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4.6. SR 05-21-2001MEMORANDUM Item 4°6° TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: Mayor and City Council Scott Harlicker, Senior Plann~/ May 21, 2001 Northstar Corridor Update At the NCDA meeting held on May 3rd a brief update was presented on the status of legislation affecting Northstar Corridor. The reorganization with MnDOT is proceeding and the NCDA approved Mn/DOT taking over contracts relating to engineering, and public involvement. The reorganization is proceeding on schedule, members of the Executive Committee are meeting with MnDOT to confirm the future role of the NCDA. The NCDA approved a resolution that approved the distribution of the preliminary engineering plans to the cities for comments. The NCDA staff recommended the members give conceptual approval of the station designs. The members were not comfortable with that and only approved the distribution of the plans to the cities. Copies will be available June Ist and the cities have 45 days to review and comment. There will be a public meeting at the Sherburne County Government Center in mid July regarding the preliminary engineering plans. Also attached is a letter from Tim Yantos, Project Director, Northstar Corridor concerning the maintenance facility. After reviewing the alternative sites suggested by the city, the NCDA and the consultants are recommending the facility be located at what is called the Cargill South site. This location is located on Cargill property south of the railroad tracks about a quarter mile southeast of the proposed station. Preliminary design information will be included with the station design information distributed on June Ist. S:\PLAN NING\SCOTT~NCDAMAY. DOC AP~ = u CUUl Northstar Corridor Development Authority Thursday, May 3, 2001 4:30 p.m. Sherburne County Government Center Elk River, MN Action Requested o Minutes of April 5, 2001 Meeting* Executive Committee Report a. Legislative Update b. Reorganization of NCDA: Next Steps* c. Resolution 2001-03: Station Design* d. Other (see attached Executive Committee minutes)* Preliminary Engineering: Overview of PE and PE Review Process* ElS: Schedule for Completion of ElS* Resolution 2001-04: SeleCtion of Locally Preferred Alternatives* Public Information Update a. Corridor Newsletter b. Survey 6. Other Approval Information Approval Approval Information Approval Information Approval Information Next Meeting: June 7, 2001 *Attached DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT NORTHSTAR CORRIDOR DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Regular Meeting Minutes April 5, 2001 The Northstar Corridor Development Authority met in regular session on April 5,2001, in the Board Room at the Sherburne County Government Center, Elk River, Minnesota. Present were: Betsy Wergin, Lynn George, Mary Richardson, Rick Speak, Paul Ostrow, Mark Stenglein, Paul McCarron, Dave Saunders, Steve Billings, Bob Bamette, Patrick Cairns, Duane Cekalla, Ken Paulson, Duane Grandy, Tom Cruikshank, Woody Bissett, Ewald Peterson, John Norgren, Terry Nagorski, Lewis Stark, Tom Gamec, Elliott Perovich, Margo LaBau, Jim McLean, Jean Keely, Linda Jungwirth, Colleen Hernnann, Jay McLinden, Dean Michalko, Paul Danielson, Lynn Clarkowski, Jim Barton, Mike Schadauer, Mike Rogers, Scott Harlicker, Jori Sontag, Patrick Wusman Robert Kirchner, Vic Oviatt, Gary Botzck, Peg Aho, Jeff Dehler, Mike Christensen, Ken Stevens, Eugene Young, Tom Wenzel, Tim Yantos The meeting was called to order at 4:30 p.m. by Chairperson Betsy Wergin. Tim Yantos reviewed the NCDA transition schedule dated March 30, 2001. Mr. Yantos noted that the Chicago trip has been cancelled. The day-to-day management responsibilities of the CRCCC will be performed by the Executive Committee, as provided for in the NCDA's Joint Powers Agreement #1. No action taken. A motion was made by Duane Grandy, seconded by Tom Wenzel and carried unanimously to approve the agenda of Thursday, April 5, 2001, and the meeting minutes of March 1, 2001, as presented Margo LaBau, Minnesota Department of Transportation, introduced Mike Schadauer and Lynn Clarkowski, MnDOT staff who will be working on the Northstar Corridor project. Ms. LaBau stated that MnDOT is very excited about the project and is looking forward to continuing the work accomplished by the Northstar Corridor Development Authority. Executive Committee Report: a) A motion was made by Paul McCarron, seconded by Dave Saunders and carried unanimously to approve Resolution #2001-02 as recommended by the Executive Committee to execute agreements and other documents necessary to accomplish the immediate assignment to the Minnesota Department of Transportation of the NCDA professional services agreements with the following contractors: Harkins Cunningham, Attorneys at Law Robert L. Kessler, Attorney at Law Mainline Management, Inc. Toltz, King, Duvall, Anderson & Associates, Inc. The Burlin~on Northern and Santa Fe Railway Company and authorize the Chair or Vice Chair to sign said Resolution. Page 1 Northstar Corridor Development Authority Regular Meeting Minutes April 5, 2001 Page 2 o b) Paul McCarron provided an update on the confessional and legislative activities and noted that on April 17 there would be a hearing on rail proposals including Northstar. Arrangements were made with Hausman and Tingelstad for a briefing by Paul Price on April 10. Mr. Price will also be speaking to the Senate Transportation Committee that same day. c) A motion was made by Paul McCarron, seconded by Patrick Cairns and carried unanimously to approve a contract extension for the IBI Group contract to May 31, 2001 (with a start date of January I, 2001) as recommended by the Executive Committee and authorize the Chair to execute said contract extension. Information was distributed and members were invited to attend a Day at the Capitol scheduled for April 9, 2001, (I 1:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. ) with the members of the Metropolitan Light Rail Transit Joint Powers Board and officials and supporters of the Cedar, Central, Northstar, Red Rock and Rush Line Corridors for a regional rail and transit strategy session. The next meeting is scheduled for May 3, 2001, at 4:30 p.m. at the Sherburne County Government Center. The Authority adjourned by unanimously consensus to adjoum the meeting at 5:00 p.m. Betsy Wergin Chairperson Date Page 2 Agenda Item #2b Executive Committee: Betsy Wergin, NCDA Chair Sherburne County Paul Ostrow, NCDA Vice Chair City of Minneapolis Councilmernber Paul McCarron Anoka County Mark Stenglein Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority Steve Billings City of Fddley Lewis Stark Haven Township MEMORANDUM April 27, 2001 To: From: Subject: Executive Committee Administrative Team Reorganization of NCDA: Next Steps At its April 19, 2001 meeting, the Executive Committee discussed and approved the attached outline of the next steps in the process of turning over the Northstar Corridor commuter rail project to Mn/DOT. Following the meeting, Commissioner Paul McCarron and Gary Erickson (the NCDA transition negotiating team) discussed the outline with Mn/DOT representatives. In order for the transition to occur by June 1, attached, the Executive Committee recommends that the NCDA approve the following: Assignment as of June 1 to Mn/DOT: a) URS/BRW- Preliminary Engineering b) URS/BRW- Phase II Technical Services c) Himle Horner- Public Involvement Termination of: a) b) c) d) e) Ken Stevens Agreement, as amended Richardson, Richter & Associates Agreement, as amended David Loch Agreement, as amended Lindquist & Vennum Agreement, as amended Mn/DOT Coordination Agreement Execution of new agreements for professional services with: a) Ken Stevens, in the amount of $40,000 for the term June 1 through December 31, 2001 b) Richardson, Richter & Associates. in the amount of $60,000 for the term June 1 through December 31, 2001 Northstar Corridor Development Authority 2100 3'~ Avenue, Anoka, Minnesota 55303-2265 (763) 323-5700 Fax: (763) 323-5682 www. northstartrain.org c) David Loch & Associates, in the amount of $20,000 for the term June 1 through December 31,2001 Execution of an amendment to the Mn/DOT Grant Agreement in the amount of $1,500,000 for costs incurred, up to June 1. Action Requested: That the NCDA approve the above listed contract actions and authorize the chair to sign the necessary documents. Revised - April 20, 2001 NCDAReorganization: Next Steps NCDA Contract Actions - May 3 NCDA Meeting Assignment as of June 1 1. URS/BRW- Preliminary Engineering 2. URS/BRW- Phase II Technical Services 3. Himle Horner- Public Involvement Note: Above listed contracts require Mn/DOT approval prior to assignment. Bo Term 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. ination as of June 1 Mn/DOT Coordination Agreement (60 day notice) Ken Stevens Richardson, Richter & Associates, Inc. David Loch Lindquist & Vennum Note: Above listed professional services contracts need Mn/DOT approval prior to termination. Approval 1. Mn/DOT Grant Agreement Amendment - $1,500,000 (Funding for transition, up to June 1) 2. Ken Stevens - $40,000 (June 1 through December 31, 2001) 3. Richardson, Richter & Associates - $60,000 (June 1 through December 31, 2001) 4. David Loch - $20,000 (June 1 through December 31, 2001) Note: No Mn/DOT grant funding is proposed for the above listed professional services contracts. Revised - April 20, 2001 II. NCDNCRCCC (Executive Committee): Roles and Responsibilities after June 1 Transition Date Ao CRCCC Statutory Role - Advise Mn/DOT Commissioner on following issues: 1. Environmental Review (Note: NCDA is joint lead agency) 2. Preliminary Engineering 3. Final Design 4. Implementation Method 5. Construction 6. Public Involvement 7. Land Use 8. Service 9. Safety Bo Proposed Operations of the CRCCC 1. Chair - Betsy Wergin 2. Twice monthly meetings with Commissioner Tinklenberg 3. CRCCC and NCDA Administration and Staffing - NCDA Administrative Team (Tim Yantos, Ken Stevens, Mary Richardson, David Loch) 4. Agenda Development- Joint Mn/DOT Project Manager and NCDA Administrative Team 5. Current PMT and TAC merged and managed by Mn/DOT. (Will also serve to advise NCDA/CRCCC.) Purpose 1. Advocate for Corridor and communities 2. Participate in key policy decisions. 