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. . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - MAY 10, 1999 16 Mr. Fritsinger stated that it would be. He stated that the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources representative had referred to the same type of project in the same general area, such as acquisition of easements through private property or bringing the trail up Fernwood Avenue in a different way. Councilmember Larson asked if Guidant Corporation owns all the property on tlle west side of Fernwood Avenue. Mr. Fritsinger stated that they own all but the very north end of the property. Councilmember Larson asked if there would be any possibility of cutting across the Guidant Corporation property. Mr. Fritsinger stated that it would depend upon the location. He noted that Guidant Corporation had not been supportive of the trail being constructed along County Road F. Councilmember Malone stated that Guidant Corporation has gates across their property and he doubted that they would allow this use of their property. Councilmember Aplikowski requested confirmation that if the trail is not constructed within the next few years, the City will lose the grant money. Mr. Fritsinger stated that if the City elects not to proceed with the project, he would be contacting the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and informing them that the funds would not be used. Councilmember Aplikowski confirmed that the amount of money that would be lost was $50,000. Mr. Fritsinger stated that this was correct. The amount of grant money was based on a match of slightly less than 50 percent of the project cost and the project was estimated at approximately $ 1 15,000. Councilmember Malone stated that he could not see how a trail, only a couple blocks long, could cost so much. Councilmember Larson asked if the City is committed to spending $65,000, or is the state contribution based on a percentage where, if the City spends less, the contribution would be less. Mr. Fritsinger stated that the City would have to spend at least a matching amount, or a total project cost of$IOO,OOO. Councilmember Larson continued that if the City builds the trail, Ramsey County has no obligation to replace the trail if it is removed. Mr. Fritsinger stated that this was correct. He noted that at the meeting, Ramsey County had indicated that if County Road F were widened, the trail or sidewalk would be partially funded by approximately 25 percent. Councilmember Malone asked if there was a time line for when the money would have to be returned to the state. Mr. Fritsinger stated that he was not sure and indicated that he would have to look at the agreement. He noted that the agreement also states how long the City must continue to maintain trails year-round. Councilmember Larson asked what the average lifetime is of a trail before needing to be resurfaced. Mr. Brown stated that the average lifetime of a trail if 15 to 20 years. Mayor Probst noted that the City has been seal coating the trails to extend their life. Mr. Fritsinger indicated that the lifetime of the trail depends upon its location and some current trails are in bad shape. Councilmember Larson stated that, aside from the grant money, the City has $65,000 that could be used for a trail elsewhere to serve the residents longer than five years.