09-19-11 Draft Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—SEPTEMBER 19, 2011 11 of US 10 will actually be lower which should be beneficial. MnDOT also claimed there isn't a sufficient accident history in that area indicating a problem. Mr. Lux also pointed out that because of the changes being made; the traffic on US 10 will no longer be starting and stopping in that area which should reduce traffic noise. Councilmember Holden stated she has four issues she would like to see considered: - The City and County agree to the staging of these projects. - Complete another review of the noise wall analysis. - The addition of a fence, something on top of the retaining wall,to mitigate the car lights. - Reduce the speed limit proposed for US 10. Mr. Lux recommended that instead of requesting a change in speed limit that the City may want to request a speed study. Mr. Tolaas added that MnDOT sets the speed limits and any change in the speed limit would be done as a part of a speed study. The County has no control over speed limits. He also stated he does not think MnDOT can raise the speed limit above 55 mph on this segment of US 10 because of its classification. Councilmember Holden was concerned that just requesting a speed survey does not mean that MnDOT will actually do one. • Mr. Lux explained that if there is a County Board resolution requesting a speed survey, it will be done. Councilmember Holden asked if the City is granting Municipal Consent to the County and MnDOT. Mr. Tolaas responded this is a County project so the Municipal Consent is to the County. He explained that because the County is working on a trunk highway, and if the State were doing the work they would have to request Municipal Consent so the County decided since they are acting as an agent of the State on this project,they should request Municipal Consent. Councilmember Holden commented that this project involves US 10 and Highway 96 and the Council can comment on concerns related to US 10. Public Works Director Maurer commented that the County is following the statute for Municipal Consent and that statute says that the City can make comments regarding the area of construction only. He stated this project does include US 10 because they are building the bridges and off-ramps on US 10, but it does not affect the whole stretch of US 10. He added that the Appeal Board would not consider any items that were not within the project area, such as the speed study on US 10. He then suggested the Council consider asking for a barrier on top of the retaining wall greater than 38 inches in height. Council consensus was not to add a condition requesting a speed study.