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. . e ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION MINUTES APRIL 18,2005 5 Councilmember Holden recalled that the original proposal called for an irrigation system and the cost estimate was too high. City Engineer Brown said that an irrigation system could be installed at a later date. Councilmember Larson asked if the contractor would be responsible for maintaining the plants during the warranty period. Ms. Ryan suggested that the City consider installing a water service connection at each flower bed, Mr, Brown said that the City should avoid having trucks in the Highway 96 median. It could be a safety concern for the maintenance workers, City Administrator Wolfe recapped the discussion regarding the landscaping options along Highway 96, . City Engineer will obtain bids for different types of irrigation systems or other water options; . City Council is agreeable to planting group A proposal; . URS will work with Ramsey County to determine which tree species would work best in the Highway 96 median area. Mr. Jim Tolaas also provided the City Council with an update on the Lexington Avenue reconstruction project. Construction is scheduled to begin in mid-May. At this time, five property owners have yet to agree to sell right-of-way settlements for this project. Emminent domain hearings are tentatively scheduled for June 4th Ramsey County believes that they could settle with four out of the five property owners at this time. Hopefully an equitable solution can be reached. In the end, the City may have to spend more money for property acquisition than originally anticipated, Also, a temporary eascment and permanent easement for a new wall and fence in the Karth Lake area will be necessary. The estimated life expectancy for this fence is 75 years. This project is scheduled to be completed within one calendar year. Front Porch Ordinance City Planner Peter Hellegers noted tllat the setback exception for front porches was brought before the City Council at the April II th meeting. The ordinance was tabled by the City Council after members expressed concern about the proposed construction materials for front porches and the setback requirements. Councilmembers also expressed some concerns about allowing three season porches to be enclosed with windows or full lite doors. A concern was that the enclosed porch may detract from the sight lines and feel of the neighborhood homes or streets. The currently proposed language would effect the sctback distance to the property lines. The proposed language would allow porches to extend up to ten (10) feet into the front yard or side yard, but limiting the setback to 30 feet. The existing side yard setback regulations would still 5