3. Advise Commissioner of Transportation. 4. Monitor and advise project development. 5. Focus on finance and funding issues, stations and land use, interactions with communities, public information and involvement, connections/linkages, and operations and service issues. Revised - April 20, 2001 !11. Do Funding 1. New bo Co grant agreement with Mn/DOT Purpose: To provide funding for costs incurred in operations of CRCCC and NCDA for period June 1, 2001 through December 31, 2002. Costs to include: mailings, insurance, public information, technical travel, staff reimbursement, and necessary professional services. Services may include: public information, teChnical and/or financial advisory services. Amount: $250,000. Maintain current local contributions. a. Purpose: To provide funding for lobbying and administrative/project management services for NCDA and CRCCC. b. Costs to include: Contracts with lobbying firms, Ken Stevens, Richardson, Richter & Associates, Inc. and David Loch. c. Amount: $250,000. NCDA Closing Documents, as required by NCDA Resolution 2001-01 -June 7 NCDA Meeting Co Do Procurement Information Report on status of all work as of Assignment Dates (April 5 and June 1) An assessment of the risk and liability position of the NCDA as of Assignment Date Program audit Executed copies of all contract amendments, assignments and termination documents Revised -April 20, 2001 IV. Additional Issues for Discussion Ao Bo Will there be a written agreement regarding rules and responsibilities? There is a need to discuss the issue of when information will not be disclosed to the CRCCC. Agenda Item # 2c NORTHSTAR CORRIDOR DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY RESOLUTION 2001-03 WHEREAS, the Northstar Corridor Development Authority (NCDA) was established in 1997 for the express purpose of analyzing integrated transportation improvements including highway improvements, commuter rail, recreational trails and other transportation enhancements; and WHEREAS, the NCDA's Major Investment Study undertook a comprehensive evaluation of alternatives and selected a Locally Preferred Transportation Investment Strategy in December 1999; and WHEREAS, the preferred strategy for the Corridor is a multi-modal strategy incorporating commuter rail, feeder bus improvements, minor upgrades to TH 10 and river crossings; and WHEREAS, the preferred strategy also included the integration of planned and existing bicycle trails into the multi-modal transportation improvements; and WHEREAS, the U.S. Congress is currently doing demonstration projects to encourage youth to bicycle or walk to school or work. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the NCDA recommends to the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Transportation that the design of commuter rail stations provides for the multi-modal enhancements contemplated in the MIS; and, in particular, that underpasses at stations allow for use by bicyclers and pedestrians and not be restricted to commuters. Betsy Wergin, Chairperson Dated: Certification I hereby certify that the above resolution is a true copy of the Resolution duly passed, adopted, and approved by the Northstar Corridor Development Authority on May 3, 2001. (Name) Agenda Item #2d MINUTES Northstar Corridor Development Authority Executive Committee Thursday, April 19, 2001 Next Meeting: May 17, 2001, 12:00 p.m. Anoka County Government Center PLEASE NOTE: THESE MINUTES ARE IN "DRAFT" FORM AND ARE NOT TO BE PUBLISHED IN ANY MANNER UNTIL THE COMMITTEE MEMBERS HAVE REVIEWED AND APPROVED THEM. Executive Committee members present: Paul Ostrow, Lewis Stark, Paul McCarron, Gary Erickson and Steve Billings. Others present: Mary Richardson, Ken Stevens, Mike Schadauer, Tim Yantos, Rick Speak, Colleen Herrmann, Dartrell Lipscomb, Mike Christenson, Jim Barton, Peg Aho, Dean Michalko, Jeff Dehler, Jay McLinden, Julia Shortridge The meeting was called to order by Chair Ostrow at 12:12 p.m. Minutes of the March 22, 2001 Meeting: Paul McCarron made a motion approving the March 22, 2001 minutes as submitted. The motion was seconded by Steve Billings and passed unanimously. Checks and Claims: claims as submitted. unanimously. Steve Billings made a motion approving the checks and The motion was seconded by Paul McCarron and passed Legislative and Congressional Report: Paul McCarron gave an update on what was happening in the Legislature and noted that the MN Commissioner of Transportation was to speak to the Legislature today. $10 million is slated for the Northstar Project. ReorganiZation of NCDA: Next Steps: Paul McCarron reviewed the outline of the next steps in the reorganization process. Paul McCarron noted that there should be a contract document regarding the distribution of responsibilities and funding of the new CRCCC. Paul Ostrow asked whether there should be a document stating each members' responsibilities. Staff responded yes. Paul McCarron noted yes so that it does not delay the transition process. Paul Ostrow asked Mn/DOT staff how the CRCCC for the Hiawatha project could not have known what was going on at all times as the project developed. Mike Schadauer noted that some of the staff had dropped the ball, but he assured that this would not happen on the Northstar Project. Gary Erickson asked if it would be possible for the CRCCC to go into executive session if confidential issues were to come up. A motion was made by Paul Ostrow directing NCDA staff, along with Paul McCarron, to work on discussing this issue with Mn/DOT to reach agreement on the appropriate information disclosure procedures between Mn/DOT and the CRCCC. The motion was seconded by Gary Erickson and unanimously passed. Steve Billings asked if under section ll.B.2 of the transition outline is the CRCCC envisioning two meetings per month with MN Commissioner of Transportation and one per month with the NCDA and the regular Executive Committee. Paul McCarron noted that he had talked to Mn/DOT staff about meeting twice a month. Steven Billings asked if Mn/DOT staff see a need to meet twice a month. Mike Schadauer noted yes, that these meetings will be a nice opportunity for Mn/DOT to get feedback and give information/progress reports to the CRCCC on the Project. Paul McCarron noted that it likely would not be necessary for the NCDA to meet monthly. A motion was made by Paul McCarron to recommend to the NCDA that the Authority: 1) assign the URS/BRW Preliminary Engineering, URS/BRW Phase II Technical Services and the Himle Horner Public Involvement agreement to Mn/DOT, as of June 1; 2) terminate the Mn/DOT Coordination, Ken Stevens, Richardson, Richter & Associates, David Loch and Lindquist & Vennum agreements as of June 1; and 3) approve a Mn/DOT Grant Agreement Amendment for funding of the transition up to June 1, a Ken Stevens contract in the amount of $40,000 for a term of June 1 through December 31, 2001, a Richardson, Richter & Associates contract in the amount of $60,000 for the term of June 1 through December 31, 2001, and a contract with David Loch for $20,000 with a term of June 1 through December 31, 2001. The motion was seconded by Lewis Stark and passed unanimously. Preliminary Engineering Update and Review Process: Ken Stevens gave an update on the preliminary engineering process. There is a lot going on in the process right now. Mr. Stevens noted that preliminary engineering needs to be completed by June 1 and submitted to the FTA. Mn/DOT has decided to continue preliminary engineering on the track and signal improvements, working on the entire list of improvements as well as the more narrow Mainline Management list of improvements. TKDA has started the track and signal preliminary engineering process and are striving to complete the process by June 1. Mr. Stevens noted that the TKDA scope of work has been changed by Mn/DOT and a letter needs to be attached to their file noting the change. Ken Stevens reviewed the schedule for Project Management Plan review and submittal. The Executive Committee/CRCCC review of the preliminary engineering packet should be complete by May 24 for submittal to the FTA on June 1. The Plan will be released to the cities for their review and comment on June 1. The cities will have 45 days in which to review and get their comments in. The CRCCC will review the cities' comments in mid July. These comments will be incorporated into the FEIS prior to submittal. Paul Danielson gave an overview of the volumes being developed by URS/BRW. Volume 1 will consist of station drawings (7 of 11 stations completed to date); Volume 2 will relate to the maintenance facility (programming report and design report); Volume 3 will include systemwide component plans (update to operation plan, update to fare collections, update on rolling stock issues and procurement process); and Volume 4 will to the Project Management Plan (currently being developed, and will address security issues). Staff requested that Executive Committee members pencil in a meeting for the 24th of May in case a continuation of the meeting on the 17th, iS needed for final review of the preliminary engineering package before it being submitted to the FTA. Staff noted that the planned submittal date for the FEIS to the FTA is July 25, 2001. Station a. Co Issues: 7th Street Station Task Force Findings: Paul Ostrow gave an update on the 7th Street Station site. He noted that he had spoke with Mn/DOT to see how much of the Task Force comments could be implemented into the station plan. Ken Stevens noted that each city will need to decide whether to solicit additional comments on the preliminary engineering. Parking Issues: Paul Ostrow gave some background to the $7,500 expenditure which the NCDA approved last year for the Metropolitan Council's planned parking study. Jim Barton noted that the Metropolitan Council reallocated the parking study funds and scaled down on the size of the study. The Metropolitan Council is planning onhaving the study completed in the fall of this year. Mr. Barton will keep the Executive Committee informed as to how the study comes along and the information gathered. Mr. Barton noted that the original intent of the study was to study the Minneapolis and Fridley station sites. Steve Billings