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City Council <br />Meeting Minutes <br />August27 2019 <br />Page 2 of 5 <br />has recommended tree replacement be done in a way to retain the canopy while at the <br />same time planting new trees to take over rather than a wholesale removal of ash trees <br />Councilmember Maloney wanted to make sure the site lines are kept safe for drivers to be <br />able to see pedestrians Mayor Muckle added that the plantings near the pedestrian <br />crossings need to be low enough to allow drivers to see pedestrians <br />Members discussed some pros and cons related to the planting choices <br />Councilmember Stolzmann stated she prefers keeping some of the ash trees while <br />allowing new ones to grow rather than an immediate removal Mayor Muckle agreed we <br />shouldn't remove ash trees until they are diseased and must be removed Members <br />agreed with that process <br />Councilmember Loo asked for more bee friendly plants and flowering or colorful trees <br />Councilmember Stolzmann stated she gets requests for fruit trees as well <br />Director Mosley reviewed next steps to finalize design and pricing Work will begin next <br />month for about eight weeks and continue again in 2020 <br />DISCUSSION/DIRECTION — CAPITAL BUDGET AND PROJECTS UPDATE <br />Director Kowar gave an update on the BNSF Steel Ranch underpass He stated BNSF is <br />now requiring the track be kept open during construction which requires a bypass of the <br />construction area This bypass is estimated to be a $2 8M additional cost to the project. <br />The new cost is almost $6M with all of BNSF's requirements <br />Director Kowar reviewed some alternative trail connections that could be considered <br />City Manager Balser added that some of these connections will be addressed in the TMP <br />She added that the $6M price tag is not settled and it could increase based on BNSF and <br />their unwillingness to work with the City <br />Director Kowar stated they did inquire about an at -grade crossing and BNSF stated they <br />will not consider one <br />Councilmember Keany stated he has spoken with the Takoda Metro District about their <br />previous $250K donation to this project. He stated Takoda residents are looking for <br />alternative uses for their funding They are wondering about using it to improve pedestrian <br />connections at South Boulder Road and Main Street or improvements to Cowboy Park. <br />They want to make sure that money benefits Steel Ranch <br />Councilmember Loo asked what drainage improvements are needed in the area that <br />Urban Drainage is contributing for Director Kowar stated drainage improvements are still <br />needed and we can still use their funding to make improvements without the underpass <br />