Consider Tinklenberg Group Proposal for Professional Services Contract Extension

Purpose:
Consider a proposal from the Tinklenberg Group for an extension to an existing professional services contract.  The purpose of this contract is to maximize the City of Ramsey's share of the recently adopted State Bonding Bill to help fund the proposed U.S. Highway 10/Armstrong Boulevard interchange project.

Background:
Although the City of Ramsey's proposed U.S. Highway 10/Armstrong Boulevard interchange project was specifically identified in the recently adopted State Bonding Bill, a specific dollar allocation for the project was not identified (lump-sum allocation to the Local Road Improvement Fund LRI controlled by the MN Department of Transportation).  Because Ramsey is not the only party interested in securing the maximum possible allocation from the State Bonding Bill, it is critical that we continue to lobby our Legislators.  A failure to continue lobbying may result in a short fall in funding for this project; and subsequently delay construction and completion (pending an alternative funding source).  At this point, Anoka County and the Tinklenberg Group are targeting a minimum $8M from the State.

El Tinklenberg of the Tinklenberg Group will be present at this meeting to answer questions and provide additional background information.  The existing contract with the Tinklenberg Group was signed in February 2012.  Since then, the City has approved three short-term contract extensions.  The proposal before the Council tonight is Amendment #4, to extend the February 2013 contract to July 31, 2014 at a cost $5,000 (two months).

NA

Attached to this case is the original contract with the Tinklenberg Group; and, the proposed contract extension (Amendment #4).  The attached contract extension includes three major initiatives; which are summarized below:

1. Lobby Legislators to secure a minimum allocation of $8M from the LRI fund.
2. Maintain constant and effective communication with MnDOT regarding earliest possible date to receive funding.
3. Maintain and grow regional support for the Armstrong interchange project.

Public Improvement Revolving Fund.

Ramsey is not the only party interested in securing the maximum possible allocation from the State Bonding Bill.  At this point, the final allocation Ramsey will receive is uncertain.  As a result, Staff believes it is critical Ramsey continues to lobby our Legislators. A failure to continue lobbying may result in a short fall in funding for this important project; and subsequently could delay construction and completion (pending an alternative funding source).

Staff recommends approval of the proposed contract extension with the Tinklenberg Group (Amendment #4).  The Tinklenberg Group has played an instrumental role in this process thus far; and has provided exceptional service to-date.

The alternative direction the Council may take is NOT to approve the proposed contract.  Staff would not advise this alternative, as it would significantly increase risk of the State allocation realized for the Armstorng Interchange Project in Ramsey to be minimized rather than maximized.