09-11-2002 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 11, 2002 total project costs are estimated at $400,000. Again, Tolaas pointed out that the low bid for the initial bridge was $1.2 million. Scalze was concerned that the northeast suburbs are not getting their fair share of State dollars. Scalze suggested given the nature of the initial project, she thought there would be more funding directed to it. Tolaas indicated that while the County may have been prepared to go forward with a bridge project that would cost $500,000 to $600,000, it could not support the level of funding that would be needed to carry through with the initial project. Tolaas indicated that he shared Scalze's concern, but noted that this particular bridge carries very low traffic levels, therefore, would not carry a high priority with the State. Mark Weavers, Carla Lane, stated that he preferred the revised bridge design and felt this bridge along with the existing bridge in the park are very picturesque. Weavers reported that the feedback from the Gervais Lake Association was very positive on the revised bridge. Weavers also noted that the residents want a new bridge for safety reasons, and asked when construction would start. Tolaas indicated that the project should take 6 to 8 weeks, and project specs will specify a completion date of Memorial Day. Tolaas anticipated that construction would start April I s` and could possibly begin earlier depending on weather conditions. Tolaas also noted that the construction documents will have a penalty of $5,000 pei• day for delays in project completion for each day after Memorial Day. Weavers pointed out that with the bridge out of use and residents unable to get to the boat launch at Spoon Lake, another means of lake access will be needed. He also pointed out that the Sheriffs Department Water Patrol will also need access to the lake. Weavers suggested utilizing the Gervais Beach area or reopening the channel to Spoon Lake. Tolaas agreed and indicated that the County will work with the Sheriff s Department as well as homeowners on the lake on the issue of access. He suggested that the previous boat launch at the beach could be opened at certain time periods for access by homeowners. Homeowners would be notified of these times. Tolaas also pointed out that the channel will be de-watered during the construction of footings, and it would not be possible to re-open the channel to provide access to the boat launch at Spoon Lake.