11-28-2012 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 28, 2012 Montour noted that this is a MN DOT project and the purpose of the second survey is to ensure that property owners understand that once they say no to the sound wall and the project is completed, there will be no way to revisit that issue. Read noted that the MNPASS project is a major project, therefore there will be landscaping dollars available after the fact. Montour commented that his experience with the Unweave the Weave project was not pleasant; therefore, he would like to ensure that all conditions, including landscaping, were identified on the front end. Read commented that MN DOT's practice has been to meet with the community after completion of a project to work out details such as landscaping. McGraw stated that he supported the second survey of Viking Drive property owners to clarify their feelings on the issue of landscaping. McGraw also felt that in lieu of the wall, there should be additional funds directed toward landscaping in this area. Read indicated that at this point she could not make that commitment, noting that the issue is being discussed at MN DOT. Read also stated MN DOT will have one of their landscape architects review this area. McGraw again stated that his position is that MN DOT should direct dollars that would have been used for the sound wall toward additional landscaping. Blesener pointed out that the City had an understanding of things that would happen as part of the Unweave the Weave Project that did not happen. FIe pointed out that the MN PASS Lane project will be a big inconvenience to the citizens of Little Canada for the next two to three years, with little return benefit. Blesener pointed out that the benefit of the MN PASS Lane is primarily for communities north of Little Canada. Blesener also pointed out that the County had planned to do the second phase of the Rice Street project next year, but that project is being delayed at MN DOT's request given Rice Street will be an alternate route while the MN PASS Lane is under construction. With regard to the additional landscaping, the City Administrator pointed out that once a landscape plan is drafted, it can be presented to the Viking Drive residents for the approval of the majority of those residents. Matt Tebbutt, 197 Viking Drive, reported that he confirmed the survey results with MN DOT, and 9 of the 12 property owners voted against the sound wall, while the remaining 3 property owners did not respond. Tebbutt pointed out that this is an overwhelming majority and he saw no reason for an additional survey. Tebbutt asked if the same 12 property owners would be surveyed. The City Administrator replied that they would. 5