made a motion recommending that the Commissioner of Transportation work in concert with the Metropolitan Council and invest in a parking study in and around the Northstar Corridor. The motion was seconded by Lewis Stark and passed unanimously. Downtown Minneapolis Multi-Modal Design: Mike Schadauer gave an update on the various options for the design of the downtown Minneapolis Multi-Modal. Mn/DOT is recommending an option which have the station site be a vertical connection to LRT below. This layout would allow expandability for future needs and would also allow more opportunities for land use in the area and expandability to connect to the SW Corridor. Mr. Schadauer noted that this option has a $2 to 3 million higher cost than the original proposed site. Tim Yantos noted that the NCDA had approved the cross platform design, and that as a CRCCC they may be able to reexamine the issue of design and suggest changes. Steve Billings asked that Mn/DOT examine the possible inclusion of escalators in the station plans. Steve Billings made a motion that the NCDA recommend that the Commissioner of Transportation review all options in the plans. Paul McCarron seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously. Staff recommended that the Executive Committee forward the Downtown Minneapolis Multi-Modal Design to the NCDA for their approval. It was noted noted that the City of Minneapolis will not finish their approval process until May 18. Paul Ostrow asked that there be motion ready for recommendation to the NCDA, at its June meeting, at the next Executive Committee meeting. [Local jurisdiction could be added in the language.] Steve Billings asked that staff develop a resolution for NCDA approval at its next meeting providing that station designs allow a tunnel to be used by other facets of the community other than just for transit use. Upcoming meetings: May 17, 2001 - Executive Committee meeting, Anoka County Government Center, possible May 24, 2001, Executive Committee meeting (if needed) May 3, 2001 - NCDA meeting, Sherburne County Government Center May 3, 2001 - PMT meeting, Sherburne County Government Center NORTHSTAR CORRIDOR DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY RESOLUTION 2001- AUTHORIZING ASSIGNMENT OF AGREEMENTS TO MN/DOT EFFECTIVE JUNE 1, 2001 WHEREAS, the Northstar Corridor Development Authority (NCDA) was established by joint powers agreement in May of 1997 for the purpose of analyzing transportation needs of the Northstar Corridor and developing commuter rail, including the necessary planning, engineering and community and public activities; and WHEREAS, the NCDA procured and retained the professional services required to undertake these activities and has successfully progressed the project over the last several years; and WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes Section 174.82 (1999) provides that the Commissioner of Transportation shall be responsible for developing commuter rail; and WHEREAS, the Commissioner has indicated his desire to conduct the next phase of project development utilizing the expertise of certain of the NCDA's professional services contractors. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the Chair or Vice Chair of the Northstar Corridor Development Authority is hereby authorized to execute agreements and other documents necessary to accomplish the assignment as of June 1,2001 to the Minnesota Department of Transportation of the NCDA professional services agreements with the following contractors: A. URS/BRW- Preliminary Engineering B. URS/BRW- Phase II Technical Services C. Himle Horner Incorporated- Public Information Betsy Wergin, Chairperson Dated: Certification I hereby certify that the above resolution is a true copy of the Resolution duly passed, adopted, and approved by the Northstar Corridor Development Authority on May 3, 2001. (Name) (Title) NORTHSTAR CORRIDOR DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY RESOLUTION 2001- AUTHORIZING TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT FOR COORDINATION OF COMMUTER RAIL ACTIVITIES, MN/DOT AGREEMENT NO. 80272-R WHEREAS, on October 2, 2000, the Northstar Corridor Development Authority ("NCDA") and the Minnesota Department of Transportation ("Mn/DOT") entered into an Agreement for Coordination of Commuter Rail Activities, Mn/DOT Agreement No. 80272-R (the "Agreement"), for the purpose of coordinating the activities of the parties in the development of commuter rail in the Northstar Corridor; and WHEREAS, the Agreement delegated to the NCDA certain duties of Mn/DOT with respect to development of the Northstar Commuter Rail Project; and WHEREAS, the Commissioner of Mn/DOT has indicated his desire to conduct the next phase of project development; and WHEREAS, the Agreement must be terminated in order to accomplish the transition of the Northstar Commuter Rail Project to Mn/DOT; and WHEREAS, the Agreement provides that NCDA may terminate its participation in the Agreement by giving 60 days written notice to Mn/DOT. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Northstar Corridor Development Authority hereby gives notice to Mn/DOT that it is terminating the Agreement for Coordination of Commuter Rail Activities, Mn/DOT Agreement No. 80272-R, effective 60 days after written notice to Mn/DOT. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Director of the Mn/DOT Office of Passenger Rail, Mn/DOT's authorized agent to receive notices under the Agreement. Betsy Wergin, Chairperson Dated: Certification I hereby certify that the foregoing resolution is a true and correct copy of the resolution presented to and adopted by the Northstar Corridor Development NORTHSTAR CORRIDOR DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY RESOLUTION 2001 - AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO GRANT AGREEMENT NO. 78569 WHEREAS, the Northstar Corridor Development Authority entered into Grant Agreement No. 78569 with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) to complete studies for the proposed commuter rail project in the Northstar Corridor, to undertake a public information involvement program, to negotiate with Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway Company, and other components of the Grant Agreement work plan; and WHEREAS, the Grant Agreement was amended to add preliminary engineering services as work to be performed under the Grant Agreement and to provide a management fee to Mn/DOT, which must be used for management activities and consultant expenses relating to the Northstar project; and WHEREAS, the NCDA has expended funds during the preliminary engineering phase of the project, based on Mn/DOT's assurances that additional grant funds would be forthcoming to cover expenditures relating to the preliminary engineering phase of the project; and WHEREAS, because of NCDA's additional duties relating to preliminary engineering phase of the project and Mn/DOT's retainage of the management fee, additional funds are needed to cover expenditure of project costs to the extent not covered the Grant Agreement or Mn/DOT's management fee; and WHEREAS, the Commissioner of Mn/DOT has indicated his desire to assume project development responsibilities for the Northstar Commuter Rail Project as of June 1,2001 and has indicated his willingness to provide grant funding for all NCDA expenditures relating to grant activities prior to Mn/DOT's assumption of responsibilities (see attachment); and WHEREAS, the parties wish to enter into an Amendment No. 2 to Grant Agreement No. 78569 to provide the additional funding necessary to cover the NCDA's actual costs in developing the commuter rail project up to the date that Mn/DOT assumes said project development responsibilities. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Northstar Corridor Development Authority enter into Amendment No. 2 to Grant Agreement No. 78569 with the Minnesota Department of Transportation. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Chair or Vice Chair of the Northstar Corridor Development Authority are hereby authorized finalize negotiations and to execute the aforementioned Amendment. Betsy Wergin, Chairperson Dated: Certification I hereby certify that the foregoing resolution is a true and correct copy of the resolution presented to and adopted by the Northstar Corridor Development Authority at a duly authorized meeting thereof held on the 3rd day of May, 2001 as shown by the minutes of said meeting in my possession. (Name) (Title) Executive Committee: Betsy Wergin, NCDA Chair Sherbume County Paul Ostrow, NCDA Vice Chair City of Minneapolis Councilmember Paul McCarron Anoka County Mark Stenglein Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority Steve Billings City of Fridley Lewis Stark Haven Township MEMORANDUM April 27, 2001 To: NCDA From' Administrative Team Subject: Preliminary Engineering Review Process In July of 2000, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) approved the NCDA's application to enter into preliminary engineering. Since that time, the NCDA has been working with its consultants to undertake preliminary engineering on the various elements of the project. