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LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES April 02, 2013 Page 3 of 7 ITEM 9: STATE HIGHWAY 36 SOUTH FRONTAGE ROAD STUDY – RESOLUTION APPROVING MNDOT AGREEMENT NO. 03330 City Engineer Griffin gave summary of grant agreement. Grant amount is for 80% of total amount of $80,000= $64,000. City will be responsible for balance of $16,000. There will be a minimum of two workshops as well as community meetings. It is meant to be a collaborative project. Council Member Nelson asked about outcome of survey and how to get state to be in City’s favor. Mr. Griffin said the goal is to work with the state to come up with plans and bring proposal to state. MnDOT will be at the table at various points so there is a product with their buy in. City Administrator Zuleger noted that the study provides an updated view and stressed that it would be collaborative. The inclusion in City’s CIP was discussed. Mr. Griffin reported that it was not because there is no specific project approved. Council Member Nelson asked where money will come from. Finance Director Bendel reported her belief that it comes out Capital Fund as it is drafted. Mr. Zuleger stated that because it is a study, it actually will come out of the Undesignated Fund or General Operating Fund. Ms. Bendel noted that the Contingency Fund in the budget is in fact for these types of items. Current Contingency Fund balance is about $120,000. Council Member Bloyer asked about timeline and if project will start during the current council’s terms? Mr. Griffin stated that there needs to be a plan in order to obtain funding. The timing depends on funding. Council Member Smith arrived at 7:31 P.M. It was pointed out that at some point 36 is planned to become a freeway. Council Member Nelson noted while he’s not in favor of spending the funds, this is the time to provide input and have a role in planning. Mayor Pearson believes the study needs to be done. He is also relatively confident that the some Highway 36 corridor area residents will find the study’s resulting recommendations objectionable. However, assuming the study will be a benefit to the entire city, the Mayor believes Council must be ready to make those hard decisions. If not, then the City should not spend the $16,000. MOTION: Mayor Pearson moved TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 2013-24, APPROVING THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AGENCY AGREEMENT NO. 03330 FOR THE FEDERAL AID FUNDING FOR STATE HIGHWAY 36 SOUTH FRONTAGE ROAD STUDY. Council Member Nelson seconded the motion. MOTION PASSED 4-0. Council Member Smith noted that her main concerns are safety and improving access. Also, it was noted that reducing cut-through traffic is important.