11-14-2005 CC MIN - JOINT - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Councillvfinutes ~overnber14,2005 Page 4 . The County employs 550 employees some residing in Elk River and some outside of Elk River; need to have equity for odler areas of the County; Felt it should not be a NO to Elk River; one-third of the County's population is here in Elk River Vlith the other communities being served but also do need to continue to serve Elk River; Need a policy that is equitable; City also has land on the east side of to\\ifi if the County does not "\V1.sh to donate land; Future discussion needed as to the land portion and where to locate; Suggested to have a timeframe; The County will ha~e on their agenda for discussion over the next 60 da"ys; Th1C.l\ \vill provide structuring information - how to service the bond, tax-exempt financing, how to collectively finance each third and payoff, etc. . . . . . . . 4.5 Update on Joint Communication Projects Sheriff Bruce Anderson, Fire Chief Bruce West, and Police Chief Jeff Beahen gave an update on the progress of ongoing joint communication projects. Sheriff Anderson stated that money "\vas available at one time from the government to fund d1e 800 megahertz radio system throughout the State, however, due to 9-11 and other catastrophes, this money has been pulled and distributed to dle metro area. Three counties currently have this system. The counties of Stearns, \X1right and Sherburne are working \vith :MnDot and looking at the costs involved. Costs '\vould be dependent on the number of towers and how many mobiles. They are working on a way to get this system \\ithout having to go to the taxpayers for funding but feel at this time that more facts are needed. Councilmember Farber stated that he is familiar ~vith this system '\Vi.th his work for the City of Fridley and that he has never heard a negative comment. He stated that the radios can be used anyw-here, can use any channel \vithout static, and that it is the best system that he has seen in 26 years. Chief West stated that Northstar Line has a Fire/Life Safety Committee which has started to meet to discuss the commuter rail. It is the committee's goal to have the 800 megahertz radio system in the County by the end of 2007 and that it is important Vlith the Northstar Corridor Rail being built. ChiefBeahen stated that as a member of the Northstar Corridor Rail we \\till be required to be on megahertz by 2008 or that there could be the problem that \\re can't have commuter rail in our County. Sheriff ~Anderson disagreed stating that \ve \\till have portables that are megahertz. Discussion follo~ved regarding lack of communication benveen the entities and that discussions need to take place prior to problems versus after problems exist. 4.6 Transportation Commissioner Leonard stated that she had been called by :Mr. l:vIiller in regards to County Road 33 e).."Pansion project and suggested that he attend this meeting.