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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION – JANUARY 21, 2014 3 Councilmember Holmes questioned if the City needs to install rain gardens on the TCAAP property. Public Works Director Maurer reported that rain gardens are mostly used in reconstruction projects to assist in managing water runoff. He anticipated that rain gardens will not be installed on the TCAAP site. He reported that rain gardens are a requirement from the Rice Creek Watershed. The special projects planned for 2014 were then reviewed. Mayor Grant thanked the Public Works Department for their presentation this evening. He is pleased with the growing efficiencies that have been taken on by the department along with the great work completed by the crew. He understands that water and sewer services are taken for granted and he appreciates all of the hard work the Public Works Department accomplishes each and every day. B.County Road E Bridge Over TH 51 / I-694 MnDOT Landscaping Project Public Works Director Maurer presented the Council with information on the current MnDOT layout for the County Road E Bridge over TH 51. A small scale drawing was reviewed. The layout shows three 12 foot lanes – one in each direction and a center left turn lane. In addition, there would be a six foot shoulder on the north side, a six foot shoulder on the south side and a 10 foot raised pedestrian facility on the south side. Public Works Director Maurer explained that no formal approvals are needed from the City, however if the City wants to add anything to the design, such as a pedestrian facility on the north side, it can be added as long as the City is willing to pay for the cost of the additions. For budgeting purposes, MnDOT estimates the bridge cost at $150 per square foot. He recommended the bridge remain as proposed by MnDOT without an additional pedestrian facility on the north side of the bridge. City Administrator Klaers asked how pedestrians would cross from one side of the roadway to the other in order to cross the bridge. Public Works Director Maurer explained that there would be crosswalks at the lights before and after the bridge in order to allow for pedestrians to cross County Road E. Councilmember Holmes commented that she has seen pedestrians walking on the north side of the bridge. She asked if there would be any space along the north side for pedestrians. Public Works Director Maurer reported that the north side of the bridge would have a six foot shoulder, which is an improvement over the two foot shoulder that is currently present. Mayor Grant expressed concern with how emergency services would be provided to the west side of the City while the bridge is out. Public Works Director Maurer commented that he will address this concern with the Fire Chief or the Fire Marshall.