6.5. SR 03-07-2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

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requirements; and reliability. John Himle noted that a news release had been issued titled: NCDA to Study Feasibility of Using Biodiesel for Northstar Commuter Rail. 7. Mike Schadauer gave an update on activities through December 2004. He noted that the next steps for project development are: submittal of a draft request to enter into final design to the FTA; advanced design work will begin under the contracts with the teams from L TK and Kimley-Horn and Associates to address the location of the maintenance facility and the alignment of theLRT connection in Minneapolis; draft agreement with BNSF for advanced and final design on capacity improvements will be submitted to the FTA; staff will continue to work with the station cities and counties on transit oriented development opportunities. Dan Erhart asked if it is possible that the Project might exceed the $25.00 CEI threshold with the changes to the maintenance facility location. Mike Schadauer noted that they are making every effort to not exceed the $25.00 range. Tim Yantos noted that a letter of support for the Northstar Project had been received from Lt. Governor Molnau. This letter was sent to Congressman Don Young, Chair of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure at the U.S. House of Representatives. Tim Yantos thanked Mike Schadauer for his assistance in getting this letter out. 8. Mark Fuhrmann noted that the NCDA at its January 6, 2005 meeting approved the Hennepin County Regional Rail Authorities' $6.3 million contribution to the Northstar Project for the purpose of vehicle procurement, subject to FT A approval. FT A approval has been received and the Metropolitan Council exercised its option for two low floor light rail vehicles from Bombardier on January 21,2005. 9. Paul McCarron handed out to the NCDA members a proposed amendment to the NCDA bylaws for their consideration at the March NCDA meeting. The amendment would change Article IV, Structure of Authority, B, Quorum to read: "Fifty percent plus one of the representatives of member regional railroad authorities and counties and thirty percent plus one of the remaining members shall constitute a quorum." 10. Bill Schreiber gave an update on legislative activities to date in the State and passed out the Governor's 2005 Capital Budget Recommendations dated January 25, 2005. Jon Olson gave an update on the commuter bus ridership figures and noted that operating money runs out in mid-July. 11. Jon Olson gave an update on federal activities to date and passed out a letter to Congressman Don Young from Lt. Governor Carol Molnau requesting members of Congress to submit their requests for projects to be included in the reauthorization of TEA 21 and that Northstar be included in their request. Tim Yantos passed out a letter from Collin Peterson to the NCDA regarding his support for Northstar locomotives to use bio-diesel fuel. 12. Jill Brown asked that NCDA members try to attend the Northstar Day at the Capitol event being held no February 9, 2005. Ms. Brown also noted that the commuter coach is expecting its 500,000th rider in about a month. 13. Ewald Petersen noted that township elections are set for March 8. 14. Chair Grandy noted that the next meeting will be held on March 3, 2005 at 4:30 p.m. at the Sherburne County Government Center. 15. Bruce Nawrocki made a motion that the meeting be adjourned. The motion was seconded by Scott Schulte and it passed unanimously on a voice vote. The Chair adjourned the meeting at 5:28 p.m. 2