
Projects Section 5309 (MN-03-0088)
2002 New Starts Section 5309 (MN- $ 9,900,131 $ 2,475,033
03-0111)
NCDA -- Advanced & Final Design $ 10,000,OOC
NCDA (Hennepin County) -- LRV $ 6,300,00C
Procurement
2003 New Starts Section 5309 (no $ 4,917,912
grant yet)
2004 New Starts Section 5309 (no $ 5,659,028
grant yet)
2005 New Starts Section 5309 (no $ 4,960,000
grant yet)
2005 Minnesota Bondinq $ 37,500,000
Total $ 37,093,721 $ 39,069,885 $ 2,475,033 $ 17,844,344
Project Obligations
The following table lists the contracts and obligations that have been incurred
by the Northstar project, including the amount expended to date. All funds
expended to date have been for professional services.
Northslar Proiect Obligations and Exoenses
Purpose Contractor Obliqated EXDended Balance
Total throuah Preliminary Enaineerina $ 8,457,179.41 $ 8.457,179.41 $ 0.00
Advanced Preliminary Engineering Kimlev Horn & Assac $ 428,900.00 $ 341,522.64 $ 87,377.36
Project Mana ement Kenneth Stevens $ 150,000.00 $ 174,619.73 $ (24,619.73
Project Manaaement Richardson, Richter & Associates $ 795,300.00 $ 308,788.66 $ 486,511.34
Project Manaaement Loch & Associates $ 50,000.00 $ 2,123.05 $ 47,876.95
Project Manaaement Mn/DOT (under MN-03-0088) $ 248,569.00 $ 248,569.00 $
Project Management Mn/DOT (under MN-03-0111) $ 320,000.00 $ 16,749.58 $ 303,250.42
Leaat Minnesota Attomev Generals $ 370.00
Host Railroad Negotiations Greene-Esoel $ 400,000.00 $ 45,172.94 $ 354,827.06
Tech Support for Railroad Negotiations Mainline Manaaement $ 158,000.00 $ 79,297.14 $ 78,702.86
Public Informatian Northwoods Advertisina $ 245,285.00 $ $ 245,285.00
Station and Maintenance Facility
Advanced & Final Design Kimlev Horn & Assoc $ 4,173,632.00 $ 1,367,765.95 $ 2,805,866.05
RT Advanced & Final Design &
ommuter Rail Oversiaht L TK Enaineerina $ 3,098,927.00 $ 629,798.85 $ 2,469,128.15
Llaht Rail Vehicle Procurement Bombardier $ 6,300,000.00 $ $ 6,300,000.00
Advanced & Final Design of Track &
Signal Improvements BNSF $ 1,112,188.00 $ $ 1 ,112,188.00
:tl :<o.!:iJ(,980.41 $11.67,956.95 :l> 1J,
Based on invoices received by Mn/DOT to date.
Monthly Report
September 15, 2005
-6-
Northstar Corridor Rail Project
IV. New Starts Criteria and Request to Enter Final Design
The NPO request for a change in rating from "Not Recommended" to
"Recommended" and the draft request to enter final design were submitted to
FTA in July. On July 14, NPO staff visited the FTA Region V office to discuss
the next steps. The NPO has worked closely with the FTA and Project
Management Oversight Consultant (PMOC) since then to ensure FT A has
sufficient data to make their decisions. FTA has provided comments on many
elements of the submittal and the NPO has provided or will provide responses.
A matrix summarizing the exchange of information associated with the requests
follows in Table IV-A.
Several activities to review the project must be completed before FTA will
approve the project's entry into final design. Table IV-B lists a draft schedule of
those activities. It is a revision to the schedule provided in earlier reports based
on discussions with the Project Management Oversight Consultant. It is
organized by the activities necessary for the Northstar project to gain approval
to enter the final design phase.
Level boarding was discussed at the July 14 meeting. The NPO staff described
BNSF's clearance requirements and the conclusion that mini-high block
platforms appear to be a logical solution to providing level boarding for disabled
passengers. FTA reviewed the Project data submitted in response to FTA's
level boarding questions and provided written guidance describing level
boarding. The solution to this issue will require a resolution between BNSF
railroad clearance requirements, FT A level boarding guidance, and project cost
constraints.
