Highway 25 Coalition Agenda Packet 09-29-2016Agenda
Highway 25 Coalition
Thursday, September 29 2016
7:30 AM
Monticello City Hall
1. Call to order
2. Welcome and introductions
• State Representatives Jim Newberger, Marion O'Neill, and Nick Zerwas
• State Senators Mary Kiffineyer and Bruce Anderson
• City of Becker and Becker Township officials.
3. Consideration of approval of meeting minutes from meeting held August 26, 2016
(see attached)
4. Consideration of acknowledging request from the City of Becker to join the
coalition and consideration of drafting of amendments to JPA as required for
accepting a new member(s).
The City of Becker submitted the attached letter and associated resolution requesting
membership. Based on previous discussions, the group is likely to be interested in
accepting the City of Becker and, potentially, Becker Township.
The possibility of two new members on the Sherburne County side of the river will shift
the voting power of the organization. In order to maintain the current voting balance for
each side of the river, the language in the JPA will need to be adjusted. If the coalition
accepts the new members, the JPA will be adjusted accordingly and the amendments will
need to be adopted by each member entity.
5. Brian Stumpf - Introduction to information on Coalition
• Jeff O'Neill — Background on formation of the organization
Coalition was established to address a need resulting from ongoing
degradation of capacity of Highway 25 between Hwy 10 and I-94.
■ River Crossing/Monticello Congestion.
■ Train traffic conflicts intensified.
■ Located within a state/national growth corridor.
■ Large land areas subject to inevitable development and traffic
generation.
■ In sum, facilities needed short and long term to develop capacity in the
corridor.
• Members have been meeting on an informal basis since 2007
• In 2016 a formal relationship was established via a joint powers agreement
0 Activities funded via an annual appropriation from members
■ Annual work plan
• Funding formula in place (provide each visitor with a copy of the JPA)
• Steve Taylor - Highway 25 Coalition goals as identified in the document
• Examine impacts of continued growth
• Conduct traffic studies defining and identifying priority improvements
• Prepare collaborative project design and delivery recommendations
• Study various risks associated with improvement alternatives and determine
timing of improvement construction
• Identify and apply for funding activities via grant programs
• Develop a unified effort in obtaining funding supporting planning and
project funding.
• Partner with MNDOT on regional transportation decisions and involvement in
regional policy decisions and discussions.
• Incorporate public input in the planning efforts.
6. Individual testimony on the importance of a free flowing corridor between Highway
10 and I-94. Economic development, public safety, community interaction, etc.
• City of Big Lake
• Big Lake Township
• City of Becker
• Sherburne County
• MnDOT
• City of Monticello
• Wright County
7. Questions, comments, discussion and wrap-up
8. Adjourn
Meeting Minutes
Highway 25 Coalition
August 26th 2016 7:30 AM Monticello City Hall
Members Present: Big Lake Township - Bob Hofer, Larry Alfords, Sherburne County - Dan
Webber, Steve Taylor, Ewald Petersen, Andrew Witter, Wright County — Mike Potter, Virgil
Hawkins, City of Big Lake — Rae Anne Danielowski, City of Monticello — Brian Stumpf, Jeff
O'Neill, Jennifer Schreiber
Also Present: MNDOT — Claudia Dumont, City of Becker — Greg Greg Pruszinske, Marie
Pflipsen
1. Call to order
Brian Stumpf called the meeting to order at 7:30 AM
2. Introductions
Welcome to Andrew Witter, Sherburne County Engineer. This is his first time attending
having recently been appointed Sherburne County Engineer.
Greg Purszinkse and Marie Pflipsen were present to express City of Becker's interest in
joining the Coalition. They asked for information on the process for becoming a
member. After discussion it was determined the City of Becker should pass a resolution
expressing interest in joining the Coalition for subsequent consideration by the Coalition
at an upcoming meeting.
3. Consideration of approval of meeting minutes of meeting held July 29, 2016
After discussion, motion by Larry Alfords and seconded by Rae Ann Danielowski to
approve the July 29, 2016 meeting minutes as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
4. Status of development of the traffic study request for proposal.
Virgil Hawkins reported he and Andrew Witter will be getting together fairly soon to
begin preparation of a preliminary scope of service for future review by the Coalition.
5. Dan Webber will provide an update on application for grant funds from BNSF to
assist in funding transportation study.
Dan Webber reported that he has submitted a request to BNSF for assistance in funding a
portion of the cost of the upcoming traffic study.
6. Review information packet from David Turch and Associates pertaining to
government relations support for the Highway 25 Coalition.
Steve Taylor made reference to the information packet provided by David Turch and
Associates which outlines a proposal for providing consultant and lobbying service for
the Coalition. Taylor noted that Turch and Associates believes in the importance of
creating, forming and establishing long term relationships with representatives and
highway funding decision makers at the Federal and State level. He noted that Turch and
Associates believes it takes some time to nurture the relationship.
Highway 25 Coalition Meeting Minutes
The group discussed bringing in a lobbyist at this point, prior to completion of studies
and associated recommendations. The benefit of bringing in a lobbyist early was noted,
but it was the consensus of the group to wait until Coalition planning initiatives are
further along. In addition, it was the consensus of the group that the timing for hiring a
lobbyist should relate to the pace in which the study and associated recommendations are
available.
Claudia Dumont noted that in advance of hiring a consultant, staff and MNDOT
resources can be effective in raising the awareness of the purpose and activity of the
organization. Greg Purszinkse suggested the group consider sending representatives to
Washington, D.C. to visit our congressional delegation at some point in the future.
