2005.04.21 CC Minutes - I-35 W/E Coalition

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MINUTES FOR THE COUNCIL/I-35 W/E COALITION MEETING OF APRIL 21, 2005 Mayor Fran Miron called the meeting to order at 7:10 pm in the Oneka Room of the Hugo City Hall. PRESENT: Miron City Administrator Mike Ericson OTHERS PRESENT: 18 members of the Coalition's elected and appointed officials ABSENT: Granger, Haas, Petryk, Puleo Members went around the tables and introduced themselves. Rick Arnebeck from MnDOT presented an overview of the final draft of the I-35 Interregional Corridor (IRC) Report. The report is a study prepared by consultant SRF of the I-35 corridor from I-694 to Hinckley. The 20 -year plan contains needed improvements at a cost of $1.7 billion. After questions were answered, he announced that there would be an open house on May 5, 2005 to take public comment at the Forest Lake American Legion. Mike Ericson informed the Coalition attendees that Congressman Mark Kennedy has included an additional $1,000,000 in the current transportation funding bill. Rick Arnebeck stated that MnDOT should know in another two months whether the funds will be approved for an engineering design of the I-35E/CSAH 14 interchange. REPORT FROM LEGISLATORS State Representative Matt Dean provided a short update of legislative activities to date. He stated that he had just returned from a session dealing with the meth problems. State Senator Michele Bachmann could not be present so Mike Ericson shared a letter from her with everyone stating she is still working hard to get additional federal funds with Congressman Kennedy. City and County updates were provided by Coalition attendees, including an update from Washington County Commissioner Dennis Hegberg. The Coalition agreed to meet again in three months on July 21, 2005 at Hugo City Hall, where burgers and brats will be served by the City of Hugo. Mayor Miron adjourned the meeting at 8:20 pm. Respectfully submitted, Michael A. Ericson City Administrator