Laserfiche WebLink
explanation at the meeting that the need to build storm water ponds, limited right- <br /> of-way, and topography of the excess right-of-way made it impossible to build <br /> berms of sufficient length and height to provided any noise mitigation. With this <br /> more detailed explanation it was agreed that building of berms was no longer <br /> needed. <br /> 3. On Condition #5, Mn/DOT basically has given the same answer about potential <br /> City costs with their project. Ramsey County's letter clarifies even further <br /> potential cost from a County project on Lexington Avenue. It appears that the <br /> City costs for both projects will be modest. <br /> 4. Condition #6 deals with Mn/DOT committing funds to help Ramsey County with <br /> needed improvements on Lexington Avenue due to the interchange project. Staff <br /> has had several conversations with Mr. McBride and Jim Tolaas regarding this <br /> issue. Mr. McBride has been very clear that Mn/DOT policy prohibits them from <br /> committing in writing to having funding available for the County project as the <br /> funds come from a competitive program at Mn/DOT. Mr. McBride did tell staff <br /> that Mn/DOT would do everything it could to help the County with the Lexington <br /> Avenue improvements. Staff asked Mr. McBride to call Jim Tolaas to discuss <br /> this and then ask Mr. Tolaas to call the City. Staff did receive a phone call from <br /> Mr. Tolaas stating he talked to Mr. McBride and that the County is fully <br /> committed to making the necessary improvements to Lexington Ave and they feel <br /> Mn/DOT will help with funding. <br /> 5. Condition #7 deals with making improvements to the Lexington Avenue Bridge <br /> to lengthen the left turn lanes. Mn/DOT has committed to making this change <br /> including the adjustments to the signal systems at each end of the bridge and to do <br /> the work concurrent with the interchange project and to totally fund it with <br /> Trunck Highway dollars. This is an estimated$400,000 project. <br /> 6. On Condition #14, dealing with the County Road E Bridge, Mn/DOT states the <br /> bridge could be advance constructed and commits to working with the County and <br /> City to develop the project. Ramsey County's letter indicates they are working <br /> with Mn/DOT on the project, will be applying for STP funding and the <br /> application will include the pedestrian facilities the City sought in 2009. <br /> Staff believes that Mn/DOT has moved a significant amount from their original response <br /> to the City's 14 conditions. In fact, Staff believes this is the best deal we are likely to get <br /> with the commitment to making bridge improvements and getting potential assistance <br /> with the funding of County improvements on Lexington Avenue. <br /> Staff would like direction from the City Council regarding the noise wall and whether or <br /> not Mn/DOT's current response is acceptable for granting Municipal Consent. <br /> City Council Meeting <br /> P:\Admin\CouncillAgendas&Packet Information120 1 113-2 1-1 1 Worksession\Packet Informationl3-21-11 I-694memo.doc <br /> Page 2 of 2 <br />