Minutes - Public Works Committee - 09/19/2000

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outside the MnDOT right-of-way, it would become the City's property and responsibility for future maintenance. If the wall were placed within the right-of-way it would not be effective in reducing noise and traffic visibility. Staff recommended that the Committee recommend to City Council that it enter into a supplemental agreement with MnDOT for the construction of a noise wall a top the berm along Trunk Highway #47 from 149th Avenue NW south to the wetland. Councilmember Zimmerman inquired if the wall were to be constructed outside of the MnDOT right-of-way wouldn't it be being built on private property. City Engineer Jankowski explained that the wall would be constructed within the City park land. He also noted that the City could still landscape the area along the wall. Kara Douglas, 14840 Argon Street, Ramsey, questioned the location of the proposed wall. City Engineer Jankowski explained that the wall would start at approximately C.R. #5 and continue up to 149th Avenue. Dennis Peterson, 15070 Cobalt Street, Ramsey, stated that the berm that existed behind his home has for the most part been removed by the construction. The small amount ofberming that does exist is only one to two feet high, so constructing a six foot fence on top of a one foot berm would not block the residents from the noise and viewing of the traffic. He explained that he recently constructed a six foot fence in his backyard and he can still view the cars along T.H. #47. City Engineer Jankowski reviewed the layout of the new road and indicated where the roadway has increased in height. He noted that the area that Mr. Peterson is referring to has been raised to a much lesser degree than other areas along T.H. #47. Councilmember Hendriksen noted that there were seven households present at the meeting that were concerned about the berm north of 149th Avenue. City Engineer Jankowski stated that once the final grade is complete the plans indicate that the berm would be reduced by a foot and a half or two feet from the existing six feet. Mr. Peterson replied that all the material that was there for the berm has been removed. Councihnembcr Zimmerman directed the Director of Public Works and the City Engineer to work with the residents regarding the issue and then bring back a recommendation to the Committee. Nathan Schmitz, 15180 Cobalt Street, Ramsey, stated that his concern is what happens for the residents north of 149th Avenue. The road has been widened and trees have been removed from the area. He has constructed a six foot fence himself on his property, but has received very little benefit by doing so. Public Works Committee/September 19, 2000 Page 2 of 13