2016.10.25 CC COMBINED - Laserfiche WebLink

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October 11, 2016 Page 4 of 6 2018 by the County. Community Assets and Development Director Schlichting was uncertain how the bonding issue would be addressed by the County. Mayor Johnson expressed concern with the fact that the City may be jumping the gun. Community Assets and Development Director Schlichting discussed what portions of the project could be completed, while waiting for the County to receive their funding. He explained the grading work could be done in order to allow for the areas to be seeded. He understood it would be beneficial to have a document or agreement in place with the County. Councilmember Bauman understood the City wanted this park to be completed, however she expressed concern with the fact the City had no agreement in place with Ramsey County and that their work may not be completed for two or three years. She recommended the project wait. Councilmember Burg believed the park should be constructed and the grading work completed by the City noting portable restrooms may need to be used for a short period of time. Mayor Johnson stated there was a benefit to completing the grading and seeding yet this fall. Community Assets and Development Director Schlichting suggested the grading and seeding work proceed but that the paving work be held off until an agreement can be reached with the County. City Attorney Sonsalla advised there may be a way to parcel out the work within the contract. City Manager Lotter understood the Council’s hesitancy and discussed the bonding process, noting it can be unpredictable. He believed that Ramsey County has been successful in receiving funding from the legislature in order to cover their projects. He stated if this was a real sticking point for the Council, the desire would be to start the project, get the seeds in the ground so the park can be open for public use in one year. He suggested the Council direct City staff to speak with the contractor and establish some stipulations. Councilmember Strub believed the City had a long standing positive relationship with the County and were a trusted partner to the City. He recommended the project move ahead. Councilmember Burg understood the same process was followed with the librar y. Mayor Johnson did not have any concern with the fact Ramsey County wanted to complete the project. Her concern was with the legislature and their funding process. Councilmember Bauman knew the contractor wanted to begin this fall, but she feared if and when the County would receive their funding through a bonding bill. While she didn’t oppose the park she questioned if the project should begin without being full funded by the City and County. City Manager Lotter asked how much longer it would take for the City to receive an agreement from the County. Community Assets and Development Director Schlichting did not anticipate it would take a great deal of time to resolve the financial or maintenance issues. Councilmember Burg suggested the park move forward with the understanding the contract will only begin after an agreement has been reached with the County. Councilmember Bauman wanted to be ensured the City would receive payment from the County in 2018. Councilmember Burg was in favor of getting the fields started as this was part of the City’s project and should not be delayed. She stated the only issue at this time was the timing of the parking lot. Mayor Johnson did not want to be off putting to the County, but she did have concerns with when the County would receive their funding for this project. She understood the benefits of getting the seeds in the ground. However, she was hesitant to proceed without a firmer commitment from Ramsey County. City Manager Lotter indicated the Council could approve the project directing the City Attorney to engage the contractor to ensure no expenses are encumbered until a signed agreement was in place with the County. This would alleviate the Council’s concerns of getting reimbursed or encumbering expenses. He explained the agreement could be negotiated with these concerns being addressed. Councilmember Jacobsen recommended the Council proceed in this manner.