Minutes - 1997/02/24 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 10 February 24, 1997 Mounds View City Council Af~F b`~';rED Mike Coon, 7851 Eastwood Road, stated he is opposed to the bridge because he feels the proposed location is not appropriate. He feels if the city were to build a bridge, it should be located at County Road UHighway 10/Silver Lake Road, where there would be access to restaurants, convenience store, ballfields, etc. Chuck Miller, Lake Court Dr., stated he also feels the location is wrong for the proposed bridge. The funds that are being proposed for the local costs are still taxpayer's money. He feels that money maybe able to be used for other projects. Furthermore, he feels providing the bridge will only be giving people a false sense of security. David Long, 7749 Knollwood Drive, stated he is in favor of the bridge. He wondered why people who were in favor of the bridge initially have not come to voice their objections. Bill Werner, 2765 Sherwood Road, stated he thinks people have finally become aware of the costs and have decided to speak out against the bridge. He is opposed to the bridge. Council member Trade stated it saddens her that after a statement has been said enough time, people actually believe it to be true. She believes that is what has happened with the bridge project. The original budget was for $190,000. The ponding project was paired with tbe bridge project and funds were set aside in surface water management funds. The only cost that was not anticipated was $5,827.00 in legal fees and $5,000 for traffic signal modification neither of which are major or significant cost ovemms for the project. Ms. Sheldon explained that if the costs come in as estimated, there should be adequate funds to cover the anticipated costs. Mayor McCarty noted there are several references to the original $120,000 local share cost up to 1996. In the Fall of 1996 it escalated to $190,000 which represents a 30% increase. Ms. Trade stated that funds have been set aside for this project. If council members find it inappropriate to take moneys out of the various funds, the city could easily switch over to tax increment financing as a means of funding the project. These funds can only be used for limited things and this bridge would qualify as an approved project. Ms. Trade stated this project can be looked at from an environmental standpoint, it will be an investment in the future of the community and it will encourage kids to use amenities on the other side of the highway. She feels the bridge will be used and urged the Council to stop and think. She feels legally the city is bound to the contract that they entered. Mayor McCarty explained the tax increment financing process, and stated he feels it is more cost efficient to get rid of the tax increment financing bonds and districts and get those properly taxes back on the tax roles so that the city can help out with other things. He is more concerned about education than he is about any lack of concern for safety on the part of parents for their children. Council member Koopmeiners asked how unanticipated additional costs will be covered. Ms. Sheldon explained that the federal funding will not cover more than $480,000. Therefore, if the total project cost is $600,000 or less, there will be a 80/20 split between the federal government and the city. Mr. Koopmeiners stated he is opposed to the bridge project, noting that there is the possibility that the city will need to come up with even more funds if they run into unanticipated problems.