CCWS 08-15-2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION MINUTES August 15,2005 9 . In response to these concems, the current members of the I-35W Corridor Coalition have offered the City a proposed membership fee of $4,038 for 2006. If the City is not interested in joining, the City has been asked to contribute money to the I-35W Solutions Task Force for research materials. The City's contribution for the research material would be $976.00 for 2005. City Administrator Wolfe asked the City Council if they would be interested in rejoining the [- 35W Corridor Coalition for 2006. Councilmembcr Larson stated that he recommends the City rejoin the coalition for 2006. Mayor Aplikowski also recommends that the City rejoin this group. Councilmember Grant does not agree that the City should rejoin the I-35W Corridor Coalition in 2006. City Administrator Wolfe asked the City Council if they were concerned about ;the membership costs or were there other reasons for these concerns about joining the coalition. Mayor ApJikowski said that it is important for the City to have a connection with MnDOT. . Councilmember Holden asked about the I-35W Solutions Task Force. She is concerned that the group was not meeting on a rcgular basis and that the group is not very organized in its efforts. Mayor Aplikowski said that somebody has to take the lead on this project in order for future improvement projects to occur. Councilmember Larson statcd that the City's membership fees have been cut by one-third. It is a small investment for the City to make to become a part of the coalition group. City Administrator Wolfe has been asked by coalition members what it will take to get the City of Arden Hills more involved in the I-35W Corridor Coalition. It is important that we work together with other communities on these issues. Is there a City Council consensus to add this line item to the 2006 budget? Councilmember Rem stated that this is the only group that the City can turn to regarding issues pertaining to the I-35W. We should evaluate thc situation for one year and deterrt1ine if there are any other coalition groups for the City to consider joining in the future. At this time there are no other alternativcs for the City to consider. The City also must bc willing to make this coalition group work. The consensus of the City Council was for the City to pay its fair share of the research costs and materials for the I-35W study. The City's portion of this cost would be $976.00 for 2005. City . staff will include the 2006 membership fee for I-35W Corridor Coalition group in next year's budget. Members of the City Council will continue to discuss this issue at the next 2006 budget meeting. 9