04-27-2020-R - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—APRIL 13, 2020 2 Public Works Director/City Engineer Blomstrom stated the Metropolitan Council recognizes that there are many road improvement needs. He explained that the Transportation Advisory Board has made previous decisions to prioritize funding for roads that serve a regional purpose, and funding has been available for approximately half of the projects submitted during past solicitations. Public Works Director/City Engineer Blomstrom indicated project sponsors are able to construct projects early via "Advance Construction". This would allow the City to have their project programmed in the Transportation Improvement Program in 2024 and construct with local funds early. The federal funds would be reimbursed in 2024, or earlier if there are additional federal funds available. He commented further on the proposed grant and requested direction from the Council on how to proceed. Councilmember Holmes asked if the Snelling Avenue North Trail Extension from County Road E to Highway 51 was the same project the Council looked at last fall. Public Works Director/City Engineer Blomstrom stated this was the same project that was reviewed in the fall. He reported staff had a schematic layout for the trail. He noted the trail would be ten feet wide in most places, and a small portion would be eight feet wide. Councilmember Holmes did not believe this project had been vetted enough to move forward. Councilmember Holden questioned if a link would be made into the Roseville trail system. Public Works Director/City Engineer Blomstrom reported this would be the intent for future connection to the trail system in Roseville. Councilmember Holden stated she would rather see the City spending its trail dollars on a regional trail from E2 to County Road 96. Councilmember McClung indicated this was his preference as well. Councilmember Holden commented on items that were being considered in the State's bonding bill. Councilmember Holmes asked if it made sense to make the water line a higher priority than the trail. Councilmember Holden stated the Council had voted on this. Councilmember Holmes supported the Mounds View High School trail and questioned if the Council also wanted to think about the E2 to County Road 96 trail. Further discussion ensued regarding the City's share for the trail projects. Councilmember Holden stated she would recommend the City pursue the Mounds View High School trail. She noted there would be another grant for this next year.