09-14-2015 CCM SPECIAL JOINT - Laserfiche WebLink

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Special Joint Elk River/Ramsey City Council Minutes Page 5 September 14, 2015 ----------------------------- Mayor Strommen stated they looked at implementing a franchise fee but the Charter Commission had many concerns so Council chose to seek a different route. The Charter Commission expressed concerns of whether the fee was legal. Mayor Dietz stated Council worked with their attorney who did not feel there was an issue. Councilmember Burandt stated she has received a lot of positive feedback, especially from the elderly on fixed incomes. They felt the fee was very affordable, equitable, and kept the streets looking nice. Mr. Femrite stated it takes a change in philosophy and there needs to be communication early in the process. He stated it was a team effort from all staff and Council in Elk River. Councilmember Olsen asked about the issues of the Charter Cormnission. Mayor Strommen stated there was a question about dedicated fees and if State law allowed them to set a franchise fee. There was also a threat of a special election. Councilmember Westgaard stated it takes a change in philosophy. They can raise the fees at any time and this fee helps the city plan ahead easier. He noted the fee is set aside strictly for road projects. 3.05 Highway 10 Corridor -of -Commerce Efforts Mayor Strommen stated Highway 10 has been Ramsey's number one priority in terms of transportation. She stated the corridor is critical for public safety noting until the Armstrong Boulevard interchange is completed they have no at -grade separated crossings with BNSF. She stated the issues are workers can't get to and from work efficiently and car/train accidents. She stated they are looking at broadening their vision for the corridor and trying to raise the visibility of its needs on a larger scale. She stated as a region, we can all do better if we are engaged in this process and noted one of the things Ramsey is working on is the idea of a Highway 10 Summit, including communities from Blaine to Moorhead. She stated we are far underfunded and are looking at raising that profile. Mayor Dietz stated they approached MnDOT about trying to coordinate the signal lights through Elk River but MnDOT is not interested in cooperating, noting their concern is to move traffic along Highway 10. Mr. Femrite stated they have been working with Senator Kiff neyer about trying to get smart lights (adaptive traffic signal controls) installed along Highway 10. He stated she has been supportive and has been looking for funding. Mayor Strommen stated they worked hard over the last few years with Anoka County, which has made it easier with legislators. tOvEAE1 BI NATURE