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City Council Regular Meeting Minutes April 25, 2006 Page 11 I Councilmember Gray stated when this was first presented in January the estimated cost was 2 $66,000 but that is now up 38 %. He stated he is cautious about considering approval of a 3 straight 20% participation since it is a bit of a "blank check" when the final cost is not known. 4 5 Mr. Wagner explained that in January the project was in the preliminary stages and $66,000 was 6 the 20% match at that time. The design proceeded and the current 20% match is $91,000 based 7 on current engineer's estimate. 9 Councilmember Stille asked where the trail goes to the northeast once you get into Roseville. 10 Mr. Wagner explained the trail follows County Road B2 into Roseville, to Rosedale, and then to 11 Lexington. The trail is adjacent to County Road B2, then County Road C, and then connects to 12 the Ramsey County system along the railroad corridor. 13 14 Mr. Urquhart explained that this is a connection to a trunk line so you can go from more remote 15 places rather than just circulate in the local area. He agreed there are some limits in access to the 16 three- quarters of a mile section in St. Anthony, but it would be part of the overall bikeway trail in 17 the metropolitan area. Because of gas prices, bicycle use may increase and provide an 18 alternative mode to go shopping and recreate. Mr. Urquhart restated that this three - fourths of a 19 mile leg is important to complete the corridor. 20 21 Councilmember Stille asked what entity owns the land. Mr. Urquhart answered the City of 22 Minneapolis and Hennepin County Regional Rail Authority who bought the corridor when the 23 Sioux line went out of business. They are giving a limited permit to use that corridor for this use 24 but are still the underlying fee owner of the property. 25 26 Councilmember Stille stated the land use transit study for Northeast Diagonal had no eminent 27 plans but it still preserves that option. Mr. Urquhart stated it is correct that this is escrow 28 property and a 15 -year design before pavement has to be replaced so it is to utilize the trail in a 29 responsible transportation way. They are escrowing that right -of -way for a different corridor. 30 31 Councilmember Thuesen stated that Councilmember Gray raised a good point about the 20% 32 local match, which is now estimated at $91,000. He expressed concern in how the Council can 33 protect the City so the costs do not increase. He agreed the Council cannot give a "blank check" 34 and noted that this Council is careful about allocating dollars. 35 36 With regard to the price increase, Mr. Urquhart explained that they worked with City engineers 37 and staff to address drainage issues in this corridor. Also, the estimate includes a 15% 38 contingency. He stated it would be acceptable if the Council wants to remove the contingency 39 and limit the cap to limit exposure. 40 41 City Manager Morrison asked if the Council has the current project overview or one that was 42 developed several years ago. Mr. Urquhart stated the project overview is a rendering of what 43 was submitted to the Metropolitan Council in executive summary form. Since then, some things 44 have transpired during intervening years. 45 46 City Manager Momson noted that St Anthony is not listed as a funding source. He explained 47 that Mayor Faust and Assistant City Manager Moore -Sykes were on this committee and had the