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ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — JUNE 23, 2025 2 Mayor Pro Tem Monson said we generally understand there is some sound coming from Building 14. There were other mitigation steps taken in the past. This is one more mitigation strategy for a noise barrier. Larson confirmed. He said the goal is to do something they have not been able to accomplish in the past. There have been incremental things with each project that have been an attempt to solve issues. They have been testing this idea for the past six months. They propose to build a noise barrier to the north and to the west, approximately 15 feet back from the property line. It varies in height, dependent on the topography of the site. This is a concept, at this time. They have looked at structural concerns so this will last a long time. They have had discussion on what the right height and configuration of the wall should be. Councilmember Holden said after previous mitigations, the noise level is not out of compliance. Doerr confirmed. They are meeting all standards and requirements now. There are smaller noise mitigations they could do but this will be a significant reduction. This proposal is above and beyond what is required because they want to be good corporate citizens. Councilmember Holden asked if they planned to build something else next to Building 14. Doerr said there are currently no plans to expand. Boston Scientific is always developing and growing, so she can't say there won't ever be improvements. This concept builds Boston Scientific a buffer if they wanted to expand later, but there are no plans for expansion, at this time. Larson said that is true based on the PUD in place. There are no projected additions planned adjacent to Building 14 or north of it. There isn't room between the property line and the building. Decibel levels are difficult to put a tangible description on. The level of reduction that this will create will be very noticeable. It will reduce the nuisance noises. Councilmember Weber asked for clarification that this will be a PUD amendment. Senior Planner Fransen confirmed. Doerr said Boston Scientific is always looking to improve and are open to ideas for future development while remaining good corporate citizens. The noise barrier will reduce the noise level but Boston Scientific is also always looking for ways to lower their carbon footprint globally. That requires infrastructure changes to the roof and on the building. They don't know exactly what those future improvements may be. Most of it is reducing sound with the different HVAC units on the roof. This wall will provide a buffer in the future if changes are needed in order to meet their global decarbonization efforts. They are always looking for ways to improve the health of patients and the health of the community they are embedded in. There are smaller efforts that could be done but they believe this concept is a slam dunk for Boston Scientific and Arden Hills. They minimize the nuisance noises, like trucks loading, as best they can. The main purpose of this wall is to minimize noises for the neighbors but they also want it to be tastefully constructed. They want it to be beautiful for the neighbors who live there, as well as, the residents who use that trail. She said the landscape is intended to look natural. They will enhance what exists by adding some native plants that will grow well there.