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City Engineer Westby replied that the easement ends where the noise wall ends. He stated that <br />this is an undeveloped corridor moving south and there are some trees that provide a buffer as well. <br />Councilmember Musgrove stated that if a sound wall were built on the other side of the trail, they <br />would not be in the right-of-way. <br />City Engineer Westby replied that when you reach the west plat line, MnDOT right-of-way comes <br />into play which is why the wall was constructed in the area it exists. <br />Mr. Bailey stated that when standing on the trail, you can look down on the wall. <br />Chairperson Riley commented that it is a six -foot -tall wall, it is just in a hole. <br />City Engineer Westby commented that the developer believes that the wall covered the homes they <br />constructed, whereas the expectation of the existing residents was that the wall would extend <br />further. He confirmed that the plans were approved by the City in the manner constructed. <br />Councilmember Musgrove thanked the residents for providing input and continuing to express <br />their opinions. She stated that from the beginning the concern of the residents and Planning <br />Commission was that there would need to be a sound wall there. She stated that she agrees that <br />there needs to be a change to how the description is recorded. She noted that the intent was to <br />have a wall similar to the other walls along 47, which are up high and provide a barrier. She stated <br />that she does not feel that it would be worth addressing it more with MnDOT. She stated that there <br />are not funds available. She asked if MnDOT has any future project plans in that corridor that <br />could impact that wall. <br />City Engineer Westby stated that MnDOT only has plans to complete an overlay of the corridor in <br />2027. He stated that when they complete that overlay, they will review whether widening or <br />pedestrian improvements are needed but they do not plan for expansion. He stated that he is not <br />aware of any such improvements, noting that pedestrian improvements were already made at this <br />intersection and Alpine Drive. <br />Councilmember Musgrove commented that posting signs and increasing enforcement would not <br />provide the desired outcome. She asked staff to focus on potential funding and cost estimates to <br />have a sound wall installed that met in the intent of the Planning Commission and City Council. <br />She was unsure how it would look to have two sound walls and was unsure if the developer would <br />be in agreement with the City moving the wall of the developer to the desired location. She asked <br />the typical timing for sound wall installation. <br />City Engineer Westby stated that in terms of timing for a noise wall, it would depend on the <br />circumstances. He noted that generally grading would begin and the noise wall would be installed <br />during that time when utility work is completed. He stated that if the noise study was not <br />completed, the City could go back to the developer and that could provide leverage. <br />Public Works Committee / October 19, 2021 <br />Page 7 of 18 <br />