Agenda - Council - 01/22/2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I I I I I I I I I I Work - despite the fact that trail construction grant-making was mentioned as a proposal evaluation criterion in the RFP. As the Park Commission is aware, the Legislative Commission on Minnesota Resources is expected to announce their RFP's for the two-year funding cycle soon. The City may be best able to position it's self for this multi-million dollar funding source if the Master Trail Planning is under way, and a firm is working on behalf of the City. As indicated, the source for funding the Master Trail Plan has not been identified, and LHB estimates that up to $54,618 dollars may be required. The 2002 parks operational budget (as part of the General Fund) is not funded to support this level of professional services. Staff recommends that an intra-fund loan of $55,000 be established for this project. The "loan" would be repaid back over the course of 2002 - 2003 with Trail Fee proceeds. During this next two-year period there is projected to be an estimated 300 to 500 new units platted. At the expected Trail Fee rate of $400 for 2002, 137.5 new units would cover the expense of the planning and grant-making services. The existing Capital Improvement Program projects two trail construction projects within the two-year loan timeframe. The first is the $19,500 dollar connection of the Lake Itasca Trail to the neighborhood west of Central Park. There should be adequate monies to fund both the Master Trail Plan and this project. The second shown in 2003, is an estimated $130,000 trail parallel to County Road #83, from 167th lane, south to Alpine Drive, then westerly to Lake Itasca. The timing of this important trail project can be evaluated during the Commissions CF process in the summer of 2002. The above recommendations can be brought to City Council at their January 22, 2002 meeting. It is recommended that one or more Commissioners attend that meeting. -277-