01-14-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

January 14, 2014 Page 2 of 6 Ramsey County Commoner Mary Jo McGuire provided the Council with an update of events taking place at Ramsey County. She indicated she was in her second year of her four year term with Ramsey County. She explained she recently attended the Health and Resource Fair at the New Brighton Community Center, which was a huge success. She discussed her committee assignments noting she served on the Legislative Committee, I -35W Corridor Committed Suburban Ramsey Collaborative, Mosquito Control Board, Transportation Advisory Board for Met Council, Criminal Justice Policy Board, Justice and Public Safety Committee at the National level, Ramsey County Library Board and Chaired the Active Living Communities. She noted a budget was approved by the County last September with a 01/o levy increase. She discussed the Wheelage tax and how the funds raised f -om this tax would support much needed road improvements projects in the County. She reported 2014 was a bonding year and explained she would was requesting $29 million in funding for roadway improvements surrounding TCAAP. She discussed how the City of Arden Hills and Ramsey County are working together on the TCAAP site It was noted the City of Arden Hills would be holding an Open House for the TCAAP site on January 22, 2014 at the Ramsey County Public Works Facility . She commented the County was awarded a Corridor of Commerce grant for I-694. The County Board has made it a goal to cultivate economic prosperity and combat concentrated areas of poverty. She invited all to attend the Ramsey County Gala, which would be held on Saturday, February 1, 2014 from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the Roseville Library. Mayor Jacobsen thanked County Commissioner McGuire for her report He recommended the County investigate public transportation routes to the TCAAP site to assist in relieving traffic congestion in the area after the site was fully developed County Commissioner McGuire stated the County has been considering the transportation needs for the area. She indicated the proposed BRT line may assist with the congestion on I -35W in the Roseville area She commented the 1 -35W Corridor Committee was addressing this issue and a report could be presented to the Council in the future . Councilmenber Bauman requested further information on the Wheelage tax. County Commissioner McGuire indicated the Wheelage tax would raise $3.8 million per year in the County. These finds would assist with road improvement projects. She anticipated $4 million would be coming to District 2 over the next five years. Councihnember Bauunan recommended a HOV lane not be pursued as this would drive additional traffic into local communities. She then requested further information on the Corridors of Commerce grant. County Commissioner McGuire stated in 2013 the legislature created the Corridors of Commerce, which had over $300 million in funds available to improve roadways with the goal of providing additional roadway capacity and to improve the movement of freight and commerce. Councilmember Bauman recommended the County improve County Road E bridge sooner than later. Councilmember Jacobsen commended Ramsey County Public Works for their plowing this winter. He suggested the Highway 96 bridge also be investigated for replacenent. Councilmember Burg thanked County Commissioner McGuire for her interest in public transportation as this issue greatly affected residents in New Brighton. Mayor Jacobsen stated that he is looking forward to working with County Commissioner McGuire in the future. 3. Updates from Chairperson's of Advisory Commissions. Planning Commission — Bruce Howard Public Safely Commission — Robert Allen City Manager Lotter reported Planning Commission Chair Howard and Public Safety Commission Chair Allen had updates for the Council. Planning Commission Chair Howard reviewed the 2013 year end report with the Council. He discussed the role of the Planning Commission noting the group met eight times last year and discussed 20 land use cases. He explained $19,000 was collected in 2013 for land use application fees. He highlighted the projects completed noting Village Orthodontics redeveloped, Cheetah Precision and Wolkerstorfer expanded, Harbon Montessori School relocated, AT &T placed a cellular antenna on the City's south water tower, Veizon 3. LWatesfivm Chap s 'sofAdvisory Cormmi%ions.