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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 />