11-28-11-R - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETNG—NOVEMBER 28, 2011 5 Community Development Director Hutmacher stated the notice for the open house was placed in the Arden Hills Bulletin, it was posted on the City's website, announced at Council meetings, and was announced on local access cable. