Minutes - Public Works Committee - 06/18/2001

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foot to build, based on the unit price of the previous construction. The cost of constructing the wall from Sunwood Drive to the south edge of the wetland would be $181,500. The cost of constructing it continuous to the existing wall would be $307,000. It was also noted that the residences on the west side of T.H. #47 between 149t~ Lane and 152~d Avenue have a similar exposure to the highway as the petitioners. The cost of extending the screening wall to this area would be an additional $303,600. The existing screening wall was constructed atop a three-foot earthen berm, thus providing a visual screen of nine feet. This is sufficient to prevent visual screening of the first floors, and in many cases, even the second floor of the homes from the highway traffic. The petitioner's section of the highway has no curb, but falls at a steep grade from the highway. Because the base of the wall would be lower than the roadway, it would provide significantly less screening than the existing wall. A wall in this location would also interfere with drainage as flow would come off the road and into the wall. Based upon the significant costs, limited screening, and other technical factors, staff recommended that they work with the neighbors on an enhanced landscaping plan as an alternative to a screening wall. Councilmember Zimmerman inquired if the State would assist with funding of the wall. City Engineer Jankowski replied that if the State were consistent with the previous project they would not participate in funding. Nathan Gubbe, 14940 Argon Street NW, Ramsey, stated that his house is much closer to T.H. #47 than the others who have the sound wall. He noted that there is 91 feet from his house to T.H. #47. He stated that if the City is paying $370 a foot for the sound wall, that is astronomical. Recently a tire hit his house. Currently there is a sound wall to the south and north of him, which includes an area that has absolutely no houses behind it for at least 200 feet. So many large trees were moved as part of the T.H. #47 project that the sound levels have increased and the trees that were planted are only two feet tall. City Engineer Jankowski reviewed the location of the existing sound walls. Councilmember Anderson inquired as to why the area in question was not included for the sound wall. City Engineer Jankowski replied that there is no place to put a berm for the wall to be built on. Councilmember Anderson inquired if this segment was the only area that does not have the sound wall. City Engineer Jankowski replied that it is the only area without the sound wall on the east side. City Engineer Olson inquired if Mr. Gubbe felt that planting more trees would help with the problem. : Public Works Committee/June 18, 2001 Page 7 of 13