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MjNUDS VfE-W City of Mounds view Staff Report Item No: 2 Meeting Date: Feb 4 2013 Type of Business: Work Session To: Honorable Mayor and City Council From: James Ericson, City Administrator Item Title/Subject: Continued and Ongoing Discussion Regarding the County Road 10 Corridor Introduction: The City Council added this issue as a standing agenda item for work sessions in 2013 until some resolution is achieved or plan adopted relating to the Co. Road 10 Corridor. Discussion: At the January work session, the City Council reviewed the 2002 Corridor Improvement plan and made recommendations regarding goals and objectives. In addition, the Council discussed available unobligated TIF dollars and how much would be eligible for enhancements and improvements in the corridor. Staff confirmed that, with very little exception, TIF cannot be used for landscaping or other beautification efforts. Other funding sources would need to be indentified for such purposes. The Council also discussed utilization of TIF dollars for acquisition of parcels in association with proposed or anticipated redevelopments within the Corridor. Real estate acquisitions, site clearance, utility work are all eligible TIF expenditures. In addition, the Council reviewed potential median enhancements such as berms planted with trees. Originally Ramsey County indicated trees would not be acceptable within the median for safety purposes. I had reported subsequently that the County Engineer provided a contrary response which was interpreted to mean that trees WOULD be permitted (such as what was done on Highway 96) however, apparently, the corridor would first need to be converted to an "urban section" (with curbs and gutter) to make this a reality—a very costly endeavor. Finally, the Council requested copies of the 2006 Premium Stop Redevelopment plan which is attached to this report. The Premium Stop plan illustrates redevelopment scenarios on the south side of County Road 10 between County Road H2 and Woodale Drive. SIGNAGE UPDATE: At the Jan 28, 2013 Council meeting, Mayor Flaherty reported that Bob Benke, Research & Advocacy Services Director for the North Metro Mayors Association, would be following up with MnDOT regarding the cost to replace signs on MnDOT controlled corridors. While there is no response from that inquiry yet, I can add that I have provided updates on the issue to Ramsey County Commissioners McGuire and Huffman. I have suggested to both Commissioners that perhaps the County cover the costs of replacing signs within the corridor.