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) will be submitting the preliminary engineering documents to the FTA on June 1, 2000. At the May 3 meeting, staff and consultants will review the preliminary engineering documents with the NCDA. While many project elements are complete, work continues on four of the stations, the track and signal improvements and the Project Management Plan. Note that the PE documents consist of four volumes, including: Volume 1' Volume 2: Volume 3' Volume 4: Station Drawings Mainteance/Operations Facilities Program Report and Maintenance/Operations Facilities Design Report Systemwide Components Project Management Plan These documents are on file in Tim Yantos' office and will be available for review at the NCDA meeting. Northstar Corridor Development Authority 2100 3'~ Avenue, Anoka, Minnesota 55303-2265 (763) 323-5700 Fax: (763) 323-5682 www. northstartrain.org In order to meet the June 1 submittal date, staff recommend the following review process: Process Date 1) NCDA preliminary review and conceptual May 3, 2001 approval of Preliminary Engineering 2) Executive Committee/CRCCC review of complete May 17, 24 Preliminary Engineering Package 3) Mn/DOT Submittal to FTA June 1, 2001 4) Release to Cities for review and comment (45 dayJune 1, 2001 review period) 5) CRCCC Review of Cities' Comments and Final Mid-July, 2001 Recommendation to Mn/DOT Commissioner Action Requested: That the NCDA approve, in concept, the Preliminary Engineering of the Northstar Commuter Rail Project and authorize its distribution to the cities for review · and comment in accordance with the above schedule. MEMORANDUM Agenda Item ~la Thresher Square 700 Third Street South Minneapolis, MN 55415 Phone: (612) 370-0700 Fax: (612) 370-1378 To,' Tim Yantos Copy: Ken Stevens File: Lynn Clarkowski Mike Schadauer Paul Danielson From: Jeanne Witzig Date: April 18,2001 Subject: Northstar Corridor 399350020413 The purpose of this memo is to outline the proposed schedule for the completion of the environmental analysis for the Northstar Corridor along with the local decisions that need to be made prior.to the finalization of the Northstar Corridor Final Environmental Impact Statement. The following table summarizes the actions needed to work towards issuance of a Record of Decision by the Federal Transit Administration in early September 2001. Action Date Comment Locally Preferred Alternative April 19, 2001 Recommendation - PMT Locally Preferred Alternative April 19, 2001 Recommendation- Executive Committee Locally Preferred Alternative May 3,2001 Recommendation by the Recommendation - NCDA NCDA is brought forward to the MnDOT Commissioner. June 5, 2001 Submittal of Preliminary Draft Final EIS to FTA For Review FTA Review Revise FEIS/Circulate Signature Page June 5 - July 2, 2001 July 2 - 19, 2001 Schedule dependent upon completion of Preliminary Engineering work efforts Schedule is dependent upon FTA Review time Schedule assumes minimal revisions to the FEIS document - Receipt of Action Date Comment Signature page by July 19, 2001 July 25,2001 Submit FEIS to FTA for Publication in Federal Register FEIS Production/Distribution Publish In Federal Register Publish in MnEQB Monitor 30-Day Review Period FTA Issuance of ROD July 19 - August 1,2001 August 3,2001 August 6, 2001 August 6 - September 5, 2001 September 2001 As presented in the Northstar Corridor Draft EIS, the Final EIS will document resolution of outstanding issues, including the selection of the Preferred Alternative. The Final EIS will also include responses to substantive comments received during circulation of the Draft EIS. Agenda Item NORTHSTAR CORRIDOR DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY RESOLUTION 2001-04 WHEREAS, the Northstar Corridor extends approximately 82 miles from downtown Minneapolis to the St. Cloud area along Trunk Highway (TH) 10/47 and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad; and WHEREAS, the Northstar Corridor Development Authority (NCDA) and the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) are local joint lead agencies for the Northstar Corridor federal environmental review process; and WHEREAS, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is the federal lead agency for the Northstar Corridor Project; and WHEREAS, the Federal environmental review process was initiated in June 1999 for the Northstar Corridor Project; and WHEREAS, the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (Draft ElS) for the Northstar Corridor was distributed in November 2000 and noticed in the November 13, 2000 Minnesota Environmental Quality Board Monitor, the November 24, 2000 Federal Register and local newspapers throughout the Project Corridor; and WHEREAS, the public review and comment period for the Northstar Corridor Draft ElS ran from November 13, 2001 to January 12, 2001 and three public hearings on the Northstar Corridor Draft ElS were held on December 12, 13 and 14, 2000; and WHEREAS, a supplemental environmental document was prepared as part of the Draft ElS to evaluate the impacts associated with the proposed 7th Street Northeast Commuter Rail Station in Northeast Minneapolis; and WHEREAS, the Draft ElS comment period was reopened on February 5, 2001, and remained open until March 7, 2001, and an additional public hearing was held on February 27, 2001, which focused on the proposed 7th Street Northeast station in Minneapolis; and WHEREAS, the Northstar Corridor Draft ElS (including the supplemental environmental document) defined and evaluated the impacts associated with the No- Build, Transportation Systems Management (TSM) and Commuter Rail Alternatives; and WHEREAS, the evaluation of the alternatives documented in the Draft ElS included social, environmental, transportation, and financial impact assessment (capital and operating and maintenance costs); and WHEREAS, each of the proposed alternatives was evaluated against the goals of the Northstar Corridor Project; and WHEREAS, the verbal and written comments received regarding the Draft ElS have been reviewed and carefully considered in the selection of the preferred alternative; and WHEREAS, the findings of the impact assessment and proposed mitigation measures documented in the Draft ElS have been considered in the selection of the preferred alternative; and WHEREAS, while the NCDA finds that the proposed Commuter Rail Alternative most effectively meets the Project Goals of the Northstar Corridor Project for purposes of the Final Environmental Impact Statement, it recognizes that the final environmental decision under NEPA will be made in the FTA's Record of Decision; and NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the NCDA recommends to the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Transportation Commuter Rail, as defined in Attachment A, as the preferred alternative for the Northstar Corridor. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the NCDA recommends that the Final Environmental Impact Statement (Final ElS) document the preferred alternative, the preferred alternative decision-making! process, the impacts and proposed mitigation measures of the preferred alternative and response to comments made on the Draft ElS. Betsy Wergin, Chairperson Dated: Certification I hereby certify that the above resolution is a true copy of the Resolution duly passed, adopted, and approved by the Northstar Corridor Development Authority on May 3, 2001. (Name) Attachment A Commuter Rail Service on the existing Burlin~on Northern Santa Fe rail line from downtown Minneapolis to a northern terminus at Rice, Minnesota. The length of the rail line would be approximately 82 miles. The preferred alternative would include I 1 commuter rail stations at the following locations (from north to south): Rice St. Cloud East Becker Big Lake Elk River Anoka Coon Rapids-Riverdale Coon Rapids- Foley Fridley Minneapolis Northeast (7th Street Station) Minneapolis Downtown Multi-Modal The preferred alternative would include a vehicle maintenance facility at the "Elk River South" location. The preferred alternative would include a layover facility at Rice. The preferred alternative would include an Light Rail Transit connection from 3rd Avenue North. The LRT alignment would continue on the north side of 5th Street, with an LRT station immediately west of 3rd Avenue North. For purposes of the environmental evaluation (in the Final EIS), the preferred alternative will include all of the proposed track capacity improvements evaluated in the Draft EIS; except for the potential triple track from Coon Creek to 1-694 (mileposts 20.7 to 15.6) and the potential siding from milepost 20.7 to 18.8. As the negotiations with the BNSF regarding required traCk capacity improvements have not yet been finalized, there is the potential that track improvements required for the Northstar Corridor system may change from those evaluated in the Draft and Final EIS. Based on the final outcome of the BNSF negotiations, the NCDA and MnDOT will review the improvements to ensure that appropriate environmental analysis has been completed. Additional environmental documentation will be completed, if determined necessary, to meet federal environmental review requirements. The preferred alternative will include a bus operation plan that will reduce bus service frequencies on existing express service routes that duplicate commuter rail service. Existing bus route alignments will be modified to connect to commuter rail stations, and service frequencies will be modified on selected routes to provide strong bus connections to the commuter rail service. Minnesota Department of Transportation Transportation Building 395 John Ireland Boulevard St. Paul, Minnesota 55155-1899 April 19, 2001 Ms. Betsy Wergin, Commissioner Chair, Northstar Corridor Development Authority 13880 Highway 10 Elk River, Minnesota 55330 Dear Commissioner Wergin: As was promised to you at the last full committee meeting, I am providing you with a copy of the executive sun:unary from a Congestion survey that was recently undertaken by Mn/DOT. Commuter rail was identified second only to maintaining our current transportation infrastructure as a long term strategy for dealing with what the public is now beginning to perceive as a growing congestion problem. This is truly good news and marks our joint success in raising the profile and understanding of commuter rail and how it can benefit the State of Minnesota. The full survey has been provided to Himle Homer, Inc. and is already being incorporated into Northstar informational materials. Now that we have confirmed that Minnesota, beyond the Northstar Corridor, is ready to accept commuter rail as a transportation choice it is even more important that we cement the relationship between our two organizations and move forward in a seamless effort to make it a reality. With that in mind, I would like to respectfully request that you consider allowing Mn/DOT an ex-Officio position on the Northstar Corridor Development Committee and the Executive Board. It is important that communication occur at the policy level as well as the staff level. I want to make sure that I learn directly what the Authority is recommending and that they know that the office of the Conmaissioner of Transportation sees this project as important to Minnesota's integrated transportation network and a regional commuter