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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — DECEMBER 16, 2019 4 Councilmember Holden commented she would like to understand if the residents could be assessed for this expense. She feared how the City could be impacted by future requests for noise walls if the City were to pay 10% for this project, but would not support other similar requests. Interim Public Works Director/City Engineer Blomstrom reported the City Council would have to pass a Resolution if the City wanted to pursue a noise wall for this area. Councilmember Holden asked if all 24 homes along Lakeshore Drive wanted the noise wall. Mayor Grant stated he has talked to residents who have talked to their neighbors and have voiced a need for a noise wall. Councilmember Holmes questioned how the noise wall locations were selected. Interim Public Works Director/City Engineer Blomstrom reported there were two programs used for noise walls. He discussed noise wall installations for federally funded highway expansion projects and the MnDOT Metro Standalone Noise Barrier Program to retrofit areas that exceed noise level criteria. Councilmember Holmes asked how much a sound wall along the Glen Paul neighborhood would be. Interim Public Works Director/City Engineer Blomstrom estimated this would be $1.9 million. Councilmember Holmes stated she did not see how the City could approve or apply for one and not the other. She commented unfortunately, the Council recently approved the 2020 budget and funds were not allocated for a noise wall. Interim Public Works Director/City Engineer Blomstrom suggested the Council survey the neighbors to see if there was support for a noise wall prior to beginning the application process. Councilmember Holden commented on how a noise wall would impact the view of the neighbors living adjacent to Lakeshore Drive. She thought it would be difficult for the Council to take action on this item in 2020 and the Council may have to wait until 2021. Councilmember Scott supported the City submitting an application. Councilmember Holmes stated she believed the noise walls were a good idea, but recommended the residents be contacted first. She recommended the City speak with the residents and pursue this project in September of 2020 with the project being done in 2021. Councilmember Holden agreed with this recommendation and stated she would also like to better understand if the City can assess for noise walls.