FT A and Project staff also discussed environmental documentation of project
changes. FTA's Planning and Environment Office in Washington requested a
letter summarizing the Project's changes so that FT A can determine if the
associated environmental documentation and record of decision amendment
must be complete before approval could be granted to enter final design. That
letter was sent to FT A on August 5, 2005 and a follow-up response to a request
for more detailed information was sent September 2, 2005. These suggested
that these changes could be document through the categorical exclusion
process. In a phone conversation on September 7,2005 Rhonda Reed of
FTA's Region V office informed NPO staff that FTA will require an
Environmental Assessment based on the project's high public profile,
uncertainty about environmental issues surrounding BNSF's third main line
from Interstate to Coon Creek, and project changes in the central business
district of a major metropolitan area.
NPO staff will continue to work with FT A and PMOC to complete the Risk
Assessment and the Technical Capacity and Capability reviews so the Project
may enter the final design phase.
Monthly Report
September 15, 2005
-7-
Northstar Corridor Rail Project
Table IV-A Matrix of Documents for Re-RatinQ and Entry into Final DesiQn
Deliverable Status
NEPA
DEIS Approved October 2000
Supplement to DEIS Approved January 2001
FEIS Approved March 2002
Record of Decision Issued December 2002
Letter describing project changes Submitted 08/05/2005. FT A requested chart giving
more detail. .
Chart describing project changes Submitted 09/02/2005. FTA subsequently gave
verbal notification that an Environmental
Assessment is necessary.
Environmental Assessment Planned for 10/24/2005, depends on availability of
information about BNSF 3rd main
Draft request for FONSI/revised ROD Planned for 12/09/2005
Final reauest for FONSI/revised ROD Planned for 12/27/2005
Revised ROD Planned for Jan 2006
Final Desian Application
Draft FD Application Cover Letter E-mailed 07/11/2005, Submitted 07/14/2005
Proiect ReDorts
Project Management Plan Submitted 03/31/2005. FTA comments received
09/01/2005. Revisions planned for 09/27/2005
Value Engineering Report Submitted OS/24/2005. PMOC submitted favorable
comments to FT A 06/30/2005.
Financial Plan Submitted 07/14/2005
Request to Enter Final Design-Includes Submitted 07/14/2005. FTA comments on Make the
make the case narrative, project Case and New Starts criteria received 08/23/2005.
summary, project schedule, New Starts Revisions submitted 09/11/2005. Risk Assessment
criteria, travel forecasts, Summit results, team requested revised construction cost estimates
cost estimates based on current base costs. These were
submitted 08/29/2005. Revised SCC worksheets
were submitted on 09/02/2005.
Quality Plan E-mailed 07/11/2005. Submitted 07/14/2005. FT A
comments received 09/01/2005. Revisions planned
for 09/27/2005.
Real Estate Plan E-mailed 07/11/2005. Submitted 07/14/2005. FTA
comments received 09/01/2005. Revisions planned
for 09/27/2005.
Commuter Rail Fleet Management Plan E-mailed 07/11/2005. Submitted 07/14/2005. FT A
comments received 09/01/2005. Revisions planned
for 09/27/2005.
Cover Letter and Response to FT A's E-mailed 07/11/2005. Submitted 07/14/2005.
Request for Information on Level FT AlPMOC provided written guidance on
Boardinq Issues 09/07/2005. Issue is not resolved.
Before and After Study Plan E-mailed 07/11/2005. Submitted 07/14/2005. FTA
comments received 09/12/2005. Revisions planned
for 09/27/2005.
Proiect AQreements
Inter-agency Cooperation Agreement- Submitted 06/30/2005
Mn/DOT, Metro Transit, NCDA .
