12-19-2012 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL DECEMBER 19, 2012 Mr. Will Marsh, 206 Australian Avenue, appeared before the Council relative to the MN PASS Lane project. Marsh indicated that he was pleased that MN DOT was going to put up sound walls as part of this project. His concern was relative to the terminus, profile, and length of the wall on the west side of 35E up to Little Canada Road. Marsh pointed out that Gopher Electronics does not want to have a 20 foot high wall in front of their building. Marsh felt that rather than terminate the wall at the Gopher building, it would be preferable to have a 6 or 8 foot high wall in that location. Marsh was also concerned that there was a comparable wall on the east side of the freeway to balance out the aesthetics on both sides. The City Administrator indicated that MN DOT has reported that it will step down the sound wall at the mid -point of the Gopher building. He noted that one of the proposed conditions of municipal consent for this project is that MN DOT coordinate a solution for the sound walls relative to the competing interests. The Administrator reported that Jennie Read of MN DOT has indicated that they have two options. The Administrator indicated, however, that he has not seen these options. Marsh indicated that continuing the wall along the Gopher property, even with a lowered profile, will give the Australian Avenue residents some relief. The Administrator again noted that a solution relative to the sound wall will be a condition of municipal consent. The Administrator indicated that he will ask MN DOT to bring the sound wall plan options to the special meeting on December 27°i. Kong Vang, 319 Savage Lane, reported that he lives on the east side of the freeway adjacent to Savage Lake. Blesener reported that a sound wall will be added to that area. Montour noted that it is only along Viking Drive that adjacent property owners opted out of the sound wall. Blesener indicated that City staff will obtain copies of the sound wall options and will forward them to Mr. Marsh. APPOINT- Blesener reported that he and Council Member McGraw and the Vice MENTS TO Chair of the Parks & Recreation Commission interviewed applicants for PARKS & the two vacancies on the Commission. The Vice Chair was on the RECREATION interview committee as the term of the Chair was expiring and she had COMMISSION applied for reappointment. Blesener reported that the City received applications from some very dynamic individuals. McGraw felt that the interview process was very worthwhile, and suggested that the entire Council conduct these interviews in the future. At this point, the Council voted by ballot for the two appointments. The applicants considered were Melissa Bechon, Linda Fahey, Katie 11