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ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES MARCH 31, 2003 12 . Mr. Parrish explained that since staff was not aware that the reconstruction of Highway 96 was being considered as a 2003 project, no funds were budgeted within the 2003 budget for City expenses related to the project. He noted since this project has been in queue for a number of years, there is revenue in existing fund balances to accommodate City costs relative to his project. He stated a fund balance has been accumulating in Fund 409, the Non-Assessable Road Improvement Fund to accommodate for these types of expenditures. He suggested State MSA funds be used for eligible expenses. He noted the signal and EVP Maintenance Agreement as proposed would not have any adverse fiscal or operational impacts. . Mr. Parrish stated the preliminary review of options for an underpass or overpass would cost $642,000 for an underpass and $850,800 for a pedestrian overpass. This would also require that the project be delayed at least a year. He noted if the Council wished to consider an underpass, financing for part of the project could come from both the park fund and the non-assessable road improvement fund. Councilmember Larson asked what the implications would be if they delayed the construction for a year. Mr. Brown stated presuming they were to use some State Aid Funds, they would need to get the State approval. He stated if all of the money was City money, the design could be executed. He noted State approval was the issue. Jim Tolaas, Ramsev County, noted any delay from this point on would involve a two-stage process, where the south half would be reconstructed this year and completing the north half in 2004. He noted they would not lose their funding by delaying it. He noted a tunnel in this instance, would be a long tunnel, which could lead to safety concerns. He indicated there could also be ground water issues with a tunnel, which was also a safety concern. He stated it was possible they could add some type of a pedestrian bridge at Highway 10 and Highway 96 in the future. He indicated they could bid this with a staging sequence, which would buy additional time for Council to make a decision. . Bill Henrv. 3521 Ridl!ewood Court, PTRC member, reminded the Council that it had adopted a Comprehensive Plan for Parks and Trails. He noted the plan was the result of intense interest by citizens' concerns regarding City parks and trails.