BNSF Desian Aqreement E-mailed 07/11/2005, Submitted 07/14/2005
Other
Letter requesting FT A to raise value Submitted 07/14/2005
thresholds for local property acquisition
decisions
Monthly Report
September 15, 2005
-8-
Northstar Corridor Rail Project
Table IV-B Revised Draft Schedule for Northstar Entry into Final DesiQn
Activity Completionn
NPO submitted the draft request to enter final design 07/14/2005
Teleconference on draft request to enter final design 08/30/2005
New Starts Criteria
FT A inconsistency comments on New Starts criteria 08/23/2005
NPO response to inconsistency comments 09/09/2005 .,
Management Plans !
NPO submitted Project Management Plan 03/31/2005
NPO submitted Before & After Study Plan, Commuter Rail Fleet 07/14/2005
Management Plan, Quality Assurance Plan, and Real Estate Plan
FT A provided comments on Project Management Plan, Fleet 09/01/2005
Management Plan, Quality Assurance Plan, and Real Estate Plan
FT A provided comments on Before & After Study Plan 09/12/2005
NPO will provide revisions of all commented plans -09/27/2005
Procurement System Review
FT A draft report 07/27/2005
Mn/DOT and NCDA response 08/30/2005
FT A final report TBD
Risk Assessment
Preliminary review of documents 08/03/2005
On-site document review 08/9-11/2005
Readiness assessment 09/8-9/2005
PMOC completes Scope, Schedule, and Cost report 09/15/2005
FT A decision on proceeding (if yes, tentative schedule below) 09/??/2005
2-day risk assessment workshop week of 1 0/03/2005
PMOC completes Unmitigated Scenario Report -10/19/2005
Mitigation workshop week of 10/24/2005
NPO produces Risk Mitigation Plan -11/04/2005
PMOC completes Mitigated Scenario Report -11/11/2005
Technical Capacity and Capability Study
Kick-off meetinq and interviews -09/26-28/05
PMOC produces draft TCC report -11/22/2005
NPO produces response -12/15/2005
PMOC produces final TCC report -12/22/2005 !
Environmental Record of Decision
NPO sent letter describing environmental issues to FTA 08/05/2005
NPO sent more detailed environmental information 09/02/2005
FTA verbally requested Environmental Assessment to 09/07/2005
document project changes
Environmental Assessment (depends on availability of -10/24/2005
information on BNSF 3rd main line)
Draft request for Finding of No Significant Impact/revised ROD -12/09/2005
Final request for FONSI/revised ROD -12/27/2005
FT A issues revised ROD -01/06/2006
Final Design Decision I
FT A recommendation, start of 30-day Congressional review period ! -01/06/2006
!
FT A approval to enter final design -02/06/2006
Monthly Report
September 15, 2005
-9-
Northstar Corridor Rail Project
V. Risk Assessment
A team led by representatives of the new PMOC from Jacobs Civil visited the
NPO on August 2 and 3 to review project documentation. The team returned
August 9 through 11 for an on-site document review and corridor tour and
September 8 and 9 for a readiness assessment. As shown in the schedule for
Northstar entry into final design, they will produce a Scope, Schedule and Cost
report by September 15 enabling FT A to decide if the Risk Assessment should
proceed. If so, a tentative schedule for the process was prepared which is also
included in the above schedule. The process is scheduled to conclude in mid
November.
VI. Property Acquisition
The acquisition of real estate for the commuter rail stations will be funded by a
grant from the Metropolitan Council, as well as grants from Mn/DOT of federal
funds.
The NCDA initially requested its member regional railroad authorities of Anoka,
Hennepin and Sherburne Counties to acquire the necessary property for the
commuter rail stations and the maintenance facility on behalf of the Northstar
Project. The NCDA would provide grant funding for the property acquisition to
the regional railroad authorities. In order to transfer such funds to the regional
railroad authorities, it is necessary to enter into subrecipient agreements,
incorporating the terms and conditions of the grant agreements. On August 4,
2005, the NCDA authorized its Chair to finalize negotiations and execute
subrecipient agreements with Anoka County Regional Railroad Authority,
Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority and Sherburne County Regional
Railroad Authority to provide funding for the acquisition of the necessary
property for commuter rail stations and the maintenance facility.
