04-07-14 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Heather Worthington stated the City and Ramsey County were working together to complete a Request for Proposal (RFP) for an infrastructure study that will consider roadways, utilities, surface water management, platting and grading. Ramsey County will be the lead agency for the contract which will include analysis and preliminary design for the Spine Road and other infrastructure. City utilities will be included in the study, and the City will be asked to enter into a cost-sharing agreement for its portion of the contract. Staff expects that the RFP will be released in early April, and a consultant will be selected by mid-May. Commissioner Grant asked if the City were to replace the lights along Highway 96, if this expense would be reimbursed at a future date by the JDA or County. Ms. Worthington stated this would have to be discussed with MnDOT. She reported the County would be consulting with the City of Arden Hills during this project. She commented that the infrastructure study would not be complete by the time the 1-35W/Highway 96 interchange is designed, but as part of that work, the County will do a detailed analysis of lighting and other amenities at the street level. Metropolitan Council Grant Opportunities Development Director Hutmacher explained the 1995 Livable Communities Act (LCA) provides funding for local communities to invest in economic revitalization, affordable housing initiatives, and development or redevelopment that connects different land uses and transportation. The funding is administered by the Metropolitan Council and is available to cities that have negotiated long-term affordable and lifecycle housing goals through a Housing Action Plan (HAP). She stated under the LCA, the Met Council makes grant and loan awards from three accounts: Tax Base Revitalization Account (TBRA) — Cleans up brownfields for redevelopment, job creation and affordable housing. Livable Communities Demonstration Account (LCDA) — Supports development and redevelopment that links housing, jobs and services while demonstrating efficient and cost-effective use of land and infrastructure. Local Housing Incentives Account (LHIA) — Produces and preserves affordable housing choices for households with lows to moderate incomes. Ms. Worthington explained the Met Council awards TBRA grants in the spring and fall. It is expected that $2.5 million will be available in each of the spring and fall of 2014 funding cycles. The average TBRA award is approximately $200,000, and 25% of available funds are reserved for projects outside of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Eligible expenses include soil remediation, soil vapor remediation, and ground and surface water cleanup. Ms. Worthington commented these TBRA dollars could be utilized to further improve sub -grade conditions at County Road H where there is currently a large infiltration gallery that may become problematic for installation of related roadway improvements. Because the grant dollars must result in development within three years of the award, this application has been