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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — DECEMBER 9, 2024 14 Councilmember Holden had the same thought regarding the split fence. She asked how close it would be to the on ramp. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen said it would be on the lower portion of the hill. There is MN -Dot Right of Way there so it would be more on the City's property line. Councilmember Holden said some residents have expressed concern about kids chasing a ball. It would be great to have evergreens, but that won't stop a kicked ball. She thinks a fence will offer more safety. Councilmember Fabel said split rail fences are a lot of work. He strongly recommends against that type of fence. Councilmember Monson asked why they didn't propose chain link. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen said these are the options Bolton and Menk provided. It could be a different kind of fence. Councilmember Monson would love to have native planting or trees but she thinks a chain link fence is a better option. She thought maybe some trees could be planted in front of the fence. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen said that when the donation was made, there was direction to put it towards landscaping, natural barrier. There could be a combination. Councilmember Monson would like to see those options. Councilmember Rousseau asked if they can install the chain link fence that could be removed when the trees mature. Like a 10-year plan. Councilmember Holden said there will still be kids kicking balls. Two -year -olds can walk under pine trees. Councilmember Monson thinks there could be a plan to decommission the fence if repairs are needed and the trees are sufficient for the barrier. Councilmember Holden said a vinyl fence would last longer. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen said that would add to the expense. A chain link fence is at or above what the split rail fence is. Councilmember Monson likes the landscaping but thinks the money should go towards an actual barrier. She wants to make sure the barrier is effective. Mayor Grant likes the idea of landscaping but thinks a chain link fence would be effective. He wondered if our employees would install it. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen said it would be a contract to install it.