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more details and understand what will be necessary to make an informed decision. She stated <br /> that this is a relatively small investment to better understand the question. <br /> City Administrator Ulrich noted that this element has been in the City's plan for some time and <br /> there is no way that the City could fund this project on its own. He stated that if the City's share <br /> could be reduced to 10 percent, that would be a good investment to the parks system and <br /> providing a connection to the businesses in The COR. <br /> Councilmember Riley stated that he does not believe that this is where the priorities should lie <br /> and based on the last prioritization, the park funds have been spent multiple times on that project. <br /> Councilmember Johns stated that she sees the importance of connectivity in the community. She <br /> noted that the issue comes up frequently. She stated that the Mississippi River trail will have an <br /> economic impact and to be able to get across Highway 10 is critically important. She <br /> acknowledged that it is an expensive project but believes that this next step would give the City <br /> needed information. <br /> Councilmember Shryock stated that given the resources and the significance of the Mississippi, <br /> this is a great resource to bring people to Ramsey. She stated that this would provide <br /> connectivity to the river and The COR but would also connect those residents that live on the <br /> west side of Highway 10. She stated that this is an opportunity to bridge that gap. She noted that <br /> there are funds out there that speak to these types of projects, noting that the parks staff is great <br /> at exploring the possible funding sources. She stated that the City has made infrastructure <br /> investments to bring things to the City and noted that things like this will bring people and <br /> visitors to the community which will also encourage economic development. <br /> Councilmember Kuzma stated that he could support the investment to see where this goes but <br /> noted that does not mean he will support this project in the long run because there are other <br /> projects that need to be addressed. <br /> Motion by Councilmember Kuzma, seconded by Councilmember Johns, to authorize up to <br /> $5,000 in Park Trust Funds for consulting services, to prepare an application for up to <br /> $4,000,000 in Federal funding through Metropolitan Council's Regional Solicitation grant <br /> program, for the Mississippi Skyway, while pursuing a partnership for both the application for <br /> the grant funding, and potentially for an agreement to identify the local match. <br /> Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Strommen, Councilmembers Kuzma, Johns, LeTourneau, <br /> and Shryock. Voting No: Councilmember Riley. <br /> 8. MAYOR, COUNCIL AND STAFF INPUT <br /> City Administrator Ulrich announced upcoming meetings and events. He read aloud the <br /> Athenian Oath as he believed that it applied to the Mayor's time serving the City. He stated that <br /> it hag been an honor to serve under Mayor Strommen and wished her luck. <br /> City Council/April 24,2018 <br /> Page 10 of 11 <br />