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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—February 28, 2011 3 2. Public Inquiries/Informational (continued) - Mr. Dave Munson, 1175 Edgewater Avenue, Arden Hills, stated the TCAAP property is a once in a lifetime opportunity and a proposed stadium is an opportunity to have something done on the property. He requested the City Council exercise caution while proceeding to be sure the Vikings are really interested in having a stadium located on this property. Mr. Cory Merrifield, Founder of savethevikes.org, stated his organization is eager to find a stadium solution. A stadium in Arden Hills would provide centralized tailgating, an ease of access with the many highways in the area, and not having to deal with the congested traffic of downtown Minneapolis. He urged the Council to pass the Resolution later in the agenda. This resolution only clarifies Arden Hills will assist Ramsey County in looking into this opportunity and seeing if it would make sense to have the stadium in Arden Hills. Mr. Bill Spear, 2808 Lindon Drive, New Brighton, expressed concerns about safety but this opportunity will create jobs and revenue for Minnesota and the stadium could be used year round. He stated he would like to see the Vikings stay. Mr. Peter Hanson Roess, 351 Labore Road, St. Paul, stated he would like to see light rail transit to the TCAAP site using the existing tracks. The economy needs a boost including more jobs and affordable housing. Mr. Steve Gjerdingen, 2553 Fisk Street, Roseville, addressed the Council regarding the potential for pedestrian bridge crossing over eastbound and westbound 1694. He expressed concerns that the railings are too short for pedestrian crossing. He also stated that a crossing should be provided at Hamline crossing. Mr. Abul Seddiqui, 5606 Cottonwood Court, Shoreview, stated the stadium would be a great way to get more funds into the City and help it grow. A new stadium would also provide more jobs to the State and keep the Vikings in Minnesota. Mr. Greg Larson, 3377 N Snelling Avenue, Arden Hills, stated people should get more than one minute to address the City Council especially when in regard to something as important as building a stadium in the City. He stated a stadium is not compatible with the City's 2030 Comprehensive Plan and is not compatible with the City's mixed-residential development plans, parks and open space, and the Wildlife Corridor for this property. A stadium is not low impact design. If the City moves forward with this then they are aligning themselves with Ramsey County Commissioner Tony Bennett. County Commission Bennett wants a tax imposed on Ramsey County residents without allowing the voters the right to have a say in this. Mayor Grant closed the Public Inquiries/Informational at 7:35 p.m. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. January 18,2011, City Council Work Session