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MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING <br />Monday, October 27, 2008 <br />7:00 o'clock p.m. <br />(S. JA COBS MILL HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION — HIGHWAY 12 DISCUSSION, <br />Continued) <br />Collins stated they feel their property' values have been decreased by at least ten percent, which could <br />continue to decline, especially given the current economic situation. <br />Matt Van Slooten, 3640 Jacobs Mill Road, concurred with the comments of Steve Collins, and noted that <br />prior to the construction of their home, they researched this project and since that time there has been a <br />major change in Mn/DOT's plans. Van Slooten indicated they now experience headlights shining into <br />their residence in the early morning hours due to the loss of the trees and that they are seeking the support <br />of the City to address this problem. <br />Patti Strohmeyer, Mn/DOT landscape designer, indicated they are unable to plant trees on that steep slope <br />and that their intent is to plant a substantial amount of sumac in that area, with the rest of the money being <br />used on the area down below to help screen the road. Strohmeyer illustrated on the overhead the <br />approximate areas for the proposed landscaping. Strohmeyer indicated the amount of money designated <br />for landscaping will primarily be used in certain smaller areas rather than along the whole corridor. <br />Barbara Collins stated even if there are six -foot high trees planted, it would not screen the road because <br />their houses are located further down, with the road being higher up. <br />• <br />Murphy recommended the Taylors also be included in these discussions. Murphy commented that the <br />removal of the trees was unfortunate and not in the original plans, but that the plans were changed due to <br />the need for a land bridge to be constructed and wetlands that they were required to mitigate in this area, • <br />which has resulted in the removal of the trees. Murphy noted this item has been discussed regularly with <br />Mn/DOT, but that unfortunately the trees have been removed and the City is now faced with trying to <br />remedy the situation. Murphy stated the landscaping portion of the project is just beginning and that he <br />would suggest Mn/DOT begin meeting with the affected residents to try to arrive at an amenable solution. <br />Murphy noted it will take a number of years for the vegetation to grow and reach the necessary height for <br />adequate screening. <br />Bremer asked if there has been any conversation regarding a possible wall. <br />Summer Taylor, 530 Stubbs Bay Road, stated they have been a part of the meetings since 1996, and that <br />they were assured on a number of occasions that they would be able to have a wall. Later they were told <br />by Mn/DOT that the population is not dense enough for a wall. Since that time, the Jacobs Mill Road <br />development has been constructed, but they were told it still was not dense enough. <br />Robert Taylor stated that Mn/DOT has also conducted noise studies in their front yard and they have <br />determined that there is sufficient noise generated from the highway to cause hearing damage. <br />Murphy stated to his knowledge a wall costs approximately $1 million a mile, and that he was not aware <br />the Taylors were once promised a wall. Murphy stated sound reverberation tests have been conducted up <br />and down the corridor and that the walls will work on sound mitigation only if you are located very close <br />to the corridor. Murphy stated unfortunately the majority of the sound will go over the wall and result in <br />greater noise pollution to the residents. Murphy stated he would be happy to discuss the possibility of a <br />wall at their next meeting with Mn/DOT. <br />Bremer commented in her mind the wall would also help block the visual impact of the highway. • <br />PAGE 4of10 <br />