04-14-2004 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL APRLL, 14, 2004 necessary to warrant its construction. Pafko reported that the density proposed in the preliminary plat is too low, plus the topography is such that a noise wall would not achieve a 5-decibel noise reduction. Paflco indicated that approximately 118 feet of noise wall can be construction extending the wall from Vadnais Heights into Little Canada. However, the entire connection is not warranted. Paflco reported that he will be working with the City of Vadnais Heights on the issue of final plat approval by some time in 2006 to warrant the noise wall adjacent to their portion of this area. Pafko reviewed the Deletions portion of the issues list and agreed that the City can request the noise wall deletions listed. He noted, however, that there may be an environmental justice issue with the wall proposed in front of the Quebec Apartments, and it may not be possible to eliminate that wall. Paflco reviewed the Design portion of the issues list and agreed that Little Canada can have input on design standards such as color treatments and wood lathing. Pafko stated that design details would be worked out with the City between now and July I". The City Administrator noted that the I-694 Aesthetic Guidelines calls for somejogging of the walls as well as installing some bays. Pafko reported that they typically run the walls along the existing topography and provide for jogging and bays. This is a design element that Little Canada can provide input on. The Administrator pointed out that there is an estimated $650,000 for landscaping along the noise wa]Is and that the City of Vadnais Heights has indicated that they would like landscaping to occw on the freeway side of the walls. The Administrator suggested that a portion of this landscaping also occur between the noise walls and County Road D to provide for improved aesthetics from the County Road Dright-of--way. Paflco reported that MN DOT projects are typically allocated I % of the cost of grading and surface work for landscaping. Paflco reported that he has been unable to get these landscaping dollars allocated for 2008, so at this point there are no landscaping dollars allocated for the project. Pafko reported that he is continuing to work on this issue, and suggested that if project bids come in under estimate, he may be able to get the landscaping dollars allocated. He noted that typically la~~dscaping is done after project completion so as not to interfere with the project itself. Unweave the Weave is scheduled for completion in 2007, therefore, 2008 would be the landscape schedule. 4