Based on feedback from FTA on the Project's Real Estate Plan, the above
strategy is under review. Some or all of the responsibility for property
acquisition may shift to Mn/DOT.
A list of all parcels potentially affected by the project follows.
Monthly Report
September 15, 2005
-10-
Northstar Corridor Rail Project
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VII. Advanced Design
Advanced design is underway, with the assistance of two teams of consultants.
A team led by Kimley Horn and Associates (KHA) is responsible for the six
commuter rail stations and the maintenance facility including the central control
facility. A team led by L TK Engineering (L TK) is responsible for the LRT
Connection and providing technical support for KHA's work on the commuter rail
stations and maintenance facility. The entire project design team meets on a
weekly basis.
Project staff and consultants are evaluating several major issues including Inter-
modal station coordination with prospective developers and uses; and level
boarding in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Project staff and consultants continue to meet with city staff and elected officials
to keep each city informed about progress on station design, building codes and
permit processes to ensure full understanding of expectations and plans.
Project staff and consultants also meet as-needed with the City of Minneapolis,
State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and Minneapolis Heritage
Preservation Commission (HPC) on design issues of the LRT Connection and
inter-modal station. A meeting was held with the SHPO and HPC to review
station design for elements by the historic warehouse district on September ih.
The next SHPO meeting is scheduled September 28th.
Coordination meetings with the Twins baseball team, HOK stadium architects,
Hines Development Group and Hennepin County continue in an on-going effort
to design an inter-modal facility that will work with the various potential future
adjacent land uses.
Project staff and consultants continue to assist the Project Management Team
with portions of the Project Management Plan and other documents required for
the Request to Enter Final Design.
NPO staff are working with BNSF on the design of track and signal
improvements. Much of the week of September 12-16 was spent in field visits
and meetings with BNSF and their design team to provide information to keep
design moving quickly. Initial efforts are concentrating on preliminary design of
improvements that were not covered in the earlier preliminary engineering effort.
The meetings also included reviews of all grade crossings in the corridor, and
discussion of the interface points between commuter rail and BNSF infrastructure
such as the connection between the maintenance facility and the BNSF mainline,
Consultants are proceeding with the design of the Inter-modal Station. This
includes the LRT Platform and the Core Building. The Core Building is the
building that houses the elevator, stairway, escalators, equipment rooms,
operator break room, mechanical/electrical rooms, etc.
Monthly Report
September 15, 2005
-13-
Northstar Corridor Rail Project
The LRT design consultants are working toward a 60% design package. This
entails careful coordination with the overhead catenary system designers, traffic
signal engineers, architects, electric and communication systems engineers, civil,
and track engineers. In addition, there is also strong cooperation between the
L TK team designing the LRT platform and Core Building and the KHA team
designing the commuter rail platform at the Inter-modal Station.
Work began on the technical specifications for the coaches and cab cars. The
specifications are being generated around a standard multi-level coach similar to
the Bombardier and/or Kawasaki vehicles.
Work has also begun onthe technical specifications for the procurement of diesel
locomotives. Locomotive remanufactures will present their products to NPO staff
and Metro Transit staff September 19 and 20.
VIII. BNSF Negotiations
On August 17, 2005, the Northstar negotiating team met in Chicago with BNSF
representatives to continue discussions on the construction and operating
agreements. Key issues discussed included:
1. The timeline for negotiations and its relationship to the funding process of FT A
and the Minnesota Legislature was reviewed. Northstar representatives stressed
the need for agreement by the end of this year.
2. BNSF representatives emphasized the importance of insurance and
indemnification provisions to the structure of the agreements, as well as their
expectations for coverage.
3. The parties discussed how to best address the tax issues in the contract. We
plan to commence the dialogue with BNSF tax attorneys in September.
The next negotiation session was set for Sept. 16, 2005 in Chicago, with a focus
on risk and indemnification issues. In preparation for the next meeting, risk
managers and attorneys from the Metro Council and Anoka County have met
several times with Cliff Greene and Mary Richardson to discuss issues of legal
authority and various approaches to insurance and indemnification.
