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Minneapolis officials discuss transit, ‘green’ initiatives, economic development at District Dialogue

Council Chair Peter Bell, Council members hold third in series of discussions

Contact: Bonnie Kollodge
(651) 602-1357

ST. PAUL – Sept. 24, 2009 – Elected officials and staff from Minneapolis, Hennepin County, and the Minnesota Legislature, raised a broad range of issues, from the need for transit improvements to energy saving initiatives during the Metropolitan Council District Dialogue meeting Sept. 14.

Council Chair Peter Bell and Council members Peggy Leppik, Annette Meeks, and Lynette Wittsack joined officials from Minneapolis and Hennepin County for the third meeting of the District Dialogues for 2009. The annual series provides an opportunity for Council officials to meet with city, county and state officials to discuss top local and regional concerns.

"There are just so many initiatives that are change events for our city and our larger metropolitan area,” said Minneapolis Council President Barbara Johnson. “I’m really pleased that we have such a great turnout this morning and pleased with the partnerships across the levels of government.

"In Minneapolis, we feel like we have a really good relationship with the Metropolitan Council.”

As is true in other parts of the region, attendees expressed interest in transit issues, including transit funding and both the Central Corridor and Southwest Corridor light-rail projects.

Bell noted that Central Corridor project crossed a significant milestone recently by receiving a “Record of Decision” from the Federal Transit Administration that will position the project to move into the final design phase.

In response to a question from Sen. Larry Pogemiller, Bell also clarified that the Washington Avenue route for the line is the most cost-effective option, in large part because the University’s preferred route through the northern portions of campus involves significant obstacles. Those issues include site contamination, railroad right-of-way acquisition, additional insurance needed to operate near the heavy rail lines, and impact on the residential neighborhoods. In addition, ridership estimates for the northern route are significantly lower.

Bell told the group the Council will work to assure a smooth transition for the Southwest Corridor project as it moves from Hennepin County to the Council for formal planning and environmental assessment.

Bell also updated the group on several other regional priorities, including the transit budget outlook following the 2009 legislative session.

With fewer people purchasing cars, the Motor Vehicle Sales (MVST) revenues have dropped significantly and, at least for the time being, aren’t providing adequate support for transit, Bell said.

Sen. Scott Dibble expressed concern that funding for transit in the region is out of balance.

"We have done remarkably well given the economic environment, and perhaps better than we expected,” Bell said. Nevertheless, “I think MVST will continue to be a volatile funding source.”

Bell also noted that the legislature allowed the Council to shift some Livable Communities funds to assist with the transit budget, but he said it is unlikely the Council will need to use the full extent of that authority.

A key issue for Minneapolis officials involved the recent change to the wastewater Service Accessibility Charge that provides a 75 percent discount for businesses with outdoor patio seating. “This is really a common sense solution,” Bell said. “We heard you.”

"It showed some real willingness to listen,” said Minneapolis Council Member Cam Gordon of the decision.

Bell also described changes to the quarterly flow charges for wastewater. The Council is taking a new approach to calculating the charges, which means some communities will see an increase in municipal wastewater charges for 2010. Even with the increases, Bill Moore, general manager of environmental services for the Council, said the Twin Cities region has wastewater charges up to 25 percent below other metropolitan areas.

Council Member Gordon also asked about the use of hybrid buses in the system, and whether that would be expanding in the future. Adam Harrington from Metro Transit noted that additional hybrid buses will be added to the fleet next spring, and diesel buses will be transitioned off the routes serving the Nicollet Mall.

In addition, Bell noted that Metro Transit is working to secure a grant and matching funds for a project to install solar panels on Metro Transit’s Heywood facility that would generate enough power to run the Hiawatha LRT line for a year.

Six more District Dialogue meetings are planned throughout the region through the end of 2009.

The Metropolitan Council is the regional planning organization for the seven-county Twin Cities area. The Council runs the regional bus and light rail system, collects and treats wastewater, coordinates regional water resources, plans regional parks and administers funds that provide housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income individuals and families. The Council board is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the governor.

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