11/22/1993 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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1 1 COUNCIL WORK SESSION NOVEMBER 22, 1993 county for aid and the aid has been promised. The City cannot stop the project at this point. Council Member Bergeson asked if the City Council orders preparation of the plans and specifications at a cost of approximately $90,000.00, how long will that preparation take? Mr. Schneider said from 60 to 90 days. Mr. Schneider also noted that the state will not guarantee funding until the plans and specifications are completed and approved. Mr. Schumacher noted another critical issue regarding the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district in which this property is located. He explained that there are only five (5) years left in which to collect the tax increment. Mayor Reinert asked if the City is assured that the state funding is committed? Mr. Hanson explained that MnDOT has approved the project layout and the funding elements. However, the funding is not set for the 1995/1996 funding period. A "flag" has been placed along side this project which means that it is a MnDOT priority. However, the funds are committed on a first come, first served basis. The state will not commit any funding until the plans and specifications are complete. Council Member Bergeson asked what is the biggest concern at this time. Mr. Hanson said when the funds will be committed, 1994 or 1995. The county funds have been committed and are set aside for the project. Mr. Schneider explained that the worst case would be that the project would be constructed and the City would have to fund the project "up front" until the state funding is available. Mayor Reinert asked if the developer is ready to start work on his project. Mr. Wessel explained that the developer plans to start the first phase in late spring or early summer of 1994. This schedule is dependent upon the re -alignment of the intersection. Mr. Hanson noted other concerns are acquiring the proper right- of-way and resolving the wetland issues. Mayor Reinert asked if there were any problems with acquiring the right-of-way. Mr. Schumacher has confirmed with Mr. Reiling that there will be a "swap" with Mr. Reiling. However, there are two (2) other property owners,- the Klingingsmith and Northern Instruments. There should be no problems with these landowners. Mr. Volk noted that the state has indicated that they may be rectonstructing the bridge over Rice Creek as a part of upgrading Highway #49. This will be a separate project. Mr. Schneider noted that the state wants to give Highway #49 back to Anoka County and Ramsey County. However, these entities are far from a PAGE 3 3 ,1