Minutes - Council - 10/24/2000 - Laserfiche WebLink

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safety of the path and adjacent properties from vehicles accidentally leaving the roadway. A preliminary phone response to these questions indicated that MnDOT would likely be receptive to expanding the screening wall through the Willow Ridge area. MnDOT indicated that they relied on establishing "clear zones" beyond which the probability of vehicle conflict is deemed to be very slight. The right-of-way line is well beyond .the "clear zone". The Committee recommended that the Willow Ridge neighborhood impacted be sent a mailing which would provide the following information: 1) a map showing the extent of the screening wall relative to lot lines and structures, 2) a cross section illustrating distances and heights fi'om the roadway to the adjacent property lines, 3) a proposed landscaping plan, and 4) digital photos of the style and color of the wall. The letter should solicit comments in support or opposition to any of the above. City Engineer Jankowski stated that MnDOT has agreed to participate with 80 percent of the funding for the screening wall portion between stations 15 & 580 and 14 & 700. This is the segment of highway which had a substantial berm previous to the project. During the October 11, 2000 meeting with the neighborhood, residents had expressed to have the screening wall placed between station 14 & 520 and 14 & 810, a distance of 170 meters further (550 feet) then MnDOT will participate. Staff is estimating the cost of the wall to be about $200.00 per linear meter. The total cost of the screening wall (both north and south of 149t~ Avenue NW) that MnDOT would participate in funding would be $177,000, of which $141,600 would be funded by MnDOT and $35,400 would be paid by the City. To extend the wall to meet the desires of the neighborhood and additional $34,000 on the part of the City would be required. Mayor Gamec inquired as to when MnDOT would need an answer back to receive the additional funding. City Engineer Jankowski stated that in order to process paper work it will take a couple of weeks, but he's comfortable that MnDOT will stand by the funding of 80 percent on the two portions. Councilmember Zimmerman stated some of the issues come forward after the majority of the project is completed because you can't always predict everything. The residents have expressed concern and the fact that they did lose their berm he would be in agreement with completing the entire wall as requested by the residents. Councilmember Anderson inquired if there were any other alternatives than having "paneled roads". City Engineer Jankowski replied that the City had envisioned doing something to help with screening and noted that it will be possible to plant some trees in the area. Mayor Gamec agreed with constructing the entire fence as requested by the residents because the issue of safety is a large concern for children playing in their backyards. Councilmember Anderson inquired as to what side of the wall the trail would be located. City Council/October 24, 2000 Page 25 of 31