City Council Minutes 2021 04 13 SP

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City Council Meeting Minutes April 13, 2021 Page 3 of 5 asking voters to approve an approximate 1.875 mils property tax, or asking voters to approve an approximate 3.75 mils property tax increase. Deputy City Manager Davis stated maintenance and staffing costs cannot be a part of the debt questions and would require a separate ballot question and funding source. Staff has some concerns regarding the impact of bonding on the existing Capital Projects Fund and the City's ability to complete non -transportation related capital projects as well as reduced flexibility to address emerging capital needs. Staff is looking for input from Council on the amount and package of projects to consider, as well as what sources of revenue to consider. Public Comments — None. Mayor Pro Tern Maloney asked why the Dillon Road power line underpass as removed from Package #2. Deputy City Manager Davis stated it could be added for an additional cost or if other items are removed; it was one way to get the totals to work. Mayor Pro Tern Maloney stated he would like that underpass considered as it is an important connection in the trail system. Mayor Pro Tern Maloney asked if any funds from the Revitalization Commission (LRC) could be put towards this. Director Pierce stated the LRC has discussed this but they have not made any funding commitments towards these projects at this time. Mayor Stolzmann stated the community really values underpasses and they are heavily utilized. Adding these ones to the system would give people even greater connectivity with a better experience than at grade crossings. If we do this, we need to make sure there is enough staff to do these projects. Councilmember Lipton stated he is not averse to a modest increase in taxes to pay for some of these amenities. However, he is concerned this process does not give solid enough cost estimates. He would prefer to do additional design work on the projects so we have a better idea of exact costs before asking the voters to approve something. He is concerned the cost estimates will be too low and if a specific amount is approved it will not cover all that was promised in a ballot issue. He would prefer taking more time on the design work to get better cost estimates and not taking this to the ballot until 2022. Director Kowar stated design costs are escalating about 5-10% per year. Three of the underpasses have started design work. Bullhead Gulch is at about 90%, Main Street at about 30%, and Via Appia is about 15%. The others are in the early stages. He added the market is very dynamic and more design now may not necessarily save money. Councilmember Dickinson stated underpasses are very important to our residents. He supports moving forward as soon as possible as prices are just going to increase.