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Highway 25 Coalition Meeting Minutes 12-15-2016Highway 25 Coalition Meeting Minutes — December 15, 2016 7:30 AM Monticello City Hall Members Present - Big Lake Township - Bob Hofer and Steve Pfleghaar (for Larry Alfords); Sherburne County - Dan Weber, Steve Taylor, Ewald Petersen, Andrew Witter; Wright County — Mike Potter; City of Becker — Tracy Bertram, Rick Hendrickson, and Greg Pruszinske; Becker Township — Brian Kolbinger; and City of Monticello — Brian Stumpf, Angela Schumann, Jim Thares, and Jennifer Schreiber Others Present — MnDOT — Claudia Dumont; BNSF — Justin Pearson; Tom Emmer's Office — Stacy Morse; and CEDS PROGRAM — Jennifer Russell 1. Call to order. 2. Welcome and introductions. 3. Consideration of approval of meeting minutes from meeting held October 27, 2016. Motion made by Bob Hofer and seconded by Ewald Petersen. Motion passed unanimously. 4. Consideration of adopting amendment to the JPA enabling the addition of Becker and Becker Township. There was a brief discussion on the amendment to the Joint Powers Agreement and Brian Stumpf requested a motion. Motion made by Mike Potter and seconded by Bob Hofer to add the City of Becker and Becker Township by adopting the amendments to the Joint Powers Agreement. Motion carried unanimously. 5. Consideration of submitting a Letter of Support of the Fallon Avenue I-94 Overpass project in Monticello. Chuck Rickart, WSB, distributed a letter of support for the Fallon Avenue I-94 Overpass project in Monticello. A brief discussion ensued. The history of the project was reviewed and the City of Monticello is looking for support from the group. There was the question of whether this project would provide any relief across the river. Mr. Rickart responded that the interchange itself wouldn't provide much relief for across the river. Motion was made by Mike Potter and seconded by Brian Kolbinger to approve the Letter of Support. Motion carried unanimously. 6. Local Rail Update. Justin Pearson, BNSF — Economic Development Regional Manager — was present to provide information. Mr. Pearson noted that BNSF is interested in this area because of the access to open space. More and more rail yards are being pushed out of urban areas because there isn't any room. There was a question on whether BNSF receives pushback on the yards. Mr. Pearson responded that there is always some pushback. He also touch on the topic of funding. He noted that BNSF doesn't directly have funding available for the study, however, he would be willing to help find funding sources that may help fund the area study. 7. Introduction of Jennifer Russell and associated review of the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Program. Dan Weber introduced Jennifer Russell who is leading the CEDS plan for this area. Ms. Russell provided a brief overview of the program noting that it includes the counties of Stearns, Wright, Sherburne and Benton. Ms. Russell stated that this is the only area in the State that doesn't have a CEDS plan. The program topics include strategies/goals; economic competitiveness; foundation assets; and community capital. Transportation is also a component of the plan. Dan Weber commented that having a CEDS program can aid in getting Federal Funding. 8. Update on Highway 25 Corridor Study request for proposal process. Andrew Witter addressed the group on the development of Request for Proposals. Mr. Witter added that he has been working with Claudia Dumont and Virgil Hawkins in the development of a draft RFP. Mr. Witter looked to the group for input on objectives and deliverables that should be included in the RFP. There was discussion on which entity should publish the RFP and the schedule/timeline. After a brief conversation there was consensus of the group that all comments on the RFP should be submitted to Andrew Witter by December 23. There was continued discussion on the selection process. Motion was made by Mike Potter and seconded by Ewald Petersen to authorize a consultant selection team of Claudia Dumont, Virgil Hawkins, and Andrew Witter. Motion carried unanimously. 9. Transportation and related Economic Development or Land Use Updates. Sherburne County — Steve Taylor noted that there was a shift in commissioners following the lection and he foresees Economic Development and being an important component. Andrew Witter stated that the County is updating their Transportation Plan. City of Big Lake - None. City of Becker — Greg Pruszinske commented that he attended a meeting with DEED Commissioner Hardy. In his discussions with Commissioner Hardy he relayed information on the Highway 25 Coalition and the partnerships which are important for Economic Development. Becker Township — None. Wright County — It was noted that Wright County is updating their Transportation Plan. Monticello — Brian Stumpf commented on three items: 1) The TH 25/71h Street Intersection project received favorable bids and will begin this spring; 2) There was a public meeting held on moving the Post Office; and 3: The Cunningham Group was selected to do a Small Area Study of the downtown. 10. Other. Stacy Morse, Tom Emmer's Office, was in attendance. Ms. Morse commented that the group may want to research the Transportation Block Grant Program as one area of funding. 11. Adjourn. There being no further discussion meeting ended at 8:09 a.m.