03/25/1996 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 9,1995 Mr. Schumacher asked how this project would be financed. Mr. Asleson explained that $15,000.00 would be taken from the Dedicated Park Funds, $15,000.00 would be taken from the Parks and Recreation General Fund Budget and $15,000.00 would come from come the Dedicated Park Funds on budgets approved by the City Council for the development of internal trails. The neighborhoods decided that they wanted to spend their appropriated Dedicated Park money for trails. Mayor Reinert asked how long it will take to complete this work noting that the construction season is ending. Mr. Asleson explained that the Park Board wanted the work completed this fall. Mr. Ahrens noted that the contract is requiring that the work be completed this fall. Asphalt plants usually start closing about mid-November. The contractor will start working next week and the projects will be completed within a few days. Mayor Reinert asked how urgent is it that the project be completed this fall. If the City waits until spring to rebid the project, will the prices be cheaper. Mr. Ahrens explained that bids could be from 10% to 15% cheaper. A deadline is being pushed now, if the trails are not paved this fall, what does this do to the budget. Mr. Asleson explained that the wear course projects usually happen the latter part of August. This would mean that the trails would remain unpaved for another season. The Park Board realizes that there may be a reduction in what they wanted done, but wanted to proceed. Mr. Schumacher said that staff does not like to postpone the work because it disturbs the budget. Technically, the dollars for this project can be carried forward, however, staff would like to keep the budget intact. Council Member Elliott moved to adopt Resolution No. 95 - 133 Accepting the Bid for Bituminous Trail Paving. There was no second to this motion and the motion failed. Council Member Kuether said she was not opposed to putting in the trails but was concerned. Council Member Elliott said that she felt that as long as the project was not over the budget limit, if the Park Board feels strongly enough to make this recommendation, the City Council should go forward. The Park Board is trying to fulfill the desire of the residents which was one of the biggest issues pointed out during the 20/20 Vision sessions. Mr. Schumacher asked Mr. Asleson if the gravel is in place for the trails that are to be paved. Mr. Asleson said yes and if the gravel trails sit for another year, the gravel base will have to be regraded. Then aesthetics becomes an issue. Mr. Asleson explained that there is one trail that the developer has not completed. If the developer does not complete his work, the City will do the work and charge the developer. Council Member Neal asked if all the trails are snowplowed. Mr. Asleson explain that the City plows only the transportation trails to the school which is about two and one-half (2 1/2) miles. PAGE 6