Laserfiche WebLink
City Council Study Session - 03/15/04 <br />Minutes -Page 6 <br />specifications for the 2005 construction season. <br />Mr. Schwartz reviewed the background of this proposed pathway <br />segment; noting that it was the highest priority of the Pathway <br />Committee; with B-2 was designated as an activity corridor by <br />the Parks and Recreation Infrastructure Committee; and a B-2 <br />pathway was adopted as part of the City's Comprehensive Plan. <br />Discussion ensued on linkages to other pathway networks; <br />funding sources and opportunities; proposed scope of project and <br />design criteria; right-of--way acquisition; drainage issues; and <br />residential and commercial properties along the pathway <br />corridor. <br />Further discussion related to safety issues; upgrading of existing <br />infrastructure for the entire 5.25 mile pathway segment, of which <br />approximately 2.5 miles was existing pathway; estimated <br />construction and annual maintenance costs for the 3.0 miles of <br />new pathway construction; lighting improvements; and the <br />nature of the roadway being rural section, rather than urban <br />section, and related drainage and safety issues. <br />Mr. Schwartz reviewed the projected financial implications with <br />an estimated $2.25 Million range of which the City would be <br />responsible for an estimated twenty percent (20%) or $450,000 <br />of the construction costs in addition to ongoing maintenance; <br />with 80% of the total project estimate being available through <br />federal funding. Mr. Schwartz noted that the City would also be <br />responsible for any right-of--way acquisition and for engineering <br />costs. Mr. Schwartz anticipated engineering costs could be <br />absorbed in-house by staff within existing budgets with the <br />exception of any soil testing requirements. <br />Further discussion included potential funding sources as outlined <br />by Mr. Schwartz; ongoing pathway maintenance; depreciation; <br />Schedule -reaffirmations of various commissions and their <br />respective recommendations. <br />Mr. Schwartz sought Council direction to proceed, upon which <br />he anticipated completion of a Project Memorandum completed <br />in late April for Council approval and forwarding to MnDOT for <br />