03-28-11-R - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—March 28, 2011 10 7.C. Resolution 2011-017: Supporting the Local Trail Connections Program Grant Application Made to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (continued) Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated Staff was assuming the section of trail at Arden Plaza would be completed with development on this corner. The application includes the cost to complete the trail to County Road E. However, if it is completed before this project, then we would take that out of the project. Councilmember Holmes clarified there is 425 feet of land that the City would have to acquire and pay for in order to construct this trail. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated the proposal includes $70,000 as an estimated cost for acquiring the required right-of-way. The City could also look at requesting an easement from Catholic United Financial. They have expressed support for this trail and may consider providing the easement at no cost. Councilmember Holmes stated this trail is low on the Parks and Recreation trail list and this grant is only providing a maximum of $100,000 for a $666,000 trail. She would like to see a grant that has a 50/50 match for a project of this size. There is a trail on the other side of the street that can be used by residents. Public Works Director Maurer stated he had given the Parks and Recreation Manager direction to pursue this grant opportunity because there had not been a set criteria given by the Council in determining what grants to apply for. If the City receives the grant, they could look at ways to reduce the cost; such as talking to Catholic United Financial about an easement and having Arden Plaza partner with the City on sections of the trail. This may change the actual costs of the project. The City could turn down the grant if they feel this project would not be cost effective at that time or if the City were unable to construct the trail at the time the grant is awarded. Mayor Grant stated this grant opportunity does not save the City a considerable amount of money and he is not in favor of applying for this grant. He asked how much time Staff would have to put in to complete the application. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated the application is ready to submit. Councilmember Holmes asked why Staff was considering this section of trail and not a trail along Lake Johanna. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated Staff felt that this section of trail met the spirit of the grant and the requirements to fill in gaps in the system. This trail section is similar in cost to other trail sections and this section would provide a stronger argument for meeting the requirements. She stated the trail along Lake Johanna is something that the County is looking at possibly using STP funding for. Councilmember Tamble asked what the timeframe to use the grant money would be and what negative affects there would be if the City turned down the grant.