An unidentified staff member outlined a proposed request for proposals to develop a coordinated design for the Elm Crest Avenue corridors and to establish a funding formula for participating jurisdictions.

The staff member told the Economic Development Authority that the RFP would “solicit get help to create a design that all of the agencies can agree to,” encompassing a professional services agreement and a funding approach for four cities and two county EDAs to collaborate. Key technical questions identified for the design included whether the roadway should be two lanes or four, whether it should be divided, spacing of access points and whether intersections should be roundabouts or signalized. “Is it a 2 lane road? Is it a 4 lane road? Is it divided?” the staff member asked aloud while describing the scope.

The staff member said the intent is for the jurisdictions to agree on a design that can be taken to county and state regional policy makers and included in long-range planning documents, which could help position Elm Crest Avenue for future development and infrastructure investment. A second speaker noted local support from nearby cities including Hugo and Columbus and said county transportation plans show a planned future interchange in the regional corridor; the speaker also referenced recent rezoning in Forest Lake that increases development pressure in the area.

Following the presentation, a meeting participant moved to recommend that the city council consider the RFP and the interjurisdictional partnership; the chair asked for a second. The transcript provided does not record who seconded the motion or any vote tally in the available segments. Staff emphasized that this is a first, nonbinding step toward formal agreements and that detailed agreements would return for further discussion and approval by each participating agency.

Next steps recorded in the discussion include drafting the RFP, developing and agreeing to a funding formula among the partners, and preparing a professional services agreement and design deliverables to take to county and state planners. The meeting then proceeded to seek a second for the motion.