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ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — AUGUST 12, 2019 2 Interim Public Works Director/City Engineer Blomstrom explained Old Snelling Avenue improvements are anticipated to involve funding derived from special assessments. The special assessment process must follow the City's current special assessment policy and maintain compliance with the requirements of Minnesota Statutes Chapter 429. The initial step in the special assessment process is to complete a feasibility report. Due to project specific challenges, including soil conditions, utility coordination and potential easement acquisition, the feasibility report is recommended to include a site survey, geotechnical investigation, and preliminary schematic layout. Councilmember McClung asked if there was enough space along the roadway for a trail. Interim Public Works Director/City Engineer Blomstrom indicated there was adequate space. Councilmember Holden questioned how much property would have to be acquired in order to complete a roundabout. Interim Public Works Director/City Engineer Blomstrom discussed the amount of the right of way available at this intersection. He anticipated the City would have to acquire some right of way in the southwest corner of this intersection. He commented further on how the City and County would fund this project. Councilmember Holden expressed concern that the City would be forced to pay $400,000 because the County deemed it necessary to turn this intersection into a roundabout. She asked what the next step would be. Interim Public Works Director/City Engineer Blomstrom indicated the City would have to complete a feasibility report, survey, geotechnical work and neighborhood meeting. After these items were completed the Council could proceed with design of the project. He recommended the Council order a feasibility report at the next Council meeting in order to allow the Council to hit the February bid dates. Councilmember Holden stated she was concerned with the fact the City would have two major roadway projects being completed in 2020 with this project and Lexington Avenue. Interim Public Works Director/City Engineer Blomstrom reported the County has pushed the Lexington Avenue project to 2021. Councilmember Holden supported this item moving forward but recommended the City receive several bids for the feasibility study. Mayor Grant questioned how much a feasibility study would cost the City. Interim Public Works Director/City Engineer Blomstrom estimated the expense to be roughly $50,000 and noted this would include the geotechnical engineering work. Soil borings would be contracted directly by the City.