Minutes - Council Work Session - 03/30/2004

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still make this economically feasible. He stated if a fence is put up along the entire length or portion where the units are closest to the highway and it is not 15 feet high, it means they are cutting off the sound six to eight feet above the ground. The question really is if it is okay to cut if off 15 feet above the ground. He explained Mr. Shulte had indicated MnDOT had expressed that they were most concerned about that sound outside the five foot level. As the developers, they would like to be able to explore that, which might get at some of what the Council is asking, and meet the standard as best as possible. The standard might not be met up in the air, but may be met inside and where people would be enjoying their yards. He stated they do not have room on the property for additional berming. He noted there is ponding in front and asked if the City would consider relaxing the engineering standards that call for a 4 to 1 slope to the pond. If a 3 to 1 slope could be done they could berm and slightly elevate it. Associate Planner Wald indicated staff will look at the options and bring a case back to the Council with the preliminary plat that includes phasing options. She stated the developer has provided a great landscaping plan that staff has reviewed. The trees that are planned are salt tolerable and are planned at six feet high. There may be an option of including 10 or 12 foot trees immediately, and those are the types of options she would like to explore. There was discussion of breaking up the wall and utilizing different sound mitigation methods of vegetation and setbacks. Associate Planner Wald advised 100 feet of dense evergreens would be required by MPCA standards to reduce the sound, but MPCA standards would not be met solely on vegetation. Mayor Pro Tern Zimmerman noted some of the Councilmembers are opposed to reducing the standard, but the Council will look at the options determined by staff. Assistant Public Works Director Olson asked if the Council would like the representative from SRF that wrote the review to be present when the Case is presented to the Council. The Council responded in the affirmative. 4) Ramsey Town Center Intersection Details Assistant Public Works Director Olson explained Ramsey Town Center plans have been submitted roi' the MSA streets and the Developer Plat Phase streets. The portion of Sunwood Drive between Rhinestone and Zeolite streets and Rhinestone between Sunwood and East Ramscy Parkway will be constructed of concrete. Zeolite Street is not part of this package, however, it will also be concrete from Sunwood to West Ramsey Parkway. Staff has visited and photographed several different examples of streets and crosswalks, which are included in the Councilmembers' packets for review. Assistant Public Works Director Olson reviewed the following options for the curb to curb areas within Town Center: · Painted crosswalks with MnDOT standard curb ramps City Council Work Session/March 30, 2004 Page 10 of 12