05-25-11 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MAY 25, 2011 The Administrator reported that the City Engineer has put together an updated project estimate for completion of the Water Works trail. That estimate is $140,000. He noted that when the project was first contemplated, the estimated cost was $40,000. The project has become more expensive because of the requirements of the railroad relative to the crossing as well as a better evaluation by the City Engineer relative to soil conditions and needed fill. The Administrator also reported that there is an additional piece of property needed to complete the trail section as well as an area over the Water Works property that will need to be restored. The Administrator further noted that he thought at one time the City had allocated $40,000 in the Capital Improvement Budget for this project, however, that allocation is not reflected in the current budget. The Administrator stated that if the Council wished to proceed with this project, a budget amendment would be needed. He also reviewed the report from Bill Sanders relative to grant money availability, and Sanders' feeling that the City had about a 25% to 30% chance of obtaining a grant for this project. The City Administrator noted that the permit for the trail extension over the railroad tracks is for one year. The Administrator noted the difficulty that the City had in obtaining the permit, and suggested that it may be just as difficult to get a permit extension. Blesener suggested that perhaps the section of trail over the railroad tracks be constructed this year. Blesener asked the estimated cost of that particular trail section. The Administrator replied that the trail directly over the tracks is estimated at $7,000, plus an additional $22,000 for a gate, plus the cost of some concrete work. The Administrator was unsure of the concrete cost. The Administrator reported that given the 2011 projects came in under bid, there is adequate funding in the Infrastructure Replacement Fund for this project. The Administrator pointed out that there is a slight chance that the City would be able to get grant money for the project. Keis suggested that the cost of the concrete work be determined before a decision is made on whether or not to proceed with either the complete trail project or just the portion over the railroad. The Administrator indicated that he would have the City Engineer obtain quotes for the concrete work as well as other components of the project. He also noted that the Engineer has indicated that there will be extra fill from the City's street improvements this year, and that fill could be utilized on this trail project, which would be a cost savings. 19