CCP 09-28-1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - SEPTEMBER 14, 1998 9 . D. Resolution #98-58, Accepting the Grant from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Cooperative Trails Grant Program for Trail Construction Along County Road F Ms. Walsh noted that, in Febmary 1998, Council approved Resolution #98-29 authorizing staff to apply for a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Cooperative Trails Grant. The grant is designed to fund up to $50,000 of the project cost of trail constmction along County Road F from Hamlinc Avenue to Lexington Avenuc and potentially north to connect with the City's existing trail segment. The DNR has awarded the City a grant of 550,000 for constmction of the trail. City Engineer, Greg Brown has estimated the total cost of the project to be $1 14,669. If the City accepts the grant of 550,000, the remaining project cost of $64,669 would potentially be funded by the Park Fund. This proj ect has been budgeted as a Park Fund expenditure for 1999 and, should the City accept the grant, the project must be completed by April 15, 2000. Additionally, the City would be required to keep the trail c1car during the winter months, since all projects receiving DNR assistance must be maintained for use all year long. Ms. Walsh advised that staff recommends approval of Resolution #98-58, Accepting the Grant from the Minnesota DNR Cooperative Trails Grant Program for Trail Construction along County Road F. . Councilmember Malone asked, regarding the requirement of kceping the trail clear, what would happen if, ten years from now, the trail is abandoned. Ms. Walsh indicated the DNR would no longer require maintenance of the trail and that potentially, the width of County Road F could change, not allowing enough space for the trail. Mr. Fritsinger notcd there arc some right-of-way and wetland issues along County Road F which will need to bc addressed as part of the construction of the trail. He asked, with the time frame givcn to have the trail completed by April 15,2000, ifstaffis confident they can work out the right-of-way and wetland issues to begin the project in a timely manner. Ms. Walsh indicated these issues have driven the price of the project up and they should be worked out in time. Mr. Brown stated money has becn put aside for retaining walls to stay within the realm of the cost trade off. Ms. Walsh pointed out the south side of the road had been looked at as a Jlotential trail site but there would be more wetland issues and the tree stand by the bank would be a problem. Councilmember Malone asked, if the grant money is accepted and the project is found to not be . feasible, can the money be given back. Ms. Walsh stated is could be returned.