City Council Meeting Date: January 9, 2024
To: Mayor and City Council
City Administrator
From: David E. Bennett, Public Works Director/City Engineer
Title
Consider Resolution of Support for Bridge Square Budget Request.
Body
Action Requested:
The Northfield City Council approves a Resolution of Support for State Bond Request for Bridge Square.
Summary Report:
On June 15, 2021, the City Council approved Riverfront Enhancement Action Plan. The Riverfront Enhancement Action Plan is a framework to guide improvements along the river and future design of park spaces.
Bridge Square is one of the first parks identified for improvement and is in the heart of downtown Northfield. Bridge Square hosts numerous events throughout the year and has been called the living room of the City.
The City is currently in final design for the project with construction tentatively planned to commence in late 2025. Because Bridge Square is one part of a larger planned regional experience along the river and part of the historic downtown that is a destination tourist location in Minnesota. Therefore, staff believes it is of regional significance as required by State funding and is recommending the City submit a State Bond Request for the 2024 legislative session.
Staff is recommending that we submit a bond request for Bridge Square for the 2024 legislative session. The proposed State Bond will be for a state contribution of 50% and the City 50%. Below are the construction costs inflation for the planned Bridge Square modifications.
2025 Project Summary
$3,500,000 State Bonding Request (50%)
$3,500,000 City of Northfield (50%)
$7,500,000 Total Project
Alternative Options:
NA.
Financial Impacts:
NA
Tentative Timelines:
NA