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ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETNG—JANUARY 30, 2012 2 A. Employee of the Year and Service Awards Mayor Grant announced that the Employee Recognition Committee has selected two City staff members as Employees of the Year. Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson announced that Accounting Clerk Pang Silseth has been named as one of the Employees of the Year in part for her dedicated work to improve the utility billing process which resulted in savings through reduced envelope and mailing costs as well as staff time. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that City Planner, Meagan Beekman, has also been named Employee of the Year for her excellent work with several developers in the City, her work on the right-of-way ordinance amendments, and her invaluable assistance to the Planning Commission. She also explained that having Meagan to rely on for professional Planning work has freed up her time to focus on Community and Economic Development. In addition, Meagan recently earned her American Institute of Certified Planners designation. Mayor Grant announced that Public Works Superintendent Joe Mooney is being recognized for twenty-five years of service to the City. 3. STAFF COMMENTS i A. TCAAP/ Stadium Proposal Update Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that since the Council's January 9t' meeting, three stadium proposals were submitted; Arden Hills, Minneapolis, and Shakopee. She explained that last week Governor Dayton announced that the only site that remained feasible for a stadium deal this legislative session is the Metrodome in Minneapolis. Some legislators support and some legislators dispute that conclusion. On January 29, seven of the thirteen Minneapolis Councilmembers expressed opposition to Mayor Rybak's funding plan for a new stadium. Councilmembers explained that they cannot support a plan to contribute more than $300 million to a stadium in Minneapolis without a referendum. Rybak's current proposal would need a legislative override of a city charter amendment passed in 1997 that requires a citywide vote to approve any expenditure of city resources over $10 million for a professional sports facility. This week the news has been quiet. The County is considering a third financing plan but no details have been announced. Councilmember Holden asked staff to comment on the actions of the lobbyist on behalf of Arden Hills. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated the lobbyist has enabled staff to schedule individual meetings with legislators. In those meetings staff focused on the needs of the TCAAP site including redevelopment and the transportation needs of this area. Whether or not the stadium goes forward, staff wants to focus on the needs of the TCAAP property because the City's end goal is to have this site redeveloped and returned to the tax rolls. Staff is trying to educate legislators about what the TCAAP site needs to move forward.