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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—March 28, 2011 8 7.B. Resolution 2011-016: Supporting the Grant Application Made to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for the Parks and Trails Legacy Program (continued) Mayor Grant asked if the bid was based on the current bidding environment. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated the cost estimate was done by Bolton& Menk and they accounted for the current bidding environment, inflation, contingencies, and escalated costs because this project would not be done until 2012. Councilmember Holmes clarified that Staff has determined this is the only trail that would meet the requirements of the grant as a regional trail and questioned if a trail on Lake Johanna Boulevard would qualify. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated Staff had reviewed the City's trails and determined this would be the best section of trail to meet the requirements of the grant application. She stated Staff had looked at the trail at Lake Johanna Boulevard, but this section of trail would not meet the requirements of the grant because it does not connect directly to trails going to the park. Councilmember Holmes stated the estimated expense is high for a trail section. In 2008, the City had looked at completing the trail on Old Snelling from Highway 96 to TH 51 and it was less expensive at that time. She asked why this section of trail was so expensive to construct. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated when the feasibility report was initially completed it did not consider the trail crossing the flood plain and the work that would have to be done to complete this section. In order to cross the flood plain there will need to be retaining walls and boardwalks constructed so that the trail does not affect the flood plain. Mayor Grant asked what the maintenance cost of the boardwalk would be. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated the cost would be more than a standard trail but she did not have the exact cost information at this time. Public Woks Director Maurer stated the snow removal equipment the City currently uses for the trails would also work on the boardwalks. Councilmember Tamble asked who would be eligible to apply for these grant funds. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson stated the grants were available to any County, Municipality, or City but there were restrictions that make the number of eligible candidates less than would be for other grants. Councilmember Tamble asked if the proposed stopping point was the best location or if the trail should be continued further. Public Woks Director Maurer stated there were plans for the Council to look at the trails south of Lake Johanna and also the amount of money required to do this entire length is significant. If