2C, Valentine Park Improvement Update

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL –June 13, 20112 2.A.Recognition of Girl Scout Gold Award recipient Ann Lindberg (continued) Mayor Grant presented Ann Lindberg with a Certificate from the City and thanked her for her community service. B.TCAAP/Stadium Update Community Development Director Jill Hutmacher stated Staff has been in contact with Ramsey County Staff regarding local financial issues and possible new legislation. All parties are waiting to see whether a special legislative session will be called prior to the end of June. New information available this afternoon was the County and the Vikings had obtained funding for a portion of the transportation costs. They were requesting the State provide additional fundingfor reversible lanes that could be used by commuters on weekdays. This was all the information available at this time since it was just announced. Mayor Grant asked if this would provide an opportunity to alleviate congestion on I-35W. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated this proposal would include an extra lane on I-35W during rush hour and game times. Public Works Director Terry Maurer stated Ramsey County sent an exhibit in regardto transportation possibilities to the City today. It is not detailed at this time and Staff has not had an opportunity to review this exhibit. PUBLIC Mayor Grant opened the Public Inquiries/Informational at 7:08 p.m. Ms. Nisha Shah , 1706 Valentine Avenue, Arden Hills, stated that she was opposed to the proposed park improvements at Valentine Park that removed the ice-skating rink and the baseball field. The baseball field is one of the few places nearby to play and the ice-skating rink is one of the only recreational ice rinks in the City. The other ice rinks in the City are used forhockey which makes it difficult for recreational skaters and beginners to skate at those facilities. Mr. GreggLarson ,3377 N Snelling Avenue, Arden Hills, stated the City had sent a letter to the County in regardto the Stadium proposal several months before notifying residents that a Stadium was even being considered. He stated he is against a Stadium on the TCAAP property and this is not what the residents had envisioned for this property. He stated the Council is acting inappropriately in how they are handling the release of information to the residents. He stated the City needs to hold public meetings and communicate with residents regarding the potential Stadium use on the TCAAP property. Mayor Grant closed the Public Inquiries/Informational at 7:16p.m.