CCWS 09-20-2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION September 20, 2004 8 . Council Member Holden was wondering if the City currently maintains the sidewalks? Tom Moore, Operations and Maintenance Director, noted that the City does maintain the sidewalks year around. The City's snow removal equipment is for sidewalks that are five feet and wider. Council Member Grant would like to see a cost comparison of the proposed sidewalk if it was placed on the north side of County Road E. He also believes that this project should be delayed. Mayor Aplikowski was wondering if the sidewalk is a safety concern. Should the neighbors be asked to provide more input on this project. The neighborhood needs to buy into this project. Council Member Larson mentioned that the proposal is part of the City's master plan. The south side of the street is not economically feasible due to the grading and utility lines located in this area. The proposed trail would run along Snelling Avenue and connect to two of the City's parks. People are currently walking in the street. Installing sidewalks in this area would benefit the City of Arden Hills as a whole. It is the City Council's job to make difficult decisions. Council Member Holden stated that the residents she has spoken to feel that the sidewalk is a waste oftax dollars. Council Member Larson noted the PTRC (Parks, Trails, Recreation Commission) would not . have recommended this proposal without the new sidewalk. Mayor Aplikowski stated that the bridge and sidewalk are not a package deal. The bridge was approved by the PTRC before the sidewalk. Engineer Brown mentioned that state funding may available for the bridge and sidewalk installation. The Council could request that eighty percent of the costs be covered by cooperative agreement dollars. The proj ect scope must be finalized as a bridge or bridge and sidewalk project before the City can seek funding from the State of Minnesota. Mayor Aplikowski stated that there was a consensus and both items will be brought to a future Council meeting for action. The affected neighborhood will be notified ofthis Council meeting. Replacement Vehicles Council Member Holden requested that she be able to view a piece of equipment that is scheduled for replacement. She wants to ensure that the City is not replacing equipment on the basis of age alone. Maintenance costs should be the primary reason why a piece of equipment is replaced. City Administrator Wolfe noted that a piece of equipment will not be replaced solely on the basis of age. . City staff is in the process of creating a more accurate system for monitoring vehicle records. This will be a valuable tool in tracking vehicle expenditures in the future.