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ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — JUNE 23, 2025 6 wall, as well. Those trees will be replaced per City requirements. That will be something they will discuss with the neighbors, as well. Councilmember Holden asked how the 15-feet of property on the trail side of the wall will be maintained. Evans stated the design intent for that area is consistent with what is there today. It's a native woodland. It is a lot of volunteer species. He can't say if they were planted or just took root. Currently it is wild and natural looking, no one is mowing that area. That is the intent, long term. Councilmember Holden noted it is dark and shady right there. If they remove a bunch of trees, that may change the environment and species that can survive and thrive there with little to no maintenance. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen said installing a wall there will attract more people looking in that direction. If they see something that looks ugly, we will get complaints. He wouldn't want the City fielding calls on a low maintenance planting that actually should be maintained. He could see Buckthorn taking over that area pretty easily. Larson said one of the benefits here would be they will remove that. Councilmember Holden said that it may be a different story ten years from now if they don't maintain it between now and then. Mayor Pro Tem Monson summarized what she has heard. She believes this is a good concept. She asked if any other Councilmembers had any final comments. Councilmember Weber asked about the space around the footings. He asked if they are augered holes. Evans said completing soil borings will be one of the next steps. The soils on campus are fairly poor and they don't expect a miracle here. The assumption they are making is the soils will be similar to what is on the rest of campus. They will use helical pile. They are augered down, into the ground and there is a cluster of them at each post. Councilmember Weber asked if there will be excavation. Evans said there will be some excavation near the footing near the top. He can't say there won't be any excavation along the length of the wall to create a good place for the wall to land. They need the pre -cast concrete panel to engage the ground. There may be some minimal excavation required to get that panel down to the ground. It doesn't have to be a lot but we will want to ensure sound isn't making its way through any gaps at the bottom. Councilmember Weber said those are a standard 8-foot tall panels. At the top of the hill the wall is 8 feet tall. He assumes they need to bury that portion significantly. Evans shared the elevation drawings.