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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL – JULY 25, 2016 5 Councilmember Holmes indicated she lived in the Valentine Hills neighborhood as well and understood a sound wall would not assist with the noise situation. Dave Cmiel, 1861 West Highway 96, stated he was representing the East Round Lake neighborhood. He explained he lived 100 feet from the freeway. He took issue with Mr. Lindeberg’s comments regarding the actual noise levels within his neighborhood. He discussed a survey that was completed regarding a noise wall and stated all of his neighbors supported a noise wall. He recommended the City not grant municipal consent until a noise wall along his neighborhood be reconsidered given the fact Highway 10 would have increased traffic once TCAAP was complete. Mayor Grant requested further information on how US10 would be impacted through the I-35W project. Mr. Lindeberg discussed the future plans for US10. He stated noise walls along this roadway have been investigated in the past; however, they have not proven to be cost effective in order to be constructed. Mayor Grant asked if the proposed project would be adding more capacity to US10. Mr. Lindeberg was uncertain if more capacity would be added to US10, but would reduce the timeframe from which traffic was moving along this roadway. He then described the future plans for US10 diagonal, noting one additional lane may be added in the next 10 years. He did not believe this additional lane would add capacity, but rather would improve the flow of traffic. Mayor Grant questioned if the noise levels at US10 and Highway 96 have been restudied after the Highway 96 project was completed. Mr. Lindeberg stated this had not been done. Mr. Cmiel discussed the I-694 project and how this had affected his neighborhood. He reported the SEH findings stated a noise wall was warranted and justified for his neighborhood. He recalled that an independent firm was hired on behalf of the Briar Knoll neighborhood at the suggestion of Councilmember Holmes. At that time, it was determined a sound wall would not work for the Briar Knoll neighborhood. He questioned why the East Round Lake Neighborhood was not receiving the same reconsideration and asked why an independent consultant had not been hired to assist with an independent sound wall study. He encouraged the Council to be fair and consider how much his neighborhood has suffered. He reiterated the fact that his home was built prior to the freeway being in place. Councilmember Holden questioned why the East Round Lake Neighborhood did not qualify for a sound wall. Mr. Lindeberg stated this neighborhood lacked the proper density in order to meet MnDOT’s cost/benefit ratio. Councilmember Holden asked if an independent study were completed if this would assist the East Round Lake area in getting a sound wall.