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Mr. Josh Scheels, landscape architect, described what the interchanges might look like using the <br /> theme from Armstrong. He asked if there is a preference for introducing an architectural element <br /> in the span over the bridge. <br /> Mr. Lonnes noted the renderings are all MSC panels and the structural team is still working with <br /> MNDot on the most cost-effective approach to building the walls. He stated MSC is going to have <br /> a more distinct look as far as matching what was shown. <br /> Mr. Scheels referred to one of the renderings, noting the introduction of accent lighting. He stated <br /> pedestrians want some type of lighting but discussions would have to occur with MNDot to ensure <br /> lighting doesn't impact traffic. He stated there is an opportunity for adding accents to railings. <br /> Councilmember Specht asked if MNDot allows any branding visible to traffic. He commented <br /> that people have said traffic will drive through and not realize they are in Ramsey. He asked if <br /> there could be something that says Ramsey or something similar to Anoka's letter "A" on their <br /> roadways. <br /> Mr. Lonnes replied putting a city's name or letters on railings has been discouraged but shapes and <br /> logos have been acceptable. <br /> Mayor Pro Tem Riley asked about the road name, "Ramsey Blvd." for example. <br /> Mr. Lonnes replied a lot of discussion has occurred around this because the city of Chaska has <br /> their city name across one of their bridges. He stated MNDot has said that was a very unique <br /> exception because of the Rider Cup. He stated if that is something they would like to explore,they <br /> can advance the discussion. <br /> Mayor Pro Tem Riley stated for Armstrong Blvd., when it was being looked at several years ago, <br /> there was some question at the time if the brick would hold up or if it would cause a maintenance <br /> issue. He asked now, eight years later, what the experience has been. <br /> Mr. Lonnes replied Armstrong Boulevard is made up of a couple of types of materials, real full <br /> block bricks and brick textures that have been stained. He stated because there was trouble <br /> matching the colors, everything ended up getting stained. He spoke to MNDot when they were <br /> working on a bridge in Anoka and as far as he knows, everything is holding up well but they are <br /> using a system that is brick veneer instead of full brick blocks. <br /> Mr. Jason Norcut, Anoka County Highway Department, replied he worked on that project and <br /> explained when driving through the City, colors, patterns, and textures are used. He thought <br /> focusing on the top for the pedestrian experience would bring the most dividends. He stated the <br /> driving traffic will recognize Ramsey by round-a-bouts and as they use the frontage roads with <br /> these features. A lot of user experience will be from the frontage roads. He stated at the time a <br /> lot of form liners and pattern brick were used to tie in the old river side of Anoka and the modern <br /> style building, shapes, and colors. He stated that was the previous Council direction but felt it still <br /> holds up and looks good today. He recommended consistency between all three to distinguish <br /> Ramsey. <br /> City Council Work Session/April 26, 2022 <br /> Page 2 of 20 <br />