Agenda Packets - 1997/02/24 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Excerpt from minutes for 10/23/96 City Council meeting Item B: Presentation of Proposed 1996 City Budget In regard to the proposed pedestrian bridge, Ms. Olson asked if the remaining • 20% that is not covered by the grant will all be assumed by the residents. Mayor Linke responded no, the 3% which was added into the budget will only raise approximately $46,000. The other funds will come out of the street light utility fund and the franchise fees. Ms. Olson asked what it will take in order for the council to decide against the pedestrian bridge. Mayor Linke stated he has received only a few calls and one letter in opposition to the bridge. The work sessions that the council has had have been very positive. He noted however, that the council needs to hear from the residents in regard to their feelings about the proposal. Ms. Hankner stated she has had heard many people talk in opposition of the bridge. She has had only one call in favor of it. She is not sure where the people live who support the proposal. She stated she is still inclined to support a zero percent tax increase and if the residents show an overwhelming • support of the bridge, she would like to see something dropped from the budget to allow for it. 111 Ms. Trude stated the main purpose of the bridge is to allow safe transportation for the children across the highway as well as provide a link for the bike trail system. There are people in the senior center without vehicles who would like to patronize the businesses on the other side of the highway. This would provide them with a safe alternative to crossing a busy roadway. She stated the people that she has talked to not only feel it is a safety issue but also an enhancement to the city. Ms. Olson asked if a study has been done to determine how far from the area the kids who will use the bridge actually are. Ms. Trude stated this is part of the proposal that the engineers offered. Ms. Olson pointed out that the residents could end up with a 3% levy on the property taxes prior to any feasibility studies even being done. The decision would be made prior to the studies. Mayor Linke stated yes, the money will be used to do the engineering studies. Ms. Trude stated before the Council's last work session 500 letters went out to inform some of the area residents what was being proposed. She stated that letters were signed by about 20 people in favor of the bridge. These letters only resulted in one phone call against the bridge.