rail system. Should you be favorable to this request I will move quickly to appoint someone from my staff. Your consideration is appreciated and I look forward to hearing from you soon. Please contact me directly or my Chief of Staff, Margo LaBau, at 651/297-3099. Sincerely, Enclosure An equal opportunity employer Executive Summary Background The Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) recognizes the value of clearly understanding the public's attitudes toward congestion. Programs and system changes require strategies tbat'~are both understood and supported by the public. Similarly, Mn/DOT's communications,need to reflect the-public's expectations, and ideally engage the public in the transportation challenges facing our state. Last f~all~ Mn/DOT conducted a series of focus groups throughout the state, designed as a first step in listening to the public about the/r experiences and attitudes toward traffic congestion and mamagement. Groups were held in both the Metro area and in greater Minnesota locations. The information gleaned fi:om the focus groups was valuable, but not statistically valid, and therefore a quantitative telephone study was planned. The focus group learning was the basis for question development in thl.q follow-up, telephone study. Study Objectives Specifically, this quantitative research study was designed to teach us the following: Quantified dH'ting behaviors assodated with our roadway system (frequency of use, types of roadways used, mode, and purpose of trip). Reactions toward statements that descn'be projected increases in traffic volume General attitudes toward current and furore COngestion levels. Identified behaviors associated wi.~'th congestion experienced (leave earlier, increased bus use, etc.) Identification of whom they feel is most responsible for addressing congestion related funding Allocation of priorities for a variety of transportation planning options. This was done in the current tense as well for 'the next twenty years'. Lastly, how well Mn/DOT is communicating with the public and the methods they'd prefer be used, to communicate with them. Methodology A total of 800 telephone interviews (400 Metro area and 400 Greater Minnesota area) were completed with a random sample of Minnesota households during the time period October 25 through December 21, 2000. A random digk dial sample was used so that results are representative across the State of Minnesota. Two samples were managed. One sample included numbers within the 8-county Metro area. The other sample included numbers within the 79-county Greater Minnesota area. This sampling technique was used to also include unlisted telephone numbers. 2 COX(.';E.s'I'I( )N ~'~'I T)\' 20()() A sample size of 800 respondents provides for a sampling error of+/- 3.5% at the 95% confidence level. Each area sample of 400 respondents provides for a sampling error of+/- 4.9% at the 95% confidence level. When analyz/ng the information in smaller groups, the error due to sampling is higher. All statistical tests of significance were completed at the 95% +/- 5% confidence level. That is, 95 times out of 100 you can be confident that reported significant differences did not happen by pure chance. Who We Talked To .. Respondents were screened to be at least 18 years of age, reside in either the 8-county Metro area or 79- county Greater Minnesota area, and have traveled in Minnesota using some means of transportation within the past 6 months. If respondent never personally drove or never rode in a car or a bus with someone on state freeways, 2-lane or divided state highways, the survey was scaled back to a series of attitudinal questions on congestion and demographic classification questions. Persons that had participated in a Mn/DOT market research study in the past 6 months were eliminated fi'om the study. A security screen was also administered. Key Findings The detail for each statement in this section can be found in the Detailed Findings section of this report. Overall, survey findings indicate stronger similarities than dissimilarities between segments of Minnesota residents that use the transportation infrastructure~. Residents from both the 8-county Metro area and the 79- county Greater Minnesota area hold, for the most part, very similar attitudes related to the growth in traffic congestion. Collectively users believe traffic congestion has and will cominue to grow. Statewide residems give M_n/DOT credit for reducing current levels of congestion on Minnesota roadways. As a group they are confident Mn/DOT will find .~tegies to help cope with the growth in traffic. _ Most residents lack a clear understanding of the transportation funding mechanism, but at the same time collectively agree the legislature should make dealing with growth in Congestion a legislative priority,. When asked to identify long-term transportation planning priorities, projects such as providing light rail or commuter rail were top priorities but seeking additional funding for these projects was a middle level priority. Additional funding and new projects were not seen as equal needs that go hand-in-hand. Have used a means of Umn.qportation either personally or with someone to travel Minnesota freeways, 2-tane or divided highways m the past 6 months. ; ~ Cc )\'( ~t-~STIOX S'l"l 't)\' 2{)1}t) Summary of KeF Findings bv the 5 Topic Areas: I. Attitudes Associated with Congestion A majority of respondents View congestion challenges as man.cable problems responsive to current and future Mn/DOT intervention. Equal numbers of respondents view current public bus transportation and potential long-term alternative transportation options (light rail and commuter rail) as meaningful forces capable of lessening future levels of congestion on area roadways. A majority (2/3rds) of respondents agreed with all 11 statements, with the strongest agreement levels below: -- Finding strategies to reduce traffic congestion should be a focus area for'the leg/slature (89%) Drivers have to take responsibility for the growing congestion in MN (84%) I have high confidence in Mn/DOT's ability to find strategies to deal with the foreseen growth in traffic congest/on (79%) Twenty percent of statewide respondents (1 in 5) are attitudinally pessimistic to possibilities for improvement and change ia congestion levels. They are in agreement with the statement 'little if anything can be done to reduce current levels of congestion'. This pessimism is not linked to confidence in or assessment of Mn/DOT's'perforce. IL Belief in Predicted Growth of Congestion Two statements were read. rando.mly to half (each) of the total sample, in order to 'assess whether the public is. aware of the increase that is being predicted for current congestion levels. ' Ninety-one percent of all respondents said the following statements were believable. [Long Version] The amount of traffic in the state is growing about 4°4per year, which means that since 1990 until today, over the past ten years the amount of traffc has increased more than 50% in the state. At the same time, it means that within the next ten years, by 2010 we can expect that the amount of traffic will also increase more than 50% This means by the year, 2010, tra-~c will be more than 100% greater than what it was in 1990. [Short Version] The traffic volume in the state is growing by 4%every year, which means traffic increases by more than 50% every ten years. Respondents expressing low believability in the statements, as a group, had less confidence in Mn/DOT's congest/on-related abilities than respondents who viewed the message as very credible. Respondents that expressed disbelief in the congestion statement were also more likely to hold the opinion that congestion has stayed about the same during the past five years. CONGF2NTI()N Sl'~ 'DV 20()() ,' 4 Transportation Funding Mechanismz TheStateiLegi~l~i~ and Mn/DOT are equally perceived as having the most resP0nslbili~'T~/: "' ~ transportation funding. Respondents ascn'be the Ieastfurm'ing- responsibility to groups such as employers, travelers, bus companies and local city. councils. Notably, .three of these four groups are end users ofth'e transportation infrastructure. IV. Transportation Planning Priorities When asked to identify from a list what they would focus resources on both today and 20 years into the future, residents expressed varying priorities for current day and long-term transportation funding. Listed Priodties Current Long-term Managing traffic/removing bottienecks 66% 52% (3) Maintaining roadways / public transit 63 62 (4) Seeking added transportation funds 46 47 Constructing new roads 45 46 Providing light rail or commuter'rail 44 57 (2) Improving bus transportation 29 29 As seen in the bold ambers under LONG-TERM, a noteworthy change was 'Managin' g traffic/removing bottlenecks' which dropped 14% to third position for. long-term, and 'Providing light rail or cormmuter rail', which rose 8% to the #2 priority.;- . . . ..... . · · The small numbers in parentheses show the ranking of the top three, long-term. Decision Resources, Ltd. 3128 Dean Court Minneapolis, Minnesota 55416 (612) 920-2401 COMMUTER RAIL ISSUES SURVEY 2001 Northstar Corridor Residential Study Key Findings: Seventy percent felt highway traffic congestion had "gotten worse" during the past five years. Only twenty-five percent thought it had "stayed the same," and a very small two percent felt it had "gotten better." A majority of respondents in each county indicated that congestion had worsened during that time frame. Fifty-four percent of the respondents reported "satisfaction" with their commute to work, while twenty-four percent were "dissatisfied." A group of twenty percent stated they did not commute, either staying or working at home. o A solid sixty-eight percent thought the Northstar Commuter Rail proposal was either a "very good idea" or a "good idea." Twenty-three percent saw it as "not a good idea" or a "bad idea.," while ten percent were uncertain. Benton and Wright County residents proved to be particularly favorable toward the plan. Support for the Northstar proposal was uniformly strong, with majorities registered in its favor within every subgroup of interest. Regardless of party affiliation, majorities felt it was either