Minutes - Council - 04/13/2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councihnember Elvig stated although he does not want a 15 foot sound wall, it is important that the City is not held liable for not requiring the sound wall at a later time. Associate Planner Wald explained the MPCA states it is the City's responsibility to assess noise; they are not saying they have to have a 15 foot wall. To meet the MPCA's decibel level a 15 foot wall would be needed, however, the City can determine a reasonable way to address sound. It would be the City's responsibility to address the complaints. Tom I-lillstrom of SRF stated the MPCA has specified noise standards for both nighttime and daytime periods. Nighttime standards are more restrictive than daytime standards, and they have used the daytime standards in the noise analysis; it is almost impossible to meet the nighttime standards. The standards are exceeded through the whole metro area. The City is not obligated to meet standards, the key is that the City should take all reasonable measures within its jurisdiction to address noise issues. Councihnember Elvig inquired about fencing on top of the retaining wall. Associate Planner Wald explained the property along Highway 10 contains existing ponding, and tls part of ponding requirements the developer is required to construct retaining walls. Staff is suggesting instead of a 15 or 10 foot wall, a fence be constructed along the retaining walls. They may want to construct a 10 foot wall along the units closest to Highway 10. Councihnember Elvig inquired if Mr. Hillstrom feels these are reasonable measures. Mr. Nillstrom replied it is a judgment call. What they have done in the past is to try to meet the daytime standards. If they were to ask the MPCA they would state that they should meet the standards in their entirety, both daytime and nighttime. It is a judgment call. Councihnember Elvig commented he does not think it is reasonable to put up a 15 foot wall, which would make the units not saleable, as the developer has made some reasonable mitigating measures. Mr, Scbultc stated a wall would be totally unacceptable in the commercial area. Thc consensus of the Council was to remove the 15 foot wall from the discussion. Councihnember Kurak distributed pictures of sound walls in Shoreview and Vadnais Heights as an example of different things that can be done to make sound walls more attractive. She commented they may want to construct a "good neighbor fence". Councihnember Pearson asked what the developer would do if he was free to do whatever he wanted. City Council/April 13, 2004 Page 25 of 33