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Session 1700, Minutes June 30, 1997 Mr. Munkel said that he spoke for the possibility of tunneling at §rst, because he was not convinced that cut and cover would meet our needs. He has heard many different comments since then and now has backed off tunneling, because we are talking about limited funds. He would like to see language that says it is below ground, so that everyone understands. He pointed out item number three of the resolution, which says "underground construction", which does not necessarily mean cut and cover or tunnel. Mr. Wagner said that these were the only two deiinitions of "underground" that he was aware of. Mr. Munkel asked how it would be termed if it was lee open. Mayor Adams responded that it would be called "below grade", which means below the physical ground level. Mr. Munkel does not want to say that the only acceptable construction methods would be just "cut and cover" or "tunnel". Mr. Munkel pointed out that Mr. Wagner is saying that "subterranean" is the only method acceptable. Mr. Wagner said that he strongly agrees with the Mayor on the Highway 40 route. He believes it is a killer for University City and that it is a urban sprawl generator and that the City does not want it - he does not believe it will actually happen. He agrees with the Mayor's assessment about Olive and 170 and what eliminating the North/South route could do. He visualizes a station at Olive. As far as Mayor Adam's statement that the resolution does not mention the City's support of the Northern route, Mr. Wagner pointed out language in the resolution that says the City expresses desire that the route chosen be the Millbrook/Forest Park alignment. Mayor Adams said that was correct, but it was not dealing with the part coming off of Skinker/DeBaliviere. Mrs. Thompson was under the assumption that the Council was in support of the Northern route. Mr. Wagner said that whatever or however the route is called, Council wants it to come between the City and Washington University, We want the route along Millbrook. As far as the "subterranean" method being a poor negotiation tool, Mr. Wagner said that when something is negotiated, you do not get something you do not ask for. You have to go in right at the beginning and say what you want. You can not come back later and say that you want this underground, it is too late. It has to be said now. It is Mr. Wagner's opinion that putting it underground will not botch the deal. Mr. Wagner said that he wanted the Council to stand up for what we want now, and go in and negotiate from a position of strength. As far as Mr. Munkel's comments, Mr. Wagner said that back in October, the wisdom of the Council was to put out a resolution that said exactly what we meant. Council wanted subterranean along there and it was loosened up in a way by saying that it did not have to be the expensive tunneling, that it could be the cut and cover method. Mr. Wagner does not believe that there is any other construction method that could be called "subterranean". Mr. Wagner said that he was opposed to any open slot construction, because of the safety issue, noise pollution and visual pollution. Mrs. Thompson asked the Mayor if he did not think it was wise for the Council to send RCGA a letter explaining Council position and views. Mayor Adams replied that he did plan to do that. Mr. Munkel asked for clarification on item three of the resolution and what should be meant as underground, Mr. Wagner said that it should probably read "subterranean". Mr. Wagner, alter a moment of thought, said it would probably not matter whether they used "underground" or "subterranean" - they mean the same thing. The term should remain consistent, throughout the document. CITI7EN COMMENTS: Joe Edwards, 6309 McPherson, wanted to suggest using the words '~otally below grade" and consider leaving that wording in at least from the City limits up to Big Bend Boulevard. If Council needed a better negotiating tool, then it coulc be reworded alter that point. The wording should be left open, at least, on the Washington University side of the street, Mr. Edwards feels that long tunnel rides are not appealing, there are air problems which would need to be solved, and systems can break down. He believes that, in the long run, the less tunnel, the less maintenance. He believes that traffic can still cause more noise than a MetroLink. Steve Littlefield said that the Washington University property, which needs to be remembered, is under the purview of St.