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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—JANUARY 21, 2014 4 Councilmember Holmes expressed concern with the lighting on the County Road E bridge. She was not concerned with decorative lighting at these intersections, but recommended the lighting be improved in this area. Public Works Director Maurer recommended the City work with Xcel Energy on the lights as this would be less expensive than the City installing and maintaining its own light poles. He stated that he would discuss this issue with the County as well. Councilmember Werner questioned how traffic would flow through the City while the bridge is out. Public Works Director Maurer indicated that traffic would be rerouted through the City for a time while the bridge is out. Further discussion ensued regarding traffic flow and emergency services, and how this would work with the bridge being out. Mayor Grant asked if the Council was comfortable with the bridge layout as proposed by MnDOT. i The Council supported the plan as presented by MnDOT. Public Works Director Maurer discussed the preliminary landscaping plan MnDOT has prepared for the 1-694 corridor that will follow the recent construction. He reported MnDOT has budgeted $200,000 for this project and it is scheduled for an August 2014 letting with planting occurring in the spring of 2015. Public Works Director Maurer stated that the Council placed a $5,000 item in the 2014 CIP should they want to make additions to the MnDOT landscaping project. MnDOT would need a decision on any additions within the next 45-60 days to get this into the final plan. MnDOT has estimated that additional trees, if added to the project, would cost between $275 and $375 depending on the variety of tree. Therefore, with a $5,000 budget, approximately 15 trees could be added. He requested direction from the Council on how to proceed. Councilmember McClung stated that plantings in the Briarknoll area were the main concern. He questioned how additional tree plantings would impact this area. Public Works Director Maurer explained that additional trees would provide more of an aesthetic appeal, but would not fully screen the neighborhood from the roadway. Mayor Grant recommended that this landscaping information be placed on the City's website. Public Works Director Maurer commented that this information could be posted by staff. Councilmember Holden expressed concern with the noise level for the residents living on Norma Circle.