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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—DECEMBER 6, 2010 5 2.B Mn/DOT I-694151 Improvement Project Update (continued) Mayor Harpstead did not feel there were a lot of large oaks in this area. He felt it was appropriate for the Council to view the final plans submitted by Mn/DOT. He noted he would be in favor of proceeding with the noise wall. - Public Works Director Maurer stated he would need to present Mn/DOT with a final document and would have this on next week's agenda for the Council to review. If approved, this would inform Mn/DOT that the City was in favor of proceeding with the noise wall. Mayor Harpstead indicated he would be in favor of the City having an engineering review the Mn/DOT plans to provide further comments on the plans. Councilmember Holden questioned if the project would be combined with any other Mn/DOT projects. Public Works Director Maurer indicated he was not aware of this as Mn/DOT was slated to begin the project in August of 2011 with construction continuing through 2012-2013. Mayor Harpstead suggested the City speak with neighboring public works departments to review their proposed Mn/DOT schedules for this project. This would give the City a better picture of the regional timeline. Public Works Director Maurer asked if the other Councilmembers were in favor of the noise wall. Mayor Harpstead stated again that he was in favor of the noise wall. Councilmember Grant was in favor of the noise wall, but felt a special taxing district should fund at least part of the expense. Councilmember Holmes opposed the special taxing district. She indicated the noise wall did not prove to have a huge benefit and the expense may be too great for the City to assume. Councilmember McCIung supported the sound wall. Councilmember Holden was in favor of pursuing the noise wall, but felt a special taxing district or another funding mechanism should cover the expense. Mayor Harpstead cautioned the Council from denying the noise wall as this could devalue the property adjacent to the freeway. Public Works Director Maurer indicated Municipal State Aid funds could be used to cover the expense of the noise wall. Councilmember Grant was not in favor of this option. The City would then not have Municipal State Aid funds to fix the roads.