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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—MARCH 21, 2011 S <br /> 3.0 Grants for Parks, Trails and Recreation and Overall Regional Trail Analysis <br /> Committee Chair Scott stated since the 2002 Parks and Open Space Plan was developed, the <br /> PTRC has maintained a list of potential trail segments for development and these priorities are <br /> reviewed annually. He explained they would like to discuss priorities with Council regarding <br /> grant opportunities as well as the importance of an overall regional trail analysis. He reviewed an _ <br /> Arden Hills Pathway map provided to the Council. <br /> Mayor Grant encouraged the PTRC to seek grants for all levels of trails as the Council is open to <br /> opportunities to stretch City funds. He pointed out that the Safe Routes to School trail is very <br /> well used and is a benefit to the community. <br /> Councilmember Holden suggested that the PTRC meet with our Public Works Director to <br /> identify costs related to each of their priority projects as the cost could be an important factor. - <br /> Committee Member Kramlinger questioned if cheaper trails could be built to save costs; such as <br /> using crushed limestone instead of a paved surface. <br /> Parks & Recreation Manager Olson explained that when grant dollars are used, ADA <br /> compliance is mandatory and, therefore, the non-paved surface would not comply. <br /> Councilmember Tamble commented that the unfinished surfaces would be difficult to maintain <br /> in the winter. <br /> Mayor Grant thanked the PTRC members for their participation in the joint work session and the <br /> Council returned to their discussion on Agenda Item 2.D. <br /> 2.D 1-6941 TH51 Interchange Project <br /> Public Works Director Maurer explained that according to MnDOT, there weren't enough noise <br /> reduction benefits to justify the cost of the noise wall but they have committed to covering <br /> $1,050,000 of the cost of the noise wall with the remaining $475,000 to be the City's <br /> responsibility. He explained that there must be at least a 5 decibel reduction per property which is <br /> then measured against the cost of the wall to determine if the cost is justifiable. Under the new <br /> Federal law, he explained, this wall would never be proposed because it does not meet the cost- <br /> effective criteria. <br /> Councilmember Holden questioned how the City would come up with the $475,000 balance. <br /> There was some discussion about assessments and how many homes would actually benefit from <br /> the noise wall. <br /> Public Works Director Maurer stated only 30 homes would actually benefit (per MnDOT <br /> funding policy) and as far as assessments, that would be difficult in this situation because the <br /> benefit of the noise wall varies from one property to the next. <br />