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Mounds View City Council February 28, 2000 Regular Meeting Page 5 Mrs. Gunn inquired if Ramsey County would contribute to the cost of a pedestrian bridge. Director of Public Works Ulrich stated Ramsey County would likely say no to this. Mrs. Gunn inquired if there were means to lobby to attempt to get them to change their minds. Mayor Coughlin commented that if there is a will, there is a way. He stated this is the first time the Council has met since the tragedy occurred on Friday, and they have at this point, been in session for 25 minutes. He advised that this was a time for the community to collectively grieve the loss of one of its own. He indicated that these were all good questions, however, it was not possible to contact Ramsey County at this time, to obtain the answers. He explained that during the official Council Meeting there would be direction to staff to look into these issues, and to bring factual information forward to the Council, rather than conjecture and speculation. He stated there was a Work Session scheduled the following week, and this issue would be foremost. He stated he was making note of all of the questions, and the Council would address them as best they could, however, he would request that the audience members be patient, as this was also new to the Council. An audience member stated the people in attendance were all hurting, and that was the reason for their attendance. She explained that the residents would like to be proactive. She inquired what they could do at this time, and whom they could contact in this regard. Mayor Coughlin stated understood this. He requested those present provide their names and the means by which to contact them so that the City may inform them as to how this matter is proceeding. He requested the residents keep the Council informed as well. He advised that because of the grieving process, he had requested the attendance of Chaplain (_________), of the Ramsey County Sheriffs Department, and Pastor William McKinney, of Salem Baptist Church, and they were both present and available for anyone attempting to process this. He stated there was nothing he could say to wipe away the pain of this tragedy, and therefore, he would not attempt to. He stated it was necessary they address some of the issues that are in play, and the Council would not allow this to go by the wayside, however, it must be remembered that this is in the hands of the Lord, not the City. Mrs. Gunn indicated there had been a previous proposal for a pedestrian bridge, and plans were in place. She inquired if those plans could be reconsidered, and the relocated for construction of a pedestrian bridge in this area. She stated they could resolve any issues with the surrounding properties, however, this should be considered very seriously. She further inquired if Tax Increment Financing could be utilized for this purpose. Mayor Coughlin stated the Council would certainly bring this forward. He noted that Council Member Marty had raised this issue on behalf of the Parks and Recreation Commission the previous June, and he and Council Member Marty both advocated the bridge at that point in time. He explained that at that time, the traffic light was being installed, and the majority of the Council adopted a position that they would need to determine how the intersection was going to work.