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<br />Mr. Tinklenberg stated the most likely outcome of the additional money is there may be a shared <br />reduction in terms of the commitment from the project partners. <br /> <br />Councilmember Specht stated he heard that the initial quotes for Highway 10 came in lower than <br />expected by approximately $15 million. Mr. Tinklenberg agreed. <br /> <br />Councilmember Specht asked how that could result in savings for the City of Ramsey. <br /> <br />Mayor Kuzma stated these are preliminary cost estimates. <br /> <br />Councilmember Woestehoff stated the City is in an interesting position with potential extra <br />funding for a fully funded project. He added he had an idea related to Highway 10, that the City <br />could potentially use some of the funds to assist Highway 10 businesses with beautification and <br />Code compliance through City-sponsored grants. He noted the City Council talked about the <br />history of the corridor, when nobody invested or made improvements because they were told that <br />the City would be taking property. He noted this could be an opportunity to get a Gateway to <br />Ramsey that looks better. <br /> <br />Councilmember Heineman stated that is an amazing idea, and a good place to start. <br /> <br />Councilmember Riley requested clarification about the $20 million, and whether that is the funding <br />that the City already decided to pull the application for. <br /> <br />City Administrator Ulrich stated the City should take proactive steps to support the third lane <br />project, and offer support as a community, to not be disingenuous to the County. <br /> <br />Councilmember Riley stated he agrees that is important, but the City Council said it wanted to do <br />something, and still needs to do what it can to support funding partners. <br /> <br />Councilmember Specht asked whether the City Council can discuss whether the City will continue <br />this contract for services, or whether that is a discussion for another time. <br /> <br />Mr. Tinklenberg stated the extension provided by the City Council runs through December 2021. <br />He encouraged the City Council to discuss how they might want to proceed and put together a plan <br />for approaching the river crossing project. He added he feels there is an opportunity there, and he <br />wants to be productive for the City of Ramsey. He noted, once the gateway project is moving <br />forward, the County’s attention will move to the east, and the river crossing project will require a <br />push from the City, through a coalition with groups across the river, as well as leadership from the <br />City. <br /> <br />Mr. Tinklenberg stated the opportunity is there and it can make a difference for the City in the <br />future. <br /> <br />Mayor Kuzma agreed, adding the Armstrong overpass would not have been built if the City had <br />not stepped up. He added the river crossing project will not happen if the City does not step up. <br />City Council Work Session / September 14, 2021 <br />Page 6 of 15 <br /> <br />