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ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION – DECEMBER 1, 2014 3 Ms. Engum commented that larger roundabouts increase the speed of traffic. She stated that roundabouts do tend to improve safety with slowed traffic. Councilmember Holden inquired what the speed limit would be within the roundabout. Ms. Engum stated that the speed limit would be 20 miles per hour or less. Councilmember Werner discussed a roundabout in Mankato and believed that it served the traffic in the area well. Councilmember McClung verified that the only item that may push the interchange project over budget for the MnDOT provided bridge aesthetics is lighting for the bridge. Ms. Engum stated that this was the case as lighting is expensive and because the bridge would have pedestrian trails on each side. She then discussed the upcoming open house at the Ramsey County Public Works Building. John Horn, Kimley Horn, reviewed grading, stormwater, and road design issues for TCAAP with the Council. He provided the Council with a design update and discussed what could be accomplished within the natural resources corridor. He discussed how the site currently drains and noted that these conditions would remain in place. He stated that the site currently has 14+ acres of wetlands. The various jurisdictions over TCAAP were noted. He commented that the DNR and C of E (US Army Corps of Engineers) has jurisdiction over the wetlands. Councilmember Holden questioned how storm ponds would be sized. Mr. Horn reported that all ponds would be sized to handle a 100-year storm. Further discussion ensued regarding the size, edging and location of wetlands, rain gardens and stormwater ponds. Examples from other communities were shown in a PowerPoint presentation. Mayor Grant recommended that the blue areas on the map be clearly marked between water, wetlands, or park land. Councilmember Holmes requested that the storm pond grading be gradual and not steep. She wanted residents to be able to get close to the water, without having a steep edge. Councilmember McClung discussed the waterways at Centennial Lakes. He requested that staff provide more pictures for the Council to review. He indicated support for a natural edge along the drainage areas. He believed that a meandering creek between two waterways was a desirable amenity. Mayor Grant recommended that the creek area be rocky to ensure that it did not become muddy, swampy and stagnant. He questioned if pond connections would create problems. Councilmember Holmes supported the use of rain gardens in medians as a practical solution for managing water runoff. She did not want the wetland areas to appear like ditches.