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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—OCTOBER 24, 2011 7 City Administrator Klaers stated that he believes the Council can say they support the TCAAP and stadium proposal based on what they know, without saying they won't have future concerns with various parts of it. Councilmember Holmes stated that she does not believe the Council is doing their job by not taking a position. They are planning to put a stadium in Arden Hills yet the Council hasn't announced an official position. She added that the Council's job is to represent the people of the City. Councilmember Tamble agreed with Councilmember Holmes' comments. Councilmember Holmes stated she believes that Betty McCollum's recent press release was well stated and the Council could follow that example. City Administrator Klaers stated that he believes the Council could mimic Betty McCollum's statement and does not need a public hearing to do so. He stated the Ramsey County Charter Commission has held a public hearing on the sales tax. He added that a vast majority of the comments at a public hearing would be anti-stadium; not necessarily because of the stadium itself but because of the proposed tax increase. They would not hear any merits of the development compared to leaving the land undeveloped. The stadium proposal is the best use of the land and he believes that's what the Council should be taking a position on; in the long term, big scheme of things,this is in the best interest of the City. Councilmember Holden expressed concern over the public hearing pitting neighbor against neighbor; those opposed against those in support of the stadium. She was also concerned about how it would be interpreted if a large group of people speak against the stadium at the public hearing and the Council then votes in favor of the stadium. Councilmember Tamble stated that the "truth is in knowing"; the positives and negative should be clearly stated. City Administrator Klaers commented that the Council wouldn't want to hold a big public hearing before the Governor has made his position clear. Councilmember Holmes stated that she is starting to be convinced that we should not hold a public hearing. Councilmember Holden commented that we have a Public Inquiries period every time we hold a Council meeting and she's surprised there have not been more people showing up to express their opinion. City Administrator Klaers stated that if the Council does not want to take a position without holding a public hearing, he recommends they not take a position. Councilmember Holmes stated the Council resolution could include references to all the opportunities the residents have had for public input.