02-10-1997 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Page 5 • February 10, 1997 Mounds View City Council David Jahnke, 8428 Eastwood Road, asked if the Federal government would be matching funds for the additional expenses which have been identified after the grant was approved. Furthermore, did the stafffail, when projecting the costs, to get accurate figures? Mayor McCarty explained that the federal goven~uc-ent matched on the bridge construction ($471,910) and the local match was $117,977. In addition, there is a bridge design and inspection cost, there are contingency costs that the city must pay for in addition to the grant agreement. Ms. Sheldon explained that most of the additional costs are due to the change in the design of the ramp which was done after the grant request was submitted and a citizen committee met with a consultant and staff and recommended that the ramp be changed from a long, switch back design to a spiral design. Mayor McCarty explained that the city has experienced a 25% cost estimate overrun thus far. Under the city charter and special assessment projects, if there is a 10% cost ovemm, the project is not done. A representative of the Ramsey County Library Board stated she is in favor of the Pedestrian Bridge. They feel it is an intelligent approach to getting people across the road to where public access ought to be allowed. The Ramsey County Library Board recommended to the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners that they approve a conveyance of a requested wallcway and bridge easement to the City of Mounds View. They are dismayed to see that the project is being reconsidered at this time. Bruce Brasaemle, 5127 Long Lake Road, stated his concerns center around safety. He is a bicycle rider and he often sees teens riding across the intersection, going against the red light. The bridge will give them an opportunity to not have to wait for the light. If the city does not go ahead and there is a fatality, what has been gained? He believes the Council does have the opportunity to reconsider where the matching funds come from. However, he feels the council should move forward and not interfere with the construction of the bridge in order to do that. Julie Olson, 2663 Lake Court Circle, wondered what things the grant funds could be used for other than the construction of a pedestrian bridge, and did the council ever review the other options? Ms. Sheldon noted that the Transportation Act which was passed in 1991 created different pools of funding. Some went for streets and highways, some for trailways. Mounds View's grant application was submitted under the ?railway section as it will provide a connection to other parts of the community. Ms. ?rude explained that if the funds are not used by Mounds View, the funds will go into another trailway project fund to be awarded to another community. Ms. Olson stated she feels there has not been enough input or direction to the full body of Mounds View in order to have an opinion on the project. She took this opportunity to present a list of names of residents who are definitely opposed to the project to council and staff and stated she would be getting additional names and telephone numbers from those unable to attend the public meetings. She wondered why the city is not sticking to the charter with regard to cost overruns. Russell Nordstrom, 2536 W. County Road H2, feels the bridge is just another example of government telling parents that it isn't necessary to teach kids common sense. He feels there are plenty of stop lights. There will • be no laws forcing kids to use the bridge. He feels Mounds View Square is going to benefit the most from the project, not the city. He is not in favor of the project.