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City Council Study Session — 06/21/04 <br />DRAFT Minutes - Page 22 <br />Further discussion ensued about the various components of <br />roadway and/or pathway construction and the merits of specific <br />sections; applicable costs; internal engineering work load; City <br />expenditure required (for external engineering) to qualify for the <br />federal funding; and the flexibility available in the grant <br />application and potential for a pro-rata reduction in funding in <br />changing the scope from the 1999 application. <br />Councilmember Ihlan expressed her reluctance to make a final <br />decision at tonight's meeting on the entire project if federal grant <br />funds were not going to be utilized. <br />Mayor Klausing touched on the tremendous value to the <br />community overall by reconstruction of County Road B-2, <br />construction of a pathway, installation of curb and gutter, and <br />possible undergrounding of power lines. <br />Councilmember Schroeder took issue with the need for the City <br />to be pressured to address pedestrian traffic as a response to <br />budget cuts processed by the School Board. Councilmember <br />Schroeder further addressed the impacts to properties with <br />installation of sidewalks and/or pathways, even at a minimum of <br />six feet and their maintenance requirements; and additional costs <br />to homeowners if the electrical lines were underground, due to <br />safety codes and interior changes that may be required for their <br />electrical systems. <br />City Manager Beets clarified past Council direction from May <br />24, 2004 for staff to pursue construction of a pathway, and <br />sought further clarification as to how staff should proceed. <br />Councilmember Kough polled the audience members in <br />attendance at tonight's meeting as to their support for a roadway, <br />but not a pathway; with audience response indicating a <br />consensus for road reconstruction without pathway or sidewalk <br />construction. <br />Mayor Klausing opened the discussion for public comment for <br />any items not previously receiving comment by the City Council. <br />