4.1. SR 11-18-2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

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10. 11. Agenda Item #1 A Mn/DOT project report Oll the Northstar Commuter Bus Project was presented by Mike Schadauer. Mr. Schadauer noted that Mn/DOT is currently planning a big promotion for the Project's 1st Anniversary. John Norgren asked when a Big Lake bus stop will open for service. Mr. Schadauer noted that a park and pool lot should be completed by the end of the year in Big Lake. Mr. Norgren asked why Mn/DOT decided that the Big Lake site would be a park and pool instead of a bus stop. Mr. Schadauer responded that he does not have an answer to Mr. Norgren's question. Tom Gamec asked ifa bus stop is planned for the City of Ramsey. Mr. Schadauer responded no. Tim Yantos noted that according to State Law, the NCDA needs to designate a lobbyist for the Project. A motion was made by Duane Cekalla, seconded by Mark Stenglein and carried unanimously to approve the appointment of Mr. Ross Kramer as the NCDA's Designated Lobbyist for the 2003 Legislative Session. Lona Schreiber reviewed the Proposed 2003 Legislative Package as presented. The Legislative Package includes requesting: a dedicated source of funding for rail capital and operating costs; that the State commit to providing 40% of the capital costs of the Northstar Project ($123.2 million); an exemption from sales tax on the acquisition of rail rolling stock, construction costs and fuel use din commuter rail operations; clarification of liability and insurance matters arising in the construction and operation of commuter rail; and preservation and protection of the regional railroad authorities' interests and assets, and strengthening of local government's partnership role in corridor development. A motion was made by Arne Engstrom, seconded by Duane Grandy and carried unanimously to approve the 2003 legislative package as presented. Ms. Schreiber also gave a update on federal legislation and handed out a 2002 House of Representatives candidate list which includes contact infonuation. John Himle gave an update on public information activities and noted that the supporter database had grown to about 8,000 people. Mr. Himle also noted that 311,000 households should receive the next copy of the Northstar newsletter and that 7,000 window clings had been sent out. Jeff Dehler gave an update on county and State fair activities. Mr. Yantos noted that 40,000 people went through the LRV demo at the State Fair and visited staff and members working the Northstar booth. Lewis Stark noted that during his shift at the Fair, less than 2 out of every 8 people he spoke with were opposed to the Northstar Project. Tim Yantos led a strategy session to learn more about what is happening along the Corridor and what members are hearing from area residents/businesses. Mr. Yantos noted that instead of holding the October NCDA meeting, separate meetings would be set up with members along the Corridor based on legislative districting. Staffwill be in contact with members to schedule these meetings. Paul McCarron, Chairperson Date