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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, September 15, 2008 Page 27 Mayor Klausing opined that, as residents themselves, and listening to others in the community, Councilmembers had that sense and could help direct staff. City Manager Malinen suggested that staff provide an overview of the process at a subsequent meeting to familiarize the public and City Council prior to undertak- ing the process. 13. Business Items -Presentations, Discussions a. Discuss Creation of Northeast Corridor Coalition Mayor Klausing advised that City staff and he had recently met with representa- tives of the City of Vadnais Heights to discuss the Northeast Diagonal rail corri- dor and creation of a coalition of municipalities along the corridor to advocate for creation of a transit way. The staff report dated September 15, 2008, further de- tailed discussions of the group; past opportunities study information; and sug- gested promotion of the corridor. Discussion included perceived interest of impacted communities in creating a more firm document and formalized relationship; reference to recent Transit Cor- ridors as provided by Mayor Klausing from GEARS meetings; and interest in get- ting the railroad transit corridor incorporated into the Metropolitan Council's Transit Plan to ensure city interests are protected. Councilmember Pust spoke in support of this pursuit; opining the need to involve and utilize City Councilmembers from each respective community, in addition to other appropriate contacts at other agencies in influencing the process, to ensure that actions were coordinated. Councilmember Roe spoke in support of this pursuit; opining that staff incorpo- rate acomprehensive approach, without diluting the message and importance of the Northeast Diagonal corridor, but taking advantage of the whole transit ap- proach, not just a specific use (i.e., park and ride facilities). By consensus, staff was directed to continuing their leadership position in work- ing with the City of Vadnais Heights and other interested municipalities to create a collation to promote the Northeast Diagonal corridor; and potential documents to formalize that relationship for future City Council review pending approval. b. Discuss the Housing and Redevelopment Authority Vacancy Discussion included some Councilmembers (Roe and Willmus) not receiving a copy of the Pletcher interview; and the need to contact Mr. Barshack to advise him of timing for appointment based on difficulty scheduling additional inter- views of interested candidates.