Agenda - Council Work Session - 10/12/2010

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION Topic Report: Update on the Noise Wall Analysis for the CSAH 116 (Bunker Lake Boulevard) Reconstruction Project, between Basalt to Germanium Streets By: Tim Himmer, City Engineer City of RAMSEY Background: City staff has been working with the Anoka County Highway Department since 2008 on the design of a reconstruction project for Bunker Lake Boulevard (CSAH 116) between Germanium and Basalt Streets, which is currently scheduled for construction in 2011. Council approved the Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) for this project on March 23, 2010 contingent on the City receiving a % access at Bunker Lake Boulevard and Unity Street, which was subsequently approved by Anoka County. One of the components studied in the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the project was noise considerations. Many receptors were placed throughout the project area to determine the locations that may be eligible for the construction of noise walls that would mitigate the increased traffic noise that may be associated with the project. Five areas were determined to be eligible along the corridor as it relates to federal noise standards, of which three met the cost - effectiveness criteria. Anoka County will be holding an open house on October 20, 2010 in the Alexander Ramsey Room to present information to the residents that would be eligible for the noise wall mitigation. Federal rules require that the affected residents get to vote to determine whether they would like the noise wall to be constructed. It is solely the impacted residents that will determine whether the walls will be constructed; the City has no vote in the matter, and limited recourse in factoring into them final decision. Estimated costs for the noise walls were included in the JPA at approximately $245,000, of which all are City costs. Current estimates, based upon a recently completed noise wall constructed elsewhere in Anoka County, are $243,000. Action Statement: This item is strictly for informational purposes, and to make Council aware of the obligations related to . noise mitigation on this project. Council may also want to consider attending the meeting if they have additional questions or comments related to this matter, or would like to hear first hand from the residents what their thoughts are. Attachments: Noise analysis informational handout Letter and ballot being sent to impacted residents Noise receptor sites analyzed Potential noise wall locations Reviewed by: City Administrator Director of Public Wor /Principal City Engineer CCWS: 10/12/10