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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — June 1, 2011 12 7.B. Tree Inventory (continued) Associates and the Hiring of One Additional Seasonal Maintenance Worker at a Total Cost Not to exceed $10,100. The motion carried unanimously (5 -0). S. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. I- 694/TH51 Proposed Project a. Consider Municipal Consent b. Consider Noise Wall Public Works Director Terry Maurer stated on October 25, 2010, the City Council adopted Resolution 2010 -052 Disapproving the Final Layout of I- 694/TH 51 with Conditions. There were 14 conditions attached to that resolution. Since that time there have been ongoing negotiations with Mn/DOT regarding the conditions and on April 19, 2011, the Appeal Board held their meeting at which Mn/DOT and the City made presentations outlining their respective positions. At the close of the City presentation we outlined three issues that the City felt were still unresolved. These included an earth berm analysis to be performed by Mn/DOT detailing the opportunities to use excess material generated on the project to construct an earth berm along the south side of I -694. The second item was a peer review of the noise analysis that lead to the cost split proposed by Mn/DOT. The final item was an in -depth analysis of the pedestrian crossing opportunities of I -694 at TH 51. Mn/DOT agreed to the first two items so the Appeal Board gave both sides until May 6, 2011, to work towards resolving all issues before the Board prepared their written findings. City Staff and Mn/DOT staff worked towards resolving the remaining issues. Mn/DOT has completed the berm analysis and the potential tree loss to construct the berm. Mn/DOT will be looking for direction from the City on whether or not to include the berm in the construction plan. After a full review of the noise analysis it is the City's consultant, Chris Chromy's and Mr. Maurer's opinion that the noise analysis and cost split were completed accurately. Mn/DOT will be looking for direction from the City regarding the City's willingness to fund $475,000 for the construction of a 4,000 -foot long, 20 -foot high noise wall. Councilmember Holden asked what the City gained by going through the mediation and appeal processes. Public Works Director Maurer stated the biggest things the City has gained is the $1.5 million in additional commitments for Lexington Avenue and the bridge, the widening of the bridge to accommodate a pedestrian crossing, the berming, and the County Road E bridge improvements. The City did not get the sound walls paid in full as they had requested or pedestrian crossings over I -694. Mn/DOT agreed to a cost split on the sound walls based on their policies and precedents. This resulted in the City being responsible for $475,000 of the $1.5 million for the sound walls, if the City chooses to proceed with the sound walls. If there is no decision made by the City regarding the sound walls, Mn/DOT may choose to withdraw this offer. Councilmember Holmes asked if the berm would solve the noise issues in this area. Public Works Director Maurer stated according to Mn/DOT, the berm would not provide noise abatement or a decrease in the noise level of 5 decibels or more. The berm will provide a visual