03-20-23-WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — MARCH 20, 2023 5 Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen said it was not, the next step would be funding, which would lead into design, 95% plans would be considered shovel ready. The design estimate would usually be 12-15% of overall construction costs. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen said Ramsey County's next step for the Lake Johanna Boulevard trail would be to get a letter of concurrence from the City saying we would support them going after the Regional Solicitation funding, which would be submitted this fall. If they get awarded funding we would decide if the City wanted to go forward with design, with anticipated construction in 2028. Ramsey County would lead the funding effort for the Lake Johanna Boulevard trail, and the City would lead for the Old Snelling trail, with possible support from Ramsey County. Councilmember Rousseau asked if both proposals could go in at the same time with the possibility that they would both get grants. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen said they could apply for both but he didn't know if that would be looked at as a positive or negative. Councilmember Holden felt State bonding would usually not give multiple grants. She suggested going with Old Highway 10 first, and they should also go to the legislature for bonding. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen said at the State bonding level it is more appetizing to be shovel ready, but the feasibility studies provide enough information to go toward the Regional Solicitation grants. Councilmember Monson said people want trails and she thought they should strategically plan and have a financial approach. She wondered if they could find funding for both trails. Mayor Grant asked if HR Green thought they could get 100% funding. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen said they thought it was a possibility with the State bonding. Councilmember Holden discussed other things that people want and can't look at bonding of trails all by itself because there are other items like new water meters, the fire department building, sewer lining etc. so putting that in a bundle without looking at the whole picture is premature. Councilmember Fabel asked if either trail would be about a $2 million contribution from the City. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen said the Lake Johanna Boulevard trail would be, but the Old Highway 10 trail could be 80% covered with 20% paid for by the City for approximately $500,000. Councilmember Fabel wondered which route was currently safer, and if Highway 10 had a good shoulder.