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<br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES <br />MARCH 10, 2003 <br /> <br />5 <br /> <br />stated their concern was that the Comprehensive Parks, Trails, and Open Space <br />Plan had noted the importance of connecting the community as much as possible. <br />He indicated the City was segmented by roads and by not addressing this now, the <br />cost might be multiplied if it were done in the future. He indicated it was <br />important to connect the community. He stated it was their hope that the Council <br />would have an opportunity to consider the importance of an underpass for both <br />connecting the City and making Arden Hills a more livable community. He <br />requested the Council consider adoption of an underpass. <br /> <br />Councilmember Rem stated the Council's largest concern was the financial cost <br />of an underpass. <br /> <br />Mr. Henry replied that they were requesting the Council consider whether an <br />underpass should be there, and the cost could become the next level of discussion. <br /> <br />Councilmember Rem noted the Council had considered an underpass in the past. <br /> <br />Mr. Henry noted there was a commitment in the TCAAP plan and in the <br />Comprehensive Parks, Trails, and Open Space Plan to make such a connection. <br /> <br />Jim Tolaas, Ramsey County, stated he believed Shoreview had spent a half a <br />million dollars for their underpass. He noted there were a lot of issues that needed <br />to be addressed, if an underpass was put in. He also noted there might be potential <br />utility conflicts in that location. He indicated if they wanted the County to pursue <br />an engineering study for such an underpass, it would possibly delay the project. <br /> <br />Councilmember Larson asked if the City could look to the County for partial <br />funding of the underpass considering the County may propose a regional park in <br />TCAAP, as well as their interest in a wildlife corridor. <br /> <br />Mr. Tolaas replied he did not believe there would be any financial assistance from <br />the County for such an underpass. He noted however, he did have a meeting with <br />the State Aid Office this week and he would ask them about this, but he did not <br />believe they would agree to an underpass. He indicated their funding sources were <br />substantially depleted. He stated the best source may be the Ramsey County Parks <br />and Recreation Department, but he did not currently know their financial situation. <br />