HomeMy WebLinkAbout2.e. Extension of Connemara to Akron Ave4ROSEMOUNTEXECUTIVE SUMMARY
CITY COUNCIL
City Council Workshop Meeting: May 12, 2010
AGENDA ITEM: Extension of Connemara Trail to Akron
Ave
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PREPARED BY: Dwight Johnson
AGENDA NO.
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ATTACHMENTS: Financial Scenario for MSA funding
APPROVED BY: OW
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Discussion item
BACKGROUND
Council and staff began discussing the possible extension of Connemara Trail to Akron Avenue during the
goal setting sessions in January. Consideration of this item was listed on the approved goals and the
subsequent work plan adopted by the Council. Recently, staff has been able to update key information in
our Capital Improvements Program (CIP) that allows us to better evaluate the financial feasibility of this
project. Specifically, we have met with Dakota County on their updated CIP and also now have actual
bids for key City projects in 2010.
The result is the attached spreadsheet which shows how the Connemara extension could be financed with
a five year bond to be re -paid with state Municipal State Aid (MSA) dollars. Eventually, development in
the area will be expected to pay most of the cost ($2,000,000) back to the City. The timing of
development is a variable, of course. No City tax property tax dollars would be needed for the project.
DISCUSSION
Reasons for Extending Connemara
The extension of Connemara should be considered for the following reasons:
• Development is starting to occur in the area. A plat for 145 residential lots in Prestwick Place
along Akron Avenue has been submitted.
• The extension of Connemara may encourage commercial development near County Road 42 and
Akron.
• The extension would also provide another route for existing residents in the Connemara
"travelshed" who wish to travel east to DCTC or over to Highway 52.
Risk to the City
While the staff does not believe that there is any risk that tax dollars would need to be used for this
project, the risk to the City is that $2 million of our MSA funds will be tied up for several years in this
project until we are paid back, which may limit our ability to do other projects during that time period. At
this time, staff does not know of any other projects likely to occur in the next few years that would have a
higher priority.
Suggested conditions for proceeding
If the Council wishes to proceed with the planning and construction of the Connemara extension, it
should be based upon several key items: (1) that development continues to proceed in Prestwick Place;
and (2) that the developers of Prestwick Place agree to reimburse the City for the cost of the extension on
a per acre basis when development takes place.
RECOMMENDATION
Council members should discuss whether or not staff should continue planning for the possible extension
of Connemara Trail to Akron Avenue.
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