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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — JANUARY 9, 2023 18 this route. He anticipated if the second access point were not provided, the County would be going through a condemnation process with Lindey's and the County would be paying a lot more to resolve the issues on this property. Mr. Mazzitello requested the Council approve the cooperative agreement this evening and again asked if the Council was to table action on this matter that a special meeting be held prior to January 23. Mayor Grant commented on the importance of this intersection in Arden Hills. Councilmember Holden stated she understood this was an important intersection in the City, but noted she was still struggling with the fact the cost for this project had increased 80% in the past two months. Mr. Mazzitello described how the intersection project would be staged per the request of the City and noted the east/west movement along County Road E would remain open throughout construction. He noted there would be a four to six week closure for the north leg, followed by a four to six week closure of the south leg. Councilmember Fabel asked if the parking lot would have to be renovated and the access point would be lost, even if the intersection were to remain a four-way stop. Mr. Mazzitello reported this was the case. He explained the only way the access point could remain is if the City were to do nothing to this intersection. Mayor Grant questioned how the Council wanted to proceed. Councilmember Rousseau stated this project would require the City to incur the right-of-way costs and now was the opportune time to complete the project. Mayor Grant explained this was the case, according to the County Engineer. Councilmember Monson reported she was a bit more comfortable with this project, even with the cost increases, knowing that the costs would be covered by MSA funding. Councilmember Holden stated this was the case, but noted the increase in expenses would mean MSA funding would not be available for other projects. She indicated it was her understanding the Council was not making a determination on how to fund this project at this meeting, but rather was being asked to approve a cooperative agreement with Ramsey County. Councilmember Monson asked why the funding source would be a separate assumption or consideration. Councilmember Holden explained the funding sources within the staff memo were for informational and budgeting purposes. She reported the Council would have to decide whether or not MSA funding was used for this project.