Minutes - Council - 04/12/2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Riley asked if he heard correctly that the total was near $6,700,000 for the project. Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood confirmed that was the rough estimate and provided further details noting that the cost estimate would be refined further in the process. Councilmember Riley stated that this is an extremely expensive amenity noting that whatever agency contributes is still taxpayer money in one way or another and was unsure that this would be the highest priority for the City. Councilmember Williams stated that she was extremely concerned that this would be the City competing against themselves in the Highway 10 funding and the overall funding for the corridor. City Administrator Ulrich stated that trail funds are separate from the rail funds and transportation funds. He explained that the majority of the funding, federal funds of approximately $5,200,000, would not be in competition for funds. He noted that this project was not even mentioned in the MnDOT study for the Highway 10 corridor planning and is removed from the corridor plans. Mayor Strommen stated that this is separate from what the coalition is doing in terms of Highway 10 and is a different way to get pedestrians across Highway 10 to utilize the rail service. Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood provided additional information on funding available only for multi -use trails or pedestrian crossings. He stated that as things continue to develop in The COR, people will want to cross the highway to get to those destinations and he would not want to see the City in the position of Anoka where they are spending in excess of $1,000,000 for temporary solutions to provide safety for pedestrians to cross. Mayor Strommen stated that this makes sense at this time as this would be a way to garner input from other regional partners and would also possibly provide funding for the right-of-way needed for the Riverdale Drive project. Councilmember Johns commented that this is an important connection and would help to make Ramsey a destination. Councilmember Williams asked what would happen to the property that is obtained from Anoka County if this skyway is designated and the funding is not achieved. Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood believed that a clause would be put into the pledge from Anoka County that would specify that the right-of-way acquisition for City Council / April 12, 2016 Page 11 of 13