Minutes - 2006/04/24 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council April 24, 2006 Regular Meeting Page 3 Mayor Marty asked Economic Development Coordinator Backman for an update on the matter. Economic Development Coordinator Backman stated that it is a priority for the Council and the City has been trying to work with the legislature on this issue. He stated there was a hearing on April 11, 2006, where the City tried to get it amended on to the Omnibus Transportation bill on the Senate side, but the City was not able to do it. He stated it is difficult at that juncture, because the chairs are marshalling those omnibus bills through the process. He stated that recognition has been received from the different entities that this is an important issue. Economic Development Coordinator Backman stated that because it is a bonding year, the budget targets do not allow for a project of this amount to move forward at this time. He noted that the target for the transportation bill on the House is a modest $750,000. He stated that all operating agencies and stakeholders will continue to work on the components of the noise wall extension and the design concept extension on I-35W area from Lexington Avenue to 694. He thanked Representative Bernardy and Senator Betzold for their time and efforts on behalf of the Coalition and the City on this issue. Economic Development Coordinator Backman stated that he attended a meeting on April 18, 2006 at the Capitol with all of the entities, where the legislation and the status of things were discussed. He explained the consensus was that this issue should be addressed at the next session, and work should be started earlier in this process. He explained the issue continues to have the support of Medtronic and the other players that want to see the sound wall. He stated it is a priority for the City, and pointed out that the City has not forgotten about this issue, but the financial realities at the Capitol have to be recognized. Mayor Marty pointed out that Economic Development Coordinator Backman related to him last week that MnDOT is on board with the City and is supporting this issue, and that carries a lot of weight. He stated in the past, the City has tried to drag MnDOT along to get it done, but this time they are in support of this project. Economic Development Coordinator Backman stated that with luck in the process, the project could be underway in 2007. Councilmember Flaherty asked Deputy Chief Kinney about the traffic safety training by the DARE Officer. Councilmember Thomas stated the school was doing it. Councilmember Flaherty agreed with Ms. Heilman that children should be shown how to correctly cross the street and about traffic safety in general. He wondered if the City can contact the school to get the program rolling again. City Administrator Ulrich stated he would look into that. Councilmember Gunn recalled that an actual light was brought into the school and the children were taught how to push the button and how to wait for the light to change. She could not recall who was doing the training.