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ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—JULY 27, 2020 4 <br /> B. Sound Barrier Discussion <br /> Public Works Directory/City Engineer Blomstrom provided the Council with an update on the <br /> two noise barrier locations identified in the MnDOT Noise Abatement Study. He explained the <br /> first noise barrier location is on the east side of I-35W from Glenpaul North to the railroad bridge. <br /> He noted the second potential noise barrier location is on the west side of Trunk Highway 10 from <br /> Highway 96 south to Wedgewood Court. He reported that applications for the MnDOT <br /> Standalone Noise Barrier program are due by the end of December. <br /> Public Works Directory/City Engineer Blomstrom stated MnDOT has indicated they can <br /> conduct new noise level readings to determine the cost effectiveness of noise barriers in response <br /> to applications to the noise barrier program. He reported the first noise barrier is currently under <br /> construction with the 35W MNPASS project. He commented the second wall section is still <br /> eligible for application under the noise barrier program. He noted MnDOT funds about one wall <br /> per year and the Trunk Highway 10 wall includes 24 properties and would cost $1.6 million to <br /> complete. It was noted there was a 10% cost share for the City when noise walls were <br /> constructed. <br /> Mayor Grant asked if the City's cost share portion for the Trunk Highway 10 noise wall would <br /> be $160,000. <br /> Public Works Directory/City Engineer Blomstrom reported this would be the case. <br /> Councilmember Holden stated after some investigation, the City Council has learned the City <br /> cannot assess the cost for noise walls to property owners. She commented after speaking with <br /> local legislators it appeared there was a lack of interest in this noise wall given the fact a petition <br /> has not been brought forward and there was a lack of response from Arden Hills residents. <br /> Councilmember McClung questioned if the City had modeling information for Highway <br /> 96/Trunk Highway 10 from MnDOT. <br /> Public Works Directory/City Engineer Blomstrom explained he had discussed this with <br /> MnDOT personnel and noted readings were collected when the signal was at this intersection <br /> prior to the grade separation. At that point, MnDOT would have to reevaluate the intersection and <br /> conduct new readings if the City were to reapply for the sound wall. He stated he could ask <br /> MnDOT to complete the readings prior to the City completing an application. <br /> Mayor Grant questioned what was involved in the application process. <br /> Public Works Directory/City Engineer Blomstrom reported the application process was a <br /> simple two page document that would have to be approved by the City Council. <br /> Mayor Grant recommended the City apply as this would provide the City with proper modeling <br /> and noise levels at this intersection. <br /> Councilmember Holden did not agree. She stated it would be difficult for the City to get 24 <br /> properties to come together on this noise wall. In addition, she explained the City did not have an <br />