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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, June 29, 2009 Page 14 install a noise wall on the south side based on MnDOT cost-effectiveness criteria; proposed changes in ramp locations and ground lines that would further serve to reduce some noise levels; and recommendations, based on that analysis, of a 20 foot noise wall along the north side of Highway 36, ultimately affecting 41 resi- dents along that side, with terrain impacts providing additional shielding affects. The proposed location of the wall would be from Western Avenue to in front of Calibre Ridge townhomes, with flexibility provided for the location of the wall based on topography and noise reduction modeling for maximum dBA reductions. Sample construction types and views were presented. Presenters noted that local communities impacted were given an opportunity to approve or deny proposed noise wall construction; and advised of their availabil- ity to respond to questions and/or concerns of the public and City Council. Discussion among Councilmembers and presenters included the need to remove some vegetation and mature trees for construction of the noise wall, with further consideration for retaining as many as possible; costs for noise wall construction built into the project, with no cost to the city; acoustical effectiveness versus the aesthetics of a 20 foot wall; distance variations of first row properties depending on topography and most effective location of the wall; and benefits to those prop- erties in noise level reductions. Further discussion included if property owners needed to be individually surveyed as a next step in the process if there was not a clear indication from tonight's Pub- lic Hearing; and measurement of the 20 feet in relation to the level of the highway depending on topography. Mayor Klausing opened the Public Hearing at 8:04 p.m. to receive public com- ment on the proposed construction of a noise wall along Highway 36 as a part of the Rice Street Interchange Project. Public Comment For the. record, City Manager Malinen noted receipt of mailed, telephone, and/or e-mailed comment for tonight's meeting, with those in favor being 5 in number and those against being 2 in number. Mike Bowden, south side of Highway 36, 311 County Road B Mr. Bowden asked if there would be an increase in noise on the south side of the highway if the noise wall was built on the north side. Mr. Tomlinson responded that MnDOT had performed field studies based on that concern, and responded that there was no noticeable increase to the opposite side with construction of the noise wall; and that the frequency or type of noise could change, but wouldn't increase perceptively.