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MINUTES <br />CITY COUNCIL <br />NOVEMBER 28, 2012 <br />MN DOT Blesener opened the public hearing to consider the granting of <br />PROJECT — municipal consent for MN DOT Project #SP 6280 -367, the addition <br />MN PASS of a MNPASS lane in each direction on I -35E from Maryland Avenue <br />LANE to Little Canada Road. <br />Jennie Read, MN DOT, appeared before the Council reporting that MN <br />DOT is requesting municipal consent for their MNPASS project as it <br />extends through Little Canada. Read presented an overview of the entire <br />project scope as well as a summary of the work that will be done on 135E <br />in Little Canada. Essentially, the project involves the addition of a center <br />high occupancy toll lane that can be used by buses, car poolers, and <br />single- occupancy vehicles for a fee. The project will also include bridge <br />replacements, lane additions in designated areas, noise barrier additions, <br />and an unbonded overlay of lane surfaces. <br />With regard to noise barriers, Read reported that MN DOT sent out ballots <br />to impacted property owners to determine support for additional noise <br />barriers. Read reported that the results show support for the noise barriers <br />except in the Viking Drive area. Read stated that it was her understanding <br />that the City was going to verify the results of MN DOT's balloting <br />process. <br />Read presented some concept diagrams of proposed noise barriers as well <br />as bridge aesthetics. <br />With regard to traffic impacts resulting from this project, Read indicated <br />that this will be a design /build project and MN DOT is still working <br />through those issues. During the 2014 construction season, I35E will have <br />two lanes open on the southbound side, and during 2015 there will be 3 <br />lanes open on the northbound side. There will be some ramp closures, <br />with the biggest impact at Highway 36. Read reported that the Little <br />Canada Road southbound ramp onto I35E will be closed, and MN DOT is <br />currently working through scenarios to minimize the impact of this <br />closure. <br />Blesener reported that the Council held a workshop with MN DOT on <br />November 19 °i at which time it reviewed a list of conditions that the City <br />is proposing in exchange for municipal consent. Blesener reported that the <br />City Administrator recently met with the Cities of St. Paul and <br />Maplewood as well as with Ramsey County to discuss shared concerns <br />related to this project. <br />The City Administrator reviewed his memo dated November 28, 2012 <br />which outlines the list of conditions that the City discussed with MN DOT <br />3 <br />