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<br />ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION - MARCH 16, 2009 <br /> <br />5 <br /> <br />resubmit which would delay the review process with Mn/DOT, but staff <br />believes the project could still be completed within the summer of 2009. <br />Mn/DOT will require that phase two be completed in 2010 and if the City <br />were not able to complete phase two as agreed, the funding received for <br />phase one could be billed back to the City. <br />· Staff has approached Ramsey County Parks and Recreation regarding <br />sharing the cost of the creek crossing funding. Funding assistance could <br />possibly be considered in 2010. They will research this possibility and <br />advise. <br /> <br />Next Steps <br />City Engineer Bloom stated that staff feels strongly about the benefits of <br />proceeding with the Safe Routes to School Project. However, since the costs are <br />greater than the grant funding, staff is requesting Council direction on how to <br />proceed. Options include: <br />1. Direct staff to bring plans and specifications forward for approval at the <br />March 30 Council meeting. <br />2. Postpone project until 2010 and direct staff to budget appropriately and <br />research additional funding. <br />3. Proceed with the project in two phases and direct staff to research additional <br />funding. <br />4. Postpone the project indefinitely. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden questioned if there is any segment of the trail that the <br />City could get away with not doing an effort to reduce the costs. <br /> <br />Recreation Manager Olson explained that is not an option because of Mn/DOT <br />requirements. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holmes questioned if the grant should be rewritten as she <br />believes this is too broad of a project and the trail on E-2 is problematic. She <br />believes the cost is too high for what is a rather minor impact. <br /> <br />Councilmember McClung stated that in his opinion, not doing this project is not <br />an option. The City has the grant and should move forward and investigate options <br />to reduce costs. <br /> <br />Mayor Harpstead agreed that the City should proceed and attempt to reduce costs. <br />He was particularly concerned about the $75,000 culvert cost. He suggested we <br />