Minutes - Council Work Session - 03/30/2004

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Councilmember Elvig retm'ned to his seat on the Council at 7:19 p.m. Mayor Gamec left the meeting at 7:19 p.m. Councilmember Zimmerman presided as Mayor Pro Tern at 7:19 p.m. 3) Transportation Corridor Sound Mitigation Associate Planner Wald explained prior to the City Council review of the preliminary plat of Rivenwick 4'~ Addition, staff would like to discuss how to address appropriate sound mitigation requirements along State Highway #10. MnDOT submitted a letter to the City stating that it is the City's responsibility to assess the noise situation and take the action deemed necessary to minimize the impact of highway noise. The City engaged the services of SRF to complete a sound mitigation study and in the report it states that in order to meet the MPCA's noise decibel standards, a 15 foot high sound barrier that runs 1300 feet in length would need to be constructed. However, SRF does point out in their report that Highway #10 is located within the Interregional Corridor Study and that based on preliminary design concepts it is likely that Highway #10 will be shifted north someday. The sound mitigation study performed by SRF was based on existing conditions along Highway #10 and did not factor in any future alignment. Associatc Planner Wald stated the developer has submitted a letter stating the actions they have taken to address the noise factor of a residential development located adjacent to a state highxvay. Staff would like to discuss viable options that meet the City's responsibility in assessing noise situations when a residential development is located adjacent to a state highway and still provides the opportunity for a high quality residential development to be constructed. If the Council is interested in some type of deviation, staff would like to discus how the Council would like to approach this. Mayor Pro Tern Zimmerman questioned if the City is liable if they deviate from the standards. Associate Planner Wald replied the City is responsible for taking measures to address noise along state highways. If there are complaints about noise along Highway #10 they will need to have background of what was done to address the noise. If MnDOT initiates a project they will address the noise issue, but until that point the City is responsible. Assistant Public Works Director Olson advised it is expected if there was a state initiated project with a development directly adjacent to it, MnDOT would not address noise as a concern of mitigation if the City did not do anything. Councihncmber Strommen stated she would be uncomfortable creating standards below MPCA standards. Associate Planner Wald replied in this case she might argue a little on the other side because of the planned change in Highway #10 and the aesthetics of a 15 foot sound barrier. Councilmember Strommen noted that changes to Highway #10 will not likely happen for several years. City Council Work Session/March 30, 2004 Page 7 of 12