In addition, the Project Management Team continued its work with the
negotiating attorneys to further develop proposed financial terms of the Operating
Agreement with BNSF, including such issues as compensation, performance
incentives and penalties, tax implications, and term of the agreement.
NPO staff are working with BNSF on the design of track and signal
improvements. Much of the week of September 12-16 was spent in field review
and meetings with BNSF and their design team to coordinate design of track
improvements and stations.
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September 15, 2005
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Northstar Corridor Rail Project
IX. Twins Baseball Stadium and Inter-modal Station Design Coordination
The Minnesota Twins and Hennepin County have agreed to a funding plan for a
new baseball stadium in downtown Minneapolis. The stadium site sits adjacent
to the inter-modal station connecting Northstar commuter rail and the Hiawatha
LRT Connection. The plan for the $478 million facility will include private funding
from Twins owner Carl Pohlad and public money from the county in the form of a
0.15% sales tax. The Minnesota Legislature must approve any county invoking a
sales tax. The Legislature did not do so during the regular 2005 session nor in
the special session that ended July 13. Governor Pawlenty may call for another
special session to address stadiums and other issues this fall. Leaders of the
Senate and House were quoted in Twin Cities newspapers as favoring a special
session, possibly in November, to resolve this.
The property owners of the Twins ballpark site have teamed with Hines
developers and announced plans for a major transit oriented development either
with or without the ballpark. Stated plans include 1,000 residential units with a
ballpark or a mixed-use development including 3,000 residential units without a
ballpark. The property owners cite the inter-modal access afforded by Northstar
and Hiawatha as key elements in their development plans. Stadium and
Northstar representatives have agreed on a line demarking the interface between
Northstar and the stadium to enable design to proceed for both projects.
X. Procurement System Review
The FT A conducted a procurement system review of Mn/DOT and the
Metropolitan Council, including the Northstar and Hiawatha Projects. Staff from
Leon Sneed and Associates arrived June 6 and departed June 24. The review
team also visited Anoka County to interview NCDA procurement personnel and
view NCDA procured contracts.
Mn/DOT received the review team's draft report on July 29, 2005. It described
shortcomings they found in the overall procurement processes of each
organization as well as shortcomings within specific contract files. Mn/DOT and
NCDA responded to the draft report on August 30, 2005 and await FT A's final
report.
XI. Risk Management
The Risk Management Advisory Committee met on August 31,2005, for its
regular monthly meeting. Phil Walljasper, Risk Manager for Metropolitan
Council, was selected as chair. The Committee reviewed a visualization of the
project prepared for public information and community meetings which depicts
the project, stations and certain safety features of the project. Discussion
focused on risk identification and a better understanding of the project
development, design and funding. The NCDA's risk management consultant,
Marsh, will undertake a risk assessment of the project, commencing with
interviews of key staff and consultants in mid to late September. The Committee
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September 15, 2005
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Northstar Corridor Rail Project
identified the appropriate staff for the interviews. The risk assessment will
identify key areas of risk, identify potential exposures, and propose mitigation
techniques. The Committee was informed of the kick-off of the Fire, Life, Safety
Committee and the need for communication and dialogue between the two
committees. The next meeting will be Sept. 21, 2005.
XII. land Use
Anoka Commuter Rail Station
The City of Anoka applied for a CMAQ (Congestion Mitigation Air Quality) grant
to help fund Anoka's proposed multimodal transit hub/structured parking facility
at the Anoka station site. Preparation of the grant application resulted in
additional planning, including a more detailed site plan for the parking facility.
During the planning process, it was decided to locate the parking facility on the
south side of the station for several reasons. The proposed design and location
offer covered access to the station platform for all types of transit. The proposed
parking facility is designed to provide an environment that provides effective
transportation links for bus, vehicle, bike and pedestrian traffic. The plans
include a pedestrian overpass that provides better ADA access. Also, station
access is closer and safer for all commuters. Previously, commuters parking in
the originally planned surface parking lot on the north side of the track would be
required to cross the at-grade crossing at 4th Avenue to get to the station
platform. And finally, moving the proposed parking facility to the south side of the
station platform allows redevelopment of the previously designated surface
parking north of the station. This allows for potential development of
approximately 160 more housing units in a manner that supports the CRTV
(Commuter Rail Transit Village) plans for transit-oriented development. The City
has been working closely with NCDA to assure consistency with Northstar plans
and criteria.