7. Consideration of inviting our respective state legislators to the next meeting for the
purpose of introducing them to the need, structure and purpose of the group.
After discussion, motion by Mike Potter and seconded by Rae Ann Danielowski to utilize
the next regular meeting as an opportunity to describe the purpose and goals of the
Coalition to our area state representatives in an informal breakfast setting. Motion carried
unanimously.
Dan Webber noted he will put together a pamphlet communicating the vision, purpose
and work plan of the Coalition. Jeff O'Neill stated that he would organize the breakfast.
8. Monticello/Wright County - Highway 25/7th Street will be rebid for spring 2017
construction.
An update was provided by Brian Stumpf
9. Sherburne County transportation topics of interest.
No news on development of the intermodal hub in Big Lake City/Township
Greg Pruszinske reviewed the importance of good transportation to I-94 for Becker given
plans for early decommissioning of coal plants.
10. I-94 Coalition information and update — other legislative updates
Claudia Dumont noted plans are complete and the project is shovel ready for construction
next spring. Project timing depends on construction funding.
11. Report on conflicts with Claudia Dumont's schedule.
Claudia Dumont mentioned to me that she is unable to attend Coalition meetings on a
regular basis due to a conflict with other meeting commitments. However, she is very
interested in staying apprised of the group's activities and respectfully requests the group
consider adjusting the regular meeting date.
12. Adjourn
There being no further discussion, meeting adjourned.
2
CITY OF
BECKER
12o6o Sherburne Ave., P.O. Box 250 ® Becker, Minnesota 553o8-0250
Phone: (763)200-4239 Fax: (763)261-4411 Metro: (763)262-4455 www.ci.becker.mn.us
Minnesota's Best
Kept Secret
September 20, 2016
Highway 25 Corridor Coalition
Jeff O'Neill
City Administrator
505 Walnut Street
Monticello, MN 55362
Dear Highway 25 Corridor Coalition Members,
Improved transportation systems help bolster economic development, especially when implemented on
a regional level. As a neighboring community and City, we recognize the need for improvements along
the Highway 25 corridor. With business expansion on the horizon for multiple area cities, the pressure
to build an additional Mississippi River crossing is growing. We, the City of Becker, understand the
Coalition is working on the development of a traffic study request for proposals with the goal of starting
the study in 2017.
On behalf of the Becker City Council and community, please accept this letter as an indication of our
interest in formally joining the Highway 25 Corridor Coalition. This request includes Becker being
accepted as a member of the Highway 25 Corridor Coalition Joint Powers Agreement.
We support the traffic study and hope to be a contributor in the corridor improvement conversations.
Respectfully,
r_ w
Greg Pruszinske
City Administrator
CC: Becker City Council
RESOLUTION 16-61
A RESOLUTION DIRECTING STAFF TO REQUEST MEMBERSHIP IN THE
HIGHWAY 25 COALTION
WHEREAS, Sherburne and Wright Counties; the cities of Big Lake and
Monticello; and Big Lake Township have formed a coalition to lobby for a bridge
crossing over the Mississippi River; and
WHEREAS, a river crossing will bolster economic development on both sides of
the river; and
WHEREAS, a river crossing will be a key component to the area's transition from
coal reliance; and
WHEREAS, a river crossing will relieve some of the traffic congestion, and
WHEREAS, the city of Becker supports a river crossing; and
WHEREAS, the Becker City Council desires to be part of the Highway 25
Coalition and the Joint Powers Agreement.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Becker City Council hereby
authorizes the city administrator to request membership in the Highway 25
Coalition.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Becker City Council authorizes staff
pursue entering the Joint Powers Agreement.
Rick Hendrickson Tracy Bertram
Todd Hanrahan Lori Keller
Jerome Kleis
Adopted this 20th day of September 2016.
- 1: �p / 0, r
Ma Jerome Kleis
Attest:
I
Julie Blesi, City Clerk
Resolution 16-61
Page 2
Drafted by:
Greg Pruszinske, City Administrator
P.O. Box 250
Becker, MN 55308
STATE OF MINNESOTA }
COUNTY OF SHERBURNE } SS.
T fo egoi g instrument was drafted by Greg Pruszinske this 204Aay of
2016 By the City of Becker.
EMILY ANNE PRAUGHT
Signa of b�rson tAing acknowledgement NOTARYPUBLIC- MINNESOTA
My Cmvission Expires Jan. 31, 2020
State Highway 25 between 1-94 and State Highway 10 has become a vital local
transportation artery supporting economic and social well-being to the region. However,
transportation pressure has grown sharply recently, and anticipated continued growth will
cause additional reduced capacity.
The Highway 25 Coalition was initiated to develop a unified effort among local and state
interests for the purposes of joint planning and securing the funding for necessary regional
transportation improvements.
HIGHWA Y 25 COALITION GOALS
>` Examine the impacts of continued growth in Member jurisdictions on traffic patterns.
i Conduct traffic studies defining and identifying priority improvements.
> Prepare co9laborative project design and delivery recommendations.
i Study various transportation risks associated with improvement alternatives and
associated timing of the construction of improvements.
Identity and application for funding of activities via grant programs.
Develop a unified effort among local and state interests in obtaining funding of
improvements to include: (i) providing input and leadership within each Member
community on matters pertaining to Corridor improvement planning and
implementation; and (ii) advocacy at the State and Federal level.
Partner with MNDOT on regional transportation decisions and involvement in regional
policy decisions and discussions.
� ncorporate public input in planning efforts.
Related and ancillary activities or common issues associated with the Highway 25
corridor.
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