Agenda - Council - 05/08/2018 - Laserfiche WebLink

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