06-13-2005 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Minutes Page 2 June 13, 2005 ----------------------------- Mrs. Hovald, 19221 Tyler Street, inquired as to what is happening with the 193 Avenue rd extension. The Mayor explained that this street will be discussed tonight but a specific alignment would not be addressed. 5. Worksession 5.1. Highway 10 Project Update-The Tinklenberg Group Elwyn Tinklenberg and Dan Krom from The Tinklenberg Group provided an update on the status of the City’s federal funding proposal regarding improvements along Highway 10. He stated that an application has been submitted by them on behalf of the City of Elk River in the amount of $500,000 for a study of the highway through downtown Elk River. Councilmember Motin inquired if there was any tie between the NorthStar Corridor and Highway 10 because of their proximity. Mr. Tinklenberg stated that the groups are working closely together but that there is no relationship between the two groups in regards to funding. Mr. Krom stated that it is important that the NorthStar Corridor is moving ahead and that this relationship will be looked at in the future in terms of the funding. 5.2.Energy City Update Mayor Klinzing explained that she has chaired ACE since taking office in 1999 and updated the Council on Energy City. The Minnesota Environmental Initiative (MEI) recently informed the City that Energy Alley may not exist in the near future which would change the (City’s) Energy City relationship with MEI. The Action Committee for Energy (ACE) is the local committee that runs Energy City and is recommending that the City establish an Energy City Commission to validate its existence. This would make Energy City more viable and closer to the City. ACE is also recommending the City formally seek the designation of “Energy City”. Members of ACE present were: Debra Walters, Waste Management; Arnold Hendrickson, CenterPoint Energy; Ed Stotenburg, NRG; Bryan Adams, E.R.M.U.; and Ron Bratlie, IDS #728. Building and Environmental Administrator Stephen Rohlf and the City’s Attorney have drafted language for the Council to adopt in the future to make this group an official City commission. He stated that one reason to do Energy City was because of economic development and also that Energy City is doing something positive for the City’s image. Mayor Klinzing stated that once Elk River receives the designation of “Energy City” through legislation or possibly a gubernatorial designation, we will become more visible. Councilmember Motin stated that he has concerns of Energy City becoming a commission due to its purpose would then be of an advisory group. He feels that this group is a working group and perhaps should be a subgroup to the Utility Commission. He also has concerns as to the additional expenses to take this to the next level. Stephen Rohlf stated that it may be a better tie to the Economic Development Authority if this commission did not report to the City Council. Budget-wise there are major expenses but members stated they would come forward and do more to help financially.