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City Council Study Session - 03/15/04 <br />Minutes -Page 8 <br />Councilmember Schroeder concluded by opining that while it <br />sounded like a good idea to utilize these federal funds, he could <br />not support taking additional funds from the City's budget at this <br />time while reducing or eliminating funds for other items; and <br />recommended that we pass on this round of federal funding and <br />after regrouping, perhaps pursue funding at a future date if it's <br />determined that pathway construction is a priority. <br />Councilmember Schroeder reiterated his previous comments <br />regarding his lack of support for any new trail construction until <br />we were able to maintain existing pathway segments with <br />acquisition of additional staff and/or equipment. <br />Councilmember Ihlan spoke in support of utilizing these federal <br />grant funds as an opportunity that shouldn't be passed up and <br />would be advantage to the City and region, citing public health <br />concerns and encouragement for more pedestrian facilities for <br />exercising. <br />Mayor Klausing concurred with several of Councilmember <br />Schroeder's concerns, as he had noted when the issue came <br />before the Planning Commission, noting specifically funding <br />sources and design issues. Mayor Klausing reiterated his <br />clarification regarding the requested action for a feasibility study <br />only, and not approval of the project itself at this time; noting <br />that engineering examination may prevent the project's <br />construction. Mayor Klausing noted that he was willing to move <br />forward with the feasibility study, and continue discussion <br />regarding his other concerns at a later date; noting that is was an <br />important infrastructure improvement that would benefit the <br />community for along-time, and that it would be prudent to take <br />advantage of the federal funds. <br />A brief discussion ensued regarding timing issues and the status <br />of and process for lifting a pathway construction moratorium. <br />Mr. Schwartz clarified that staff's request to Council for <br />direction tonight was to: <br />• Authorize staff to hold public information meetings along <br />the proposed pathway corridor <br />• Authorize staff to proceed with necessary fieldwork to <br />assemble feasibility drawings, alignment and costs for <br />