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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, October 27, 2008 7:00 o’clock p.m. _____________________________________________________________________________________ PAGE 5 of 10 (5. JACOBS MILL HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION – HIGHWAY 12 DISCUSSION, Continued) Robert Taylor indicated he would be willing to have the wall constructed on his property. Van Slooten stated even a six-foot fence, with landscaping, would also help with the visual appearance. Van Slooten suggested that Mn/DOT consider the best options for the area and then address the costs. McMillan commented that headlights will likely be a problem with the wall. McMillan asked whether the wetland mitigation is being banked at all and that if there is wetland banking that is being done here, there should be compensation to the property owners. McMillan noted the slope is quite steep in the area and that the options are limited for what type of landscaping can be done. Murphy stated Mn/DOT had attempted to mitigate some of the wetlands out west but that the cost of the land became too prohibitive. Mn/DOT was then told they needed to mitigate the wetlands on site and this is not part of a banking system. White agreed with Patti Strohmeyer’s suggestions for sumac on the slope. Barbara Collins stated for approximately six months of the year when the leaves are gone, they would still have problems with the headlights. Collins noted that they have been told they will not be planting anything until 2010. Strohmeyer stated the planting would depend on which contractor gets the bid but that the planting would likely not commence until 2010. Strohmeyer indicated there is a program that would allow for early planting but that the residents and the City would have to agree to maintain the plantings. Murphy stated he has devoted a substantial amount of time to this project and that unfortunately Mn/DOT is a very large bureaucratic organization and that they operate on a fiscal basis, with the budgets being projected out three to four years. Murphy stated it is typical for landscaping to be completed at the end of construction and that it is extremely difficult to alter that process. Strohmeyer stated they also attempt to avoid two contractors working at the same time in the same area. Collins indicated they also have a concern with the lighting in the area and that they have not been informed of what type of lighting is being proposed. Murphy stated they will review that, but that it is his understanding the lighting would be directed downward. McMillan concurred that the lighting should be looked at now prior to anything being installed. Strohmeyer stated they have discussed a number of different types of trees for the area that might be faster growing and will continue to look at their options. Bremer suggested a meeting be scheduled to discuss the residents concerns and ideas. Collins asked whether the train would stop blowing its whistle after the highway is completed. Item #02 - CC Agenda - 11/10/08 Approval of Council Minutes 10/27/08 [Page 5 of 10]