CCWS 03-17-1997 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION - MARCH 17. 1997 5 . Commissioner Bennett discussed possible avenues for additional park improvement funding, with Mayor Probst supporting a potential trail system connection to Long Lake. Commissioner Bennett again stated that Tony Schmidt Park was a number one priority for the Ramsey County Park Board. Commissioner Bennett referred to correspondence between his office and Greg Mack, Ramsey County Parks and Recreation Director, and read an excerpt regarding additional funding being available in 1998 for the trail system north of Lake Johanna Boulevard, replacement of the picnic structure at Tony Schmidt Park at an estimated cost for 1998 improvements in the amount of $580,000, with completion of construction in 1999 to include the beach building and play area adjacent to the swimming beach. CITY ISSUES - LONG TERM a. Water Meter Replacement Mr. Stafford discussed the pending water meter replacement program for the City, suggesting that the City Council consider beginning with commercial/industrial users, then moving on to residential customers. Mr. Stafford stated that there were approximately 250 commercial meters, and it was an expensive process, and he sought . direction from the City Council prior to proceeding with bidding the project. City Administrator Fritsinger stated that the commercial/industrial customers represented the largest component in this replacement process, and suggested it made more sense to start there rather than with residential customers as originally planned, since there was more usage involved, even though a fewer number of customers were involved. Mayor Probst stated that staff appeared to have researched the process thoroughly, and he was comfortable in using the new technology if it was available. Councilmember Malone stated he had originally supported phone read technology as a first choice, but with the additional research provided by staff, he was willing to support the radio read meters if they made more sense. Mr. Malone questioned whether staff was considering the Badger or Sensus brand of meters, and ifit made sense to stock some of them now for new construction, if radio read meters were determined to the long-term direction of the city. It was the consensus of Councilmembers to direct staff to proceed with obtaining cost estimates for the April 21, 1997 W orksession, and prepare bid specifications for their approval in the near future. b. Gateway Business District . Mayor Probst referred to Community Development Director, Kevin Ringwald, who provided a discussion outline concerning the Gateway Business District, in addition to his original memorandum dated March 17, 1997, seeking Council discussion and direction --------.---