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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL--February 8, 2010 6 7.A. Mn/DOT I694 Project Update (continued) Mr. Lindeberg stated the purpose of the NAC would be to look into the sound issue deeper, such as different lengths of walls or heights of walls in different areas versus looking at it as one wall.He clarified that he is not stating or guaranteeing sound walls would be warranted or feasible in this project. Councilmember Holmes stated it is important for the community to be heard and they do want to understand the process. The residents question the study, the methodology, and the results. She stated that NAC would be invaluable for the residents to get their answers from Mn/DOT. She stated that more than two to four residents should be on the committee because there are different neighborhoods involved with this project. Mr. Lindeberg stated that the Noise 101 would answer several questions that the residents may have in regard to the noise study and how it is done and evaluated. He did caution about having too many people on the committee in order to keep the committee functioning properly. He went on to explain the Environmental Assessment (EA) has been completed. Mn/DOT has worked with the FHWA (Federal Highway Administration) to be sure the correct environmental process has been completed for the bridges. Mayor Harpstead asked if this document was available on-line at Mn/DOT. Mr. Lindeberg stated it was available on-line. Mn/DOT has also been working with its Traffic Engineering group on this project. Some of the work previously completed by Mn/DOT includes traffic forecasts and traffic modeling. These were reassessed because there have been some changes since it was completed. Mn/DOT is also working on the Interstate Access Modification document. This document was substantially completed with the I694 project but was not submitted for approval because they were waiting for the layouts to be developed that were included with the I694 EA. Councilmember McClung asked if there was any documentation available that listed the different assumptions in the traffic forecast that was previously completed and the one being done for this project. Mr. Lindeberg stated he did not believe this document had been done but it would be a good idea to have this available as part of the I694 project. He stated that there is a public open house scheduled for Thursday, February 11, at City Hall to discuss the different concepts that are being reviewed. Mn/DOT would then like to be on the City Council's March 8, 2010 agenda to discuss what was learned at this open house and then hold another open house the week of March 22, which will outline the preferred alternative. Mn/DOT would like to have a strong public process and this would include local group meetings, the NAC process, City Staff/Council updates, and County updates. Mayor Harpstead stated that a meeting should be planned with some of the businesses in this area as well.