4.3. SR 03-19-2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

NO TAH Executive Committee: Betsy Wergin, NCDA Chair Sherourne County Paul Ostrow, NCDA Vice Chair City of Minneapolis Councilmember Paul McCarron Anoka County Mark Stengtein Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority Steve Billings City of Fridley Lewis Stark Haven Township March 1,2001 EIwyn Tinklenberg, Commissioner Department of Transportation 395 John Ireland Building, Mail Stop 100 St. Paul, MN 55155 Dear Commissioner Tinklenberg: Thank you for attending the February 1, NCDA meeting to discuss MnDOT's assumption of the management and control of the Northstar Commuter Rail Project. The resolution as revised and adopted by the NCDA at the meeting is enclosed. As set forth in the resolution, the NCDA will retain project management until June 1 and will then commence operations as a commuter rail corridor coordinating committee ('CRCCC'), as provided for in state statute. At our February 23, 2001 meeting, the NCDA Executive Committee discussed the implications of the transition to a CRCCC. In order to have a full policy discussion of the issues, however, it is important for us to have a better understanding of MnDOT's intent. In paragraph 4 of the NCDA resolution, we requested that MnDOT prepare a description of the roles and responsibilities of the NCDA acting as a CRCCC. On behalf of the Executive Committee, I would like to renew that request. Specifically, the committee had questions about the type of issues on which you would seek the advice of the NCDA. The committee also would like a description of the duties and responsibilities of the CRCCC and how the CRCCC will operate, including staffing, funding, budgets, preparation of materials, setting agendas, and so on. The fundamental issue is how will MnDOT ensure that the advisory role of the NCDA is meaningful. At our next meeting on March 15, the Executive Committee will discuss the amendment necessary to our Joint Powers Agreement to reflect our changing role. We will also be discussing whether to continue as a joint powers board or to disband. The information we have requested from you will be very important for our deliberations. I want to assure you that we continue to be committed to a smooth and orderly transition. The Executive Committee has appointed Commissioner Paul MCarron to lead our transition efforts, and he will be meeting with Margo LaBau in the very near future. Northstar Corridor Development Authority 2100 3'" Avenue, Anoka, Minnesota 5530%2265 (763) 323-5700 Fax: (763) 323-5682 www. northstartrain.org