Next steps in the planning process include developing and adopting detailed site
plans for properties within the CRTV, amending the City's Comprehensive Plan
and Zoning Ordinance to reflect the detailed site plans, and developing and
adopting design guidelines to guide construction in the CRTV. Development of
the site plans will require traffic, environmental and design studies. In addition,
the City will be meeting with BNSF to determine the feasibility of including an
underpass in the transit village area. The City hopes to complete this work over
the next few months.
Staff is actively updating the public on plans for the CRTV area by attending
various civic organization and City board and commission meetings during the
fall. The CRTV will also be highlighted during a bus tour held in conjunction with
the City's 22nd Annual Business Development and Appreciation Day on
September 12. Participants in the bus tour include city council members, city
board and commission members, city residents and several developers. In
addition, as another way to inform the public, the City is working to install sign age
(billboard) at the rail station site that graphically portrays plans for the area.
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September 15, 2005
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Northstar Corridor Rail Project
XIII. Community Involvement
The following public meetings, events, presentations and newsletters have
occurred since the August 2005 Northstar report:
Date{s)
August 2005
August. 2005
August 9, 2005
August 26 -
September 5, 2005
Sept 1, 2005
XIV. Project Staffing
Audience
Northstar story on the State bonding bill in the Anoka
County Newsletter
Update on Project included in the Fridley Newsletter that
was sent out to households in the city
Elk River Chamber of Commerce Transportation
Luncheon
Minnesota State Fair (Over one million in attendance)
NCDA Board Meeting, Anoka
Metro Transit has made their selection for the vacant Deputy Director of Design
position within the Northstar Project Office. Formerly Metro Transit's Engineering
& Facilities Director, Rich Rovang was selected as Assistant General Manager of
Transit Systems Development and will lead the design and construction of the
Northstar Corridor Rail Project.
His responsibilities will include managing the design and construction of all new
major transit projects, including light rail, commuter rail and bus rapid
transitways.
Rovang has worked for the Metropolitan Council since 1990, first as an Area
Engineer then as Assistant Director of Construction in the Environmental
Services division. He joined Metro Transit in 1999 as Director, Engineering and
Facilities to oversee planning, design and construction of transit facilities,
including leading the project to design and build the East Metro Transit Facility.
Rovang holds a bachelor's degree in engineering from Iowa State University and
a law degree from William Mitchell College of Law.
XV. Next Steps
Project staff will work with FT A to revise material and provide information as
needed for FT A to change the project's rating from "Not Recommended" to
"Recommended" and to approve entry into the final design phase. Project staff
will communicate with FT A Region V and headquarters staff and PMOC
throughout the review process to ensure timely project responses and progress.
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September 15, 2005
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Northstar Corridor Rail Project
Project staff are looking forward to the kick-off of the Technical Capacity and
Capability Study in late September and FT A approving the start of the Risk
Assessment so it may commence in early October.
NPO staff are working with BNSF on the design of track and signal
improvements. Much of the week of September 12-16 was spent in field visits
and meetings with BNSF and their design team to provide information to keep
design moving quickly. Initial efforts are concentrating on preliminary design of
improvements that were not covered in the earlier preliminary engineering effort.
NPO staff are beginning preparation of an Environmental Assessment for project
changes since the ROD was issued in 2002. Initial work will concentrate on the
known project changes and they will incorporate information about the third
BNSF main line from Interstate to Coon Creek as soon as it is available. The
goal is to have the environmental process complete, including a revision of the
Record of Decision, by early January 2006.
Project staff will continue working closely with station cities and counties on
design issues. Public information efforts are ongoing with a Northstar project
booth at the Minnesota State fair being a highlight of the coming month.
Monthly Report
September 15, 2005
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Northstar Corridor Rail Project