a "very good idea" or "good idea;" in fact, 88% of surveyed DFLers felt this way, while 66% of Independents and 58% of Republicans were also supportive. As the age of the respondent increased, so did the size of the majority in support; the most enthusiastic support was among over sixty year olds, where 39% saw it as a "very good idea" and 37% saw it as a "good idea." o The most often cited destination for using Northstar Commuter Rail was "the airport or the Mall of America," at sixty-one percent. Fifty-three percent also indicated they would use this service to "go to and from sports, cultural, or entertainment events." Twenty-eight percent thought they would use the service to "visit friends or relatives." Eighteen percent would use the rail service to "commute to and from work," while seventeen percent would use it to "run errands" and eleven percent, to "go to and from school or college." Twenty-three percent were "very likely" to use the Northstar Commuter Rail service if it became operational in their area. Another thirty-seven percent were "somewhat likely" to do so. Using standard market projection techniques, twenty percent of the households along the corridor could be expected to use this commuter rail service. Methodology: 400 randomly selected households within a five-mile radius of the proposed Northstar Commuter Rail Line Corridor were contacted by telephone between April 26th and 28th, 2001. The average interview time was six minutes. The results of this survey are projectable to the universe of all adult residents living in the designated area within + 5.0 % in 95 out of 100 cases. )IlNNEAPOLIS DOW TOWN COUNCIL Draft Resolution for Discussion Regarding The Northstar Corridor Commuter Rail Project March 22, 2001 Whereas: The Minneapolis Downtown Council is committed to maintaining and expanding our region's economy, including efforts to improve the business climate so that we may all compete successfully in the national and international marketplace; and Whereas: The Minneapolis Downtown Council believes that a modem, multi- modal transportation system is essential to the future of our cities and our region; and Whereas: The Northstar Corridor commuter rail project will, when completed, foster economic opportunity for all cities along the route, inter-connect centers of commerce to the benefit of all, reinforce community growth patterns along the route, and promote the ability for visitors and residents to commute freely along the route in an affordable manner which also reduces traffic congestion; and Whereas: Each commuter rail station will provide the conm-tunities with unique development opportunities that will enhance the livability and vitality of their neighborhoods; ~ · Now therefore, be it resolved, that the Minneapolis Downtown Council Board of Directors, on behalf of its Membership, fully supports the Northstar Corridor Commuter Rail Project. Minneapolis Downtown Council 81 South 9th Street Suite 260 Minneapolis, MN 55402 Tel. (612) 338-3807 Fax (612) 338-0634 ~ commuter rail I news NOgTH TA O J' J'lOO ' S p r in g 2 0 0 1 Governor Ventura's lean budget recognizes funding for Northstar Corridor rail project as a priority In the upcoming weeks, Minnesota legislators will decide whether to approve this part of Gov. Ventura's budget, making commuter rail in the Northstar Corridor closer to a reality. Governor Ventura requested $115 million in funding for the Northstar Corridor rail project as part of his budget proposal. The state's plan requests half the project's capital cost be funded by the federal government. A state commitment of funding for transportation projects is required before federal funds would be approved. Counties along the Northstar Corridor have already committed to 10% of the capital cost. The funds appropriated this year will be used to design and construct stations, upgrade the tracks where needed and build a multi-modal connection with the Hiawatha light rail line in downtown Minneapolis. Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) Commissioner Elwyn Tinklenberg said Gov. Ventura's budget "represents a major step forward for the project and for creation of a passenger rail system to serve the region's growing need for rail transit." Northstar Corridor commuter rail facts Northstar Corridor According to the Minnesota State Demographer, the Northstar Corridor is the single fastest growing area in Minnesota. In addition, by 2020, the Twin City metro area could add about 400,000 jobs and grow in population by roughly 650,000 people. Length 80 miles, from downtown Minneapolis to just north of St. Cloud, encompassing 30 cities, towns, counties and rail authorities Opening Date Late 2004 Projected Ridership Over 9,300 per day (2.8 million annually) Development Agencies Mn/DOT, North- star Corridor De- velopment Author- ity (NCDA), Metropolitan Council, Metro Transit of the Twin Cities, St. Cloud Area Planning Or- ganization, St. Cloud Metro Transit Commission Nearly 2,000 people rode a commuter rail demonstration train in August, 2000. NEW AND IMPROVED] Northstar Corridor web site Check out the improved Northstar Corridor web site to access updated information and see our new look. We are anxious to hear your comments, so log on and let us know what you think! Also, be sure to sign up for Northstar e-mail updates. http'//www. NorthstarTrain.org ~~, The Commuter Rail Solution Evolving transportation needs Population growing in Northstar Corridor 400,000 350,000 300,000 250,000 200,000 150,000 100,000 50,000 Residents of the Northstar Corridor already know that traffic congestion is an unfortunate consequence of rapid economic and popu- lation growth. Our corridor, extending from the St. Cloud/Rice area to downtown Min- neapolis, is the fastest growing region in Minnesota. According to a survey conducted in August 1999, 50 percent of Northstar Anoka Benton Sherburne Stearns Wright COUNTY Legend: r'~199o 2000 2025 (projected increase) Corridor residents said their commute was more congested than it was five years ago. And population and economic growth in the corridor are expected to continue, mean- ing even more congestion. As our area grows, our transportation infra- structure must grow and evolve as well. But today, there are no plans to build more roads or expand major roadways, such as Interstate 94 or Highway 10. Even if a plan was developed, experts agree that building wider roads cannot solve the congestion problems by itself. Simply put, we will not be able to "build" ourselves out of this situation. Commuter Rail: An affordable, common sense alternative CAPITAL COST COMPARISON New urban freeway $40-75 million per mile Light rail $30-50 million per mile Exclusive bosway $10 million per mile Upgrade to 4-lane highway $3-4 million per mile Northstar Corridor Less than $3 million per mile After careful study it was determined that building commuter rail is the right solution for the Northstar Corridor. Unlike roads, commuter rail is flexible: it can continue to grow with the needs of our economy and population. All we have to do is add rail cars, not entire lanes of highway. In fact, the Northstar commuter rail will carry the equivalent of 1 ~/2 lanes of freeway traffic during peak congestion times. The Northstar Corridor project has wide support in our area, throughout the state and even in Washington, DC, making it a realistic option. Best of all, commuter rail will be able to deliver the same basic benefits as an improved highway system, but at a reduced cost and in just four years. Affordable Commuter rail in the Northstar Corridor makes economic sense. The Northstar Corridor commuter rail line would share existing tracks with the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) freight rail line. Additional track improvements are planned to ensure on-time commuter rail service and allow for growth of freight traffic. This means Northstar can use existing rail lines - reducing construction costs. Continued on next page source: Metropolitan Council ' NORTHSTAR c o m m u t e r r a i I news Spring 2001 Common Sense Aside from making economic sense, commuter rail will help communities plan for future growth and better manage the growth that's already occurring. The Northstar Corridor encompasses a diverse population, including st. urban, suburban (MTCTranfit Center} ~ ' - - - ' ' - and_ rural ! TH~ X cummumt,,-o. East St,. Cloud I ~St. Clou~ lecker Northstar Corridor Commuter Rail Map Elk Rive N The corridor links major economic and educational centers. Commuter rail will be a boon to these communities. It will allow employees and commerce to move more freely while protecting the qualities that make each community unique. Commuter rail will give residents a safe, convenient, reliable, on-time transportation option. Commuter rail is a realistic option. Preliminary engineering and an environmental impact statement are well underway, and will be completed by summer. The first commuters are expected to ride the train by late 2004 and there are expected to be more than 9,300 trips daily. Minnesota's top public officials, including US169 Governor Ventura, 8th District Representative James Oberstar and others are behind the Northstar Corridor Rarnsey/Anoka commuter rail project and have helped , Coon Ra~i~s secure initial federal funds for planning. Fridley "The BNSF has been a solid partner on the Northstar project and has a significant record of achievement with commuter rail across the country. The NCDA and MnOOT are committed to ensuring the smooth flow of both freight and commuter rail traffic on the BNSF line." Betsy Wergin, Chair, NCDA TDowntown Minneapolis ransit Centers, Hubs and Stations) / ?Hiawatha Line reposed LRT Alignmen~ polls Mall of America ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Downtown St. Paul~ Minneapolis (Transit Hah) ! International Airport Legend: Stations OPotential Phase II Stations ,,~.' Northstar Commuter Rail ,~ ~ Light Rail Transit Two highly respected legislators are leading the charge for the Northstar line at the state capitol. Sen. Jane Krentz (DFL-May Township) and Rep. Kathy Tingelstad (R-Andover) are the chief authors of the legislation and strong supporters of the project. If you are interested in finding out who your legislator is, please call these numbers: To find your State Representative: 800-657-3550 To find your State Senator: 888-234-1112 Coming to a station near you! Trains 150 seats per car Air conditioned and heated Tables and a/c outlets Handicapped accessible Restroom facilities Stations Shelters with seating and on-demand heating Automated ticket vending machines Most will have bus connections and free parking ~31AIO_LSFIO -IV_LSOd Jno ~no ~lO~q9 l/6q# l!tuJed NIAI Ined 'IS find a§e~SOd 'STI OlS lklSkld 00/~-ggg (g9L) :I0~ ~9~Z-g0g~5 ~losauu!BI '~lOUV 'anuaAv p~ 00lZ .