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7 Mr. Huja said he agrees with the idea of shifting surplus funds to the CIP. Dr. Brown said that the Southern Environmental Law Center has expressed concern about deforesting with the interchange project, and suggested that funds be put aside from the surplus. He asked if this should be done now or later. Mr. Aubrey Watts, CFO, said Council could take action on that when it formally considers the CIP, or could do it tonight. The public hearing was opened. Ms. Colette Hall, 101 Robertson Lane, said she always advocates for responsible budgeting and fiscal prudence, and we should spend to our needs, not our wants. She asked that the surplus be used wisely. She said she wants to maintain the AAA bond rating. She asked that the funds be used in the CIP for infrastructure projects that will benefit the entire City, not on projects like the proposed clock on the mall. Mr. Dan Bluestone, 501 Park Hill, said the original earmark for the interchange was $27 million, but the cost of the project is now $32 million. He said if Council wants trees planted, it should come out of the earmarked funds, not City funds. Mr. John Pfaltz, 1503 Rugby Road, said the revenue projections seem right, but he noted that the City has total control over expenses. As there were no further speakers, the public hearing was closed. Mr. Huja noted that all City budgets must be balanced, and that is always the direction to staff. On motion by Mr. Taliaferro, seconded by Ms. Edwards, the Year End Appropriation was offered and carried over to the next meeting for consideration. REPORT : ROUTE 250 BYPASS INTERCHANGE AT MCINTIRE ROAD- MAYOR DESIGN FEATURES AS PRESENTED AT THE OCTOBER 29, 2009 PUBLIC HEARING Ms. Jeanette Janiczek, VDOT Project Manager, reviewed major design features of the G-1 alternative that were presented at the public hearing. She said that once approved the design will be refined. She said that moving the trails reduced the size of the bridge and the impacts on the stream. Dr. Brown said an issue raised by the public was closing the western ramp from Park Street which would result in less impact on the Rock Hill garden, but Ms. Janiczek said that if the ramp is eliminated it could increase neighborhood cut-through traffic. Dr. Brown asked how many cars use that ramp and are there feasible alternatives. He also asked what happened to the pedestrian bridge. Ms. Janiczek said the bridge was eliminated for the following reasons: there was no protected means of crossing McIntire Road; the G-1 alternative can provide a protected signal; a 35 foot wall would be required to meet ADA requirements; and the cost of the bridge. She said a bridge could be added later. Mr. Norris said he thinks it is a disincentive for pedestrians and bikes to have to compete with cars. Dr. Brown asked about the degree to which the trail system west of the interchange has been thought through. Ms. Janiczek said there was agreement to extend the trail to the Vietnam Memorial with an ADA ramp.