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239 <br /> <br /> Ivlr. Toscano said he feels Council needs to discuss what to do with the surplus, <br />and Mr. Cox agreed. <br /> <br /> Mr. Caravati suggested that a work session be held by Council to discuss the <br />surplus. <br /> <br /> Mr. O'Connell suggested that he provide Council with his budget guidelines and <br />let Council react to those. <br /> <br /> Mr. Cox said he would like to see a budget process that is more engaging for <br />public participation. <br /> <br />REPORT: TEA-21 (TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT GRANTS) <br /> <br /> Mr. James Tolbert, Director of the Department of Neighborhood Planning and <br />Development Services, explained that grant applications for TEA-21 funds are due by <br />January 31, 2000, and he is seeking guidance from Council now so that staff can prepare <br />the application(s). <br /> <br /> Mr. Tolbert reviewed the outstanding ISTEA and TEA-21 projects: 1) Union <br />Station infrastructure (the Commonwealth Transportation Board is in process of <br />review'rog the bids which came in above the estimate); Rugby Road bike lanes (easement <br />acquisition is almost complete); Rivanna Greenbelt trail extension (a spending agreement <br />is being reached between the City and County and surveying should begin in next two <br />months); Landscaped island and Ridge-Mclntire/Preston/Market and High Streets (an <br />alternative location is being studied; and Court Square Master Plan and improvements (a <br />consultant has been hired for Phase I Master Planning). Mr. Tolbert, reviewed projects <br />that would be eligible to receive TEA-21 funds. Mr. Tolbert reviewed projects that have <br />previously been considered or could be considered for TEA-21 funds: suspension bridge <br />connecting Pen Park to Towe Park; streetscape improvements to Ridge Street; streetsca_pe <br />improvements to the West Main Street corridor; Phase II of the Court Square initiative; <br />Phases II or III of the Moore's Creek Greenbelt Trail; easement acquisition along existing <br />Rivanna Trails; and construction of additional bike lanes. <br /> <br /> Ms. Daugherty asked what is the maximum grant that can be applied for, and Mr. <br />O'Connell said he will verify it, but believes it is $500,000 to $750,000. <br /> <br /> Responding to a question from Ms. Richards, Mr. Tolbert and Mr. O'ColmelI said <br />that the study is not complete, but Phase II of the Court Square Initiative could cost <br />$750,000, minus undergrounding. <br /> <br /> Ms. Daugherty said she has heard interest from Council in pursuing grants for the <br />Court Square initiative and undergrounding downtown. <br /> Responding to a question from Ms. Daugherty, Ms. Richards said she feels that <br />Court Square is a good project for TEA-21 funds because it is doable with additional <br />grant funds and capital funds, would finish what has been started, and has a lot ofpublic <br />interest. <br /> <br /> Mr. Cox said he feels it is an effective strategy to layer requests and, in addition to <br />Court Square, would be interested in continuing to explore the overpass from Union <br />Station to Fifeville specially in light of the day care center and the revitalized station. <br /> <br /> Ms. Daugherty said the_problem with the overpass idea is that there are no plans <br />that show Where it would be and how it would be better than the current sidewalk System. <br />Ms. Daugherty said staff work is needed to put such a plan together prior to submitting a <br />grant proposal. <br /> <br />Mr. Cox said a study should be done of the overpass. <br /> <br /> Mr. Caravati suggested that Councilors prioritize what projects they would like to <br />apply for this year and what projects they would like to pursue in the future. Mr. <br /> <br /> <br />