Observer:
Karen Flood, LWV Northern Dakota County
The meeting was called to order at 4:05 with several members arriving late.
It appeared that all members were in attendance. All members could be heard
in this new council chamber (if they remembered to speak into the microphone), and
visuals are in several locations. Background information was readily available.
The meeting followed the agenda and business was conducted cordially.
The Scott County Partnership for Regional Growth Management:
A very well researched plan was reviewed by Scott County staff. Scott County
anticipates population to double by 2030 on fifty to sixth thousand acres of land.
Growth of this rural area to an urban area brings many challenges including water,
land use, sewers, transportation, population density and parks. The county
is addressing these issues through shared involvement in the planning process.
Chair Peter Bell indicated that including Scott County on the Metro Council should
be done in the near future; the Council could learn from their innovative and creative
planning strategies.
I35 W Bridge Replacement Update:
Two representatives of MnDOT reported on the status of the I35W bridge replacement.
With the cooperation of city, state and feds, much progress was done in just eight
weeks. The proposed start of construction is October 15. Work can be
done during winter weather. An estimated 500-600 of the laborers will be from
Minnesota, and many materials will be purchased locally. The contractor will
work with area labor unions.
Council members were interested in the price discrepancy between bidders for
the contract. MnDOT representatives indicated that state law restricts public
discussion of the contract details until it is lawful to release. Work will
begin even if a protest is made. All bidders understood the contract requirements,
and each had an opportunity to talk one-on-one with MnDOT prior to submitting bids.
Potential lawsuits are likely.
Report of Community Development Committee:
Approved the Proposed Revisions to Livable Communities Program Grant Administration
Procedures. The down-turn in the current real estate market has prompted the
need to change the end product of planned construction projects.
Report of the Transportation Committee:
The 15, sixty-foot articulated busses ordered will not be available until April,
2008. There are no other vendors. Total cost is $8.6 million with the
federal government paying 80%.
Senior Community Services PBF Contract:
The Met Council is conducting an audit of all community-based providers of transit.
"Alarming" information was found in five of the contracts. Systematic deficiencies
include poor or absent control of money, in accurate ridership counts, inaccurate
accounting of local funding revenue, agencies have been paid in excess, and inappropriate
use of services. Deficient services will be terminated and alternate providers
will be found within seven days. Efforts will be made to assure service to
customers. The Council owns the vehicles and can relocate them to new vendors.
Program-wide changes will be initiated and overside will be strengthened.
It is not known if actions were intentional, criminal or fraudulent. A report
will be made to state auditor. This item was brought to the Council because
of the magnitude of the issue and has been reviewed by the Audit Committee.
Meeting was adjourned at 6:00.
