09 - City Clerk's December Staff Report

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Highway 371 Joint Task Force December 17, 2008 Page 2 of 2 --------------------------------------- Lyndon Robjent gave an update on the Nisswa County Road 18 project. Cathy Malecha questioned when the City of Pequot Lakes can expect municipal consent? Tim Bray did not give a timeframe but stated that it is taking much longer than expected. He noted that Highway 371 is not his number one project. Chuck Marohn asked if there is anything the cities can do to move this process along? Tim Bray stated that there is nothing anyone can do. Tim Houle gave an update on funding proposals to help pay for the project. He questioned whether all cities and the county could cooperate on a funding package or whether everyone wants to work on their own? Tim Houle asked if we should look at one funding package or several. Tim Bray stated that the focus of this group at this time should be to lobby for federal funds. Tim Houle stated that we need to look at this as a coordinated effort to fund the big project; however each individual also needs to fund individual components for their portion of the project. Lyndon Robjent stated that we need to define the scope of the funding cooperative initiative. He suggested that for the present we go for funding for the large project cooperatively. We need to decide what it will take to complete all the tasks to get to the bidding process,right-of-way process, agreements, final design, etc. Lyndon suggested that we need to acquire a cost for each component. We need a cost from MnDOT for the total project and the cost for each individual city and the county. He noted that we need more detail before we decide how to go after the money. He suggested that an information detail sheet on the project be provided by MnDOT. Melissa Samuelson noted that from the Federal perspective it is best to have one package. She noted that municipal consent from all entities is a big plus. It was noted that municipal consent would not be ready in time to apply for the funds. Tim Bray suggested using an intent of municipal consent. It was also suggested that a resolution from all communities showing support of other communities segments of the project be provided. Tommy Woog requested Tim Bray to work with Tim Houle to provide a timeline and project costs. Chuck Marohn requested a punch list of what remains to be done on the EIS for Pequot Lakes. The group also talked about how cities will pay for their portions of the project. Dave Sjoblad noted that Pequot Lakes has been putting some money away each year for this project. He suggested that others begin doing the same. Date for next meeting—End of January—Sandy Peine will organize.