~Hoqm¥ luomdoloAOQ aop!~o9 .nnsq~olq NOR THSTAR CORRIDOR April 24, 2001 Executive Committee: Betsy Wergin, NCDA Chair Sherbarr~ County Gerry Donfin, NCDA Vice Chair City of St. Cloud Paul McCa;ton Anoka County Mark StengIein Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority Steve Billings City of Fddley Lewis Stark Haven Township Pat Klaers City Administrator, Planning Director 13065 Orono Elk River, MN 55330 RE: Northstar Maintenance Facility Location Dear Pat: The NCDA staff and consulting team have reviewed an extensive list of possible locations for a commuter rail maintenance facility. The exact location and analysis of each site has been previously provided. As you know, the location decision hinges primarily in the service concept which has about half of the service originating and ending at the Elk River Station. Consequently, the most cost effective location is one that is close to the Elk River Station. The location proposed for the maintenance facility is titled Cargill South. This places the facility roughly one-fourth mile southeast of the Elk River Commuter Rail Station. In consideration of Elk River staff concerns regarding this Cargill South site and its impact in city plans, NCDA initiated a comprehensive comparative analysis of the Cargill site with a site proposed by city staff referred to as the Hohlen Property, located immediately southeasterly of this Cargill site. The URS/BRW consulting team, including representation of the LTK firm, have reviewed and compared both sites. The NCDA staff has reviewed the analysis and concurs with the conclusions. The report, recommending the Cargill South site for the Commuter Rail Maintenance Facility, is attached. I hope you agree that the review was objective and complete. We have strived to exhibit due diligence as directed by your staff. In the end, the economic and operating impacts of locating closer to the passenger station simply outweigh other concerns for the property. I would be happy to discuss further or make members of our consulting team available for discussion of this analysis. Sincerely, Project Director, Northstar Corridor TY:sw Northstar Corridor Commuter Rail Project 2100 3rd Avenue, Anoka, Minnesota 55303-2265 (763) 323-5700 Fax: (763) 323-5682 www.northstartrain.org City MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: Mayor and City Council Michele McPherso~/~rector of Planning DATE: May 16, 2001 SUBJECT: Consider Memorandum of Understanding with Minnesota Department of Transportation Attachment · Memorandum of Understanding Background Staff has been working with MN/DOT in reviewing the final drawings of the Minnesota Department of Transportation multi-modal site which is slated to be constructed in summer of 2001 at the Northstar Corridor Depot site. The multi-modal site will be utilized for the next two years to provide bus service from the City of Elk River. This multi-modal site is the preliminary phase of the Northstar Corridor Depot. Upon reviewing the plans there were a number of issues that staff had of concern regarding construction through the median, access to the primary entry drive into the multi-modal facility for the adjacent commercial development, landscaping, and use of the easement which will be considered by the Council as a later agenda item. In order to outline the commitments and responsibilities of both the City and the Minnesota Department of Transportation, a Memorandum of Understanding was developed which outlines the expectations of both parties. Recommendation Staff is comfortable that the Memorandum of Understanding clearly outlines the expectations that the City has of MN/DOT and that MN/DOT has of the City. We believe that the Memorandum of Understanding will alleviate any conflicts, which may arise during the construction of the multi-modal facility. Staff recommends that the City Council accept the Memorandum of Understanding and direct both the Mayor and the City Engineer to execute the Memorandum of Understanding. S:kPLANNING\MICHMC\MEMOS\MNDOTmemorandum.doc MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, AND THE CITY OF ELK RIVER THIS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ("MOU") is made and entered into on the 1st day of May, 2001, by and between THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, a department of the State of Minnesota ("Mn/DOT"); and THE CITY OF ELK RIVER, a Minnesota municipal corporation (the "City"); WHEREAS, Mn/DOT and the City wish to proceed with the planning and construction of the Elk River Park and Ride / Multimodal facility; and WHEREAS, construction of Phase I of the Park and Ride facility is planned for the summer of 2001, with a completion date of October 2001; and WHEREAS, bus service will operate out of this facility for approximately 2 years using grant money from the FTA, at the end of which, service will be re-evaluated for continued service; and WHEREAS, Mn/DOT and the City wish to have a mutual understanding of the landscaping, right of way use and construction activities that will occur at this location within the city limits through this MOU; NOW THEREFORE, Mn/DOT and the City agree to the following: This MOU is not a binding agreement and that any binding obligations of the parties to this MOU will be made pursuant to written, approved, and properly executed agreement(s). Mn/DOT will develop a landscaping plan for Phase I of the Park and Ride facility under its normal cost participation policy, which is normally 2-3% of the construction costs for this type of project. City staff will review the plan for consistency with City ordinances prior to installation. Mn/DOT proposes to do this work under a separate project that will be completed by October 1, 2002. 3. Phase II of the park and ride facility will be one of the following: a. an expansion of the facility to accommodate a commuter rail station, b. an expansion of the bus service to accommodate more ridership, c. maintenance of the bus service to accommodate the same or less ridership, or d. a discontinuation of the lot for commuter services. Landscaping opportunities consistent with City ordinance will be incorporated into any future modifications of this facility. Proposed access off the road serving the park and ride will be granted to the development to the north. The developer will need to work with Mn/DOT to coordinate access locations. Memorandum of Understanding Page 2 5. o R/W purchased for the outlet of the storm drainage pond will not prohibit the City from developing the Wetland Mitigation site that is being proposed in this area. The northwesterly intersection with Tyler Street developed under Phase II of the Park and Ride facility will be maintained as the desired access onto Tyler Street. R/W being purchased by Mn/DOT will prohibit access to the north, eliminating a full access intersection from being constructed at the present location. During construction, Tyler Street will remain open to traffic at all times. Coordination with the City's contractor working on Tyler Street will be maintained so that outstanding issues are resolved. The City's contractor will be invited to a Pre-Construction meeting prior to construction. The outstanding items under the City's contract shall be discussed at the pre- construction meeting. Maintenance of the Park and Ride facility will be the responsibility of Mn/DOT either through the use of a separate maintenance agreement with a vendor or future arrangements made with some other entity (i.e. City or Commuter Rail operator) I concur with this Memorandum of Understanding. MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION CITY OF ELK RIVER Richard A. Stehr Metro Division Engineer Stephanie Klinzing Mayor Robert Busch Brainerd District (D-3) Terry J. Maurer City Engineer 2 Howard R. Green Qompany May 16, 2001 File: 804340J-0325 Honorable Mayor and City Council City of Elk River 13065 Orono Parkway P.O. Box 490 Elk River, MN 55330-0490 RE: MnDOT MULTI-MODAL LOT Dear Council Members: In conjunction with the construction of the multi-modal lot located along the railroad tracks between Tyler Street and the 173rd Avenue right-of-way, MnDOT would like to acquire an easement from the City of Elk River, as shown on the attached exhibit. The easement is located north of the 173rd Avenue right-of-way and is for the purposes of discharging stormwater from the pond located on their site to the ditch located in the property the City acquired from the Browns. MnDOT has offered $6,836 for the right to this easement. The Memorandum of Understanding prepared by MnDOT states that the City may use the easement for wetland mitigation. Wetland mitigation is something the City will have to undertake when they develop the Brown property for business park development sometime in the future. Also attached to this letter are an Offer to Sell and Memorandum of Conditions and a Highway Easement both prepared by MnDOT. We would recommend that the City Council authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute these agreements. If you have any questions regarding this issue, I will be in attendance at your May 21, 2001, City Council meeting. Sincerely, Howard R. Green Company Terry J. Maurer, P.E. TJM:tw Attachments O:\PROJ\804340J\0325\Ltr 05-16-01 Council.doc 1326 Energy Park Drive · St. Paul, MN 55108 · 651/644-4389 fax 651/644-9446 toll free 888/368-4389 SHERBURNE COUNTY CAST IRON MONUMENT AT SECTION CORNER NORTH LINE SEC. 11 Bt TO 87 658°67' 89e59.05,' CITY SEll4 - SWl/4 UNITED POWER ASSOC. NEll4 - flWl/4 PARCEL -66' 173RD AVENUE o 1 2 37' UNITED POWER ASSOC EASE NO MONUMENT AT QUARTER CORNER (UNDER CONSTRUCTION ) RIGHT OF WAY IN SECTION ~ARCELi OWNER LOCAT ION c~'r,,,o~ T. I JEAN M, EULL NEI/4NWl/4 8,51C FEE NWI/4NEI/4 2 DIRK BARRETT NEI/4NWl/4 2.70C FEE NWt/4NEI/4 RIGHT OF WAY IN SECTION 2 3 Ic,TY oF EL~ R,VER IsE,--sw,..I I'.~ol I lEASE. NOTE: TEMPORARY EASEMENTS IN PUBLIC ROADS WILL EXPIRE ON 12-01-2006 GU~TER CORNER PARCEL 1 SHERBURNE COUNTY COORDINATES I~-= 587'836'021 212,368.44 NAD 83 (15'86) SHERBURNE COUNTY CAST IRON MONUMENT AT QUARTER CORNER PLAT BOUNDARY DATA FROM I TO tDISTANCE(FT)I AZIMUTH 81 82 42.43 321'02' 00" '~ 83 324.97 70e38' Oe" 83 84 298,02 90~34'36" 84 85 i01.62 31'47'16" 85 86 C 199.14 158*4t'43' A 200,38 R 519.32 DEL 22e06'28' LT ~E Nt/4 It 38.42 181'17'13" Nt/4 11 BT 44,25 269e59'05" 67 88 95.42 246*64'I3" B8 89 134.61 153'03'15" 89 BIO !02.80 141'02'39' ~0 B~1 6~3.12 14t'02'39" [! Bt2 a0o55 96'02'~9' 12 813 C 127.93 22t'52'32' i 128.48 R 399.52 DEL 18'26'05' RT 813 814 322.92 231*05'34" '~4 ars 301.32 321'02'00' )15 BI6 540.50 32P02'00' it6 B1 540.55 321'02'00' 5WI/4 - 5E//4 PROPERTY LINE , ~ AT SECTION CORNER ~ : flWI/4 - NEI/4 BiO TO 815 605.71' 181e34'22- OF / / ELK RIVER -N- '/ MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION RIGHT OF WAY PLAT NO. 71-9 CONTROL SECTION NO. 7101 (10=3)901 IN THE SOUTH HALF OF SECTION Z, T. 32 N., R. 26 W., IN THE NORTH HALF OF SECTION 11, T. 32 N. R. 26 W., SHERBURNE COUNTY, MINNESOTA THE COMdI$SIONER OF TRANSPORTATION IS HEREBY DESIGNATING THE DEFINITE LOCATION OF TRUNK HIGHWAY NO. lO IN THE CITY OF ELK RIVER 85264 PLAT 71-9 SURVEY STANDARDS ?ro'~t 10m BRAINERD AZIMUTH ORIENTATION P~ Llrle R/W ea.r~ery CONVENTIONAL SYMBOLS ..... £ono-~te or St~ ~ ~i R/I B~ C~ / PLAT NO. 71-9 CoS. 7101 (10=5)901 DOC. NO. q-3e~ OFFICE OF COUNTY RECORDER SHERBURNE COUNTY, MINN I HE~~-~"~--THIS PLAT HAS BEEN FILED IN THIS OFF)CE _ ON MARCH ~ , 200/ AT ._~:.~,c~.U IN CAB. ~_ NO ..... Date: HIGHWAY EASEMENT C.S. 7101 (10=3) 901 Parcel 3 County of Sherburne For and in consideration of the sum of Dollars ($ ), City of Elk River, a municipal corporation under the laws of the state of Minnesota, Grantor, hereby conveys and quitclaims to the State of Minnesota, Grantee, together with the unrestricted right to improve the same, free and clear of all encumbrances, a perpetual easement on and over real property in Sherburne County, Minnesota, described as follows: All of the following: That part of the Southeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of Section 2, Township 32 North, Range 26 West, shown as Parcel 3 on Minnesota Department of Transportation Right of Way Plat Numbered 71-9 as the same is on file and of record in the office of the County Recorder in and for Sherburne County, Minnesota; containing 1.96 acres, more or less. Grantor, for itself, its successors and assigns, does covenant never to cut, damage, destroy, or remove any tree or shrub or other natural growth upon the hereinbefore described premises for the continuation of this easement; does hereby grant and convey to the State of Minnesota all grasses, shrubs, trees and natural growth now existing on said lands or that may be hereafter planted or grown thereon, and the right to remove and use all earth and other materials lying within the parcel of land hereby conveyed. The said Grantor does hereby release the State of Minnesota from any claims for damages to the fair market value of the above-described area covered by this easement and for its use, or any claims for damages to the fair market value of the remaining property of Grantor caused by the use of the easement, including grading and removal of materials from said easement area for highway purposes. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Grantor does not release any claims it may have as a result of the negligence of the Grantee, its agents or contractors, in conducting any of the above activities. CITY OF ELK RIVER By Its Mayor And Its Clerk Page 1 of 2 STATE OF MINNESOTA ) ) SS, COUNTY OF SHERBURNE ) The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this day of , by and , the Mayor and the Clerk of City of Elk River, a municipal corporation under the laws of the state of Minnesota, on behalf of the municipal corporation. NOTARY PUBLIC My commission expires: This instrument was drafted by the State of Minnesota, Depadment of Transportation, Legal and Real Estate Conveyance Unit, St. Paul, Minnesota 55155 R52167-03W.wpd Page 2 of 2 Office of Land Management (2-98) STATE OF MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION OFFER TO SELL AND MEMORANDUM OF CONDITIONS By RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL Supervisor of Direct Purchase APPROVED C.S.: 7101 (10=3) 901 Parcel: 3 County: Sherburne Owner and address: City of Elk River, Elk River City Hall, 13065 Orono Parkway, P.O. Box 490, Elk River, MN 55330; Ft~r a valuable consideration, on this day of , , the undersigned owners hereby offer to sell and convey to the State of Minnesota for a total consideration of Dollars ($ ) an easement in the real estate or an interest therein situated in Sherburne County, vlinnesota, described in the copy of the instrument of conveyance hereto attached. The undersigned parties have this day executed an instrument for the conveyance of the aforesaid real estate or an interest therein to the State of Minnesota, and have conditionally delivered the same to the State of Minnesota, which instrument shall have no effect until and unless this offer to sell and convey is accepted in writing by the Office of Land Management of the Minnesota Department of Transportation within flo days from the date of this offer. Such notice of acceptance shall be by certified mail directed to the address appearing after our signatures hereto. If this offer is not so accepted within the time limited herein such conveyance shall be of no effect, and said instrument shall forthwith be returned to the undersigned owners. If this offer is accepted it is mutually agreed by and between the owners and the State as follows: (1) Possession of the real estate shall transfer to the State tzfl'v~ ~r the date of acceptance. The owner shall have the right to continue to occupy the property or to rent same to the present occupants or others until the date of transfer of possession. Any change in occupancy shall be subject to approval and concurrence by the State. On or before the date for transfer or possession the owners will vacate the real estate and the improvements (if any) located thereon, or cause same to be vacated, remove all personal effects therefrom and have all utilities (if any) shut off by the supplier of same. No buildings appurtenances or other non-personal items or fixtures will be removed from the premises by the owners or renters, including plumbing and heating fixtures, etc. The owners shall notify the Department of Transportation as soon as the improvements are vacated. The owners will maintain the improvements during their period of occupancy and vill make all necessary repairs at their own expense. The State's prospective bidders for the purchase or demolition of the improvements on the property shall have the right of entry for inspection purposes during the last 10 days of possession by the owners. (2) Title to said real estate shall pass to the State of Minnesota as of the date of said acceptance subject to conditions hereinafter stated. (3) Buildings (if any) on said real estate shall be insured by the owners against loss by fire and windstorm in the amount of present coverage or if none in force then in an amount not less than the current market value during the entire period of the owners' occupancy of the buildings on the real estate, such policy or policies of insurance to be endorsed to show the State's interest. (4) If the State of Minnesota is acquiring all or a major portion of the property, mortgages (if any) on the property shall be satisfied in full by the State of Minnesota. The amount paid by the State of Minnesota to satisf5 said mortgage(s) shall be deducted from the amount to be paid to the owners under the terms of this agreement. The amount paid by the State of Minnesota to satisfy the mortgage(s) shall include interest on the mortgage(s) to date that payment is made to the mortgage holder. (5) If the State of Minnesota is acquiring only a minor portion of the property, and the property is encumbered by a mortgage, it shall be the responsibility of the owners to furnish a partial release of mortgage.' The mortgage holder will be included as a payee along with the owners on the check drawn in payment for the property. Any fee charged by the mortgage holder for the partial release of mortgage must be paid for by the owners. (6) The owners will pay all delinquent (if any) and all current real estate taxes, whether deferred or not, which are a lien against the property. Current taxes shall include those payable in the calendar year in which this document is dated. The owners will also pay in full any special assessments, whether deferred or not, which are a lien against the property. The owners' obligation to pay deferred taxes and assessments shall continue after the sale and shall not merge with the delivery and acceptance of the deed. (7) If encumbrances, mechanics liens or other items intervene before the date the instrument of conveyance is presented for recording and same are not satisfied or acknowledged by the owners as to validity and amount and payment thereof authorized by the owners, said instrument of conveyance shall be returned to the owners. (8) Payment to the owners shall be made in the due course of the State's business after payment of taxes, assessments, mortgages and all other liens or encumbrances against said real estate. The owners will not be required to vacate the property until the owners have received payment. (9) No payments shall be made of any part of the consideration for said sale until marketable title is found to be in the owners and until said instrument of conveyance has been recorded. (10) The owners hereby acknowledge receipt of a copy of the instrument of conveyance executed by them on this date, and a copy of this offer and memorandum. (11) It is understood that unless otherwise hereinafter stated the State acquires all appurtenances belonging to the premises including: OWNERS: CITY OF ELK RIVER By Its Mayor And Its Clerk (Address of Owner where acceptance is to be mailed.)