08-12-24-SWS - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—AUGUST 12, 2024 11 Councilmember Monson summarized that there are a couple things on the list with opportunity to align some of the work that may be a better candidate for state money. She asked if the trail or the sewer and water projects are priority. Discussion ensued regarding Safe Route to School. A determination should be received by February and the project would be $1 million short. Councilmember Monson would like to see a separate memo showing where the assumed money was. Councilmember Holden said there is a big increase in sewer prices. We need a legislator that will really push for it. She is concerned about 51. That will be big money if it needs to be replaced. Councilmember Monson would support looking at anything that's already running under a project like 51 or Lake Johanna. She thinks unless there is a really specific need for a trail, like for a school, it may not be favorable. The other requests are highly competitive so looking at absolute needs for the City is attractive. Councilmember Holden said everyone has MNDOT highways running next to their city and everybody is old, it's a balancing act. Councilmember Rousseau stated as a homeowner, it's not a great experience to have sewer lines fail on you. However, there seemed to be positive discussion regarding the Old Highway 10 Safe Routes to School. Explaining to the legislature it's a key connector for over 6,000 students between three schools could be successful. Councilmember Holden asked if there has been a request for legacy money for the boardwalk. Public Works Director and City Engineer Swearingen didn't think so. Councilmember Holden thinks water and sewer could receive general obligation bonds. The Legacy Fund is the DNR pot. Councilmember Rousseau thought in regards to the trails, the Lake Johanna and Old Highway 10 are a public safety need. Councilmember Monson suggest tabling the discussion until the state representatives visit in November. That would allow Council to discuss what the legislative priorities are going to be. That may help narrow the options already discussed. Councilmember Holden thought there should be clarity on the need when speaking to the legislators. Discussion ensued regarding priorities and timelines and delays on previous projects. Councilmember Monson summarized information on Highway 51 is forthcoming. The trail discussion and direction from the Governor are needed.