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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—FEBRUARY 22, 2011 4 • Should Staff explore phasing and funding options for the construction of County Road E improvements? Mayor Grant explained that the purpose of this discussion this evening is to provide feedback to Staff, no decisions will be made this evening. — Councilmember Holden asked for an update on the Holiday Inn property. City Planner Beekman stated that the Council recently approved Arden Hall on the Holiday Inn property, but Staff has Iearned that Northwestern College has decided not to renew their lease on this property when it expires on May 30. She added that the property owner has no further plans for the property at this time but will work closely with the City on any future proposals. PIanning Commission Member Holewa asked why Northwestern College decided to withdraw. City Planner Beekman stated she didn't know. Planning Commission Chair Larson questioned if they had started renovating the building. City Planner Beekman responded that they had not. Planning Commission Member Homes commented that the highest and best use of this property may be something other than what had been approved. She added that the traffic would change depending on how the property is developed_ Mayor Grant asked what's going on with Arden Plaza. City Planner Beekman stated that is still in discussion but they do plan to demolish the buildings at the corner of Lexington at County Road E_ A Planned Unit Development amendment will be coming in to change the plans for the property in the next few months. She stated when they do have another tenant, plans will be revised to fit that tenant's needs and it would be helpful to make sure the sidewalks and other development features match from property to property. Councilmember Holden commented that a tenant in the Mr. Movies space just renewed their lease and will probably be at this site for another ten years so she doesn't think a signal will go in at that location in the near future. She also suggested a better"in/out structure" be considered. Councilmember Holmes suggested that other options be explored for the traffic signal because the current proposed location is too close to two intersections. Planning Commission Member Modesette stated she likes the streetscape plan for the area but is concerned about the infrastructure and suggested the long term issues related to utilities be considered. Councilmember Holmes questioned if the City should be paying for improvements since this is a County road.