Regional Rail Authority chair says new Met Council chair discussed Northstar, bus service and county parks

The Chair of the Anoka County Regional Rail Authority reported that they met with the new chair of the Metropolitan Council, Robin Hutchison, and described the conversation as an introductory discussion focused on regional transit and parks.

The Chair said the meeting covered "Northstar ramping down and its implications and the bus schedules." He also said they discussed parks and "the importance of Anoka County parks" and their relationship with the Met Council. The Chair told the board that Hutchison was surprised to learn how much Anoka County prioritizes transit and that the county seeks expanded service for residents in its outer areas, specifically citing interest in the F line.

A committee member had asked the Chair to summarize how Anoka County was represented. The Chair described the meeting as positive and said it was primarily a chance for the two leaders to get to know one another; he added that Hutchison had done homework ahead of the meeting. No formal commitments or follow-up actions were recorded during the meeting.

The report came near the end of the Authority's short agenda; there was no extended debate and no formal action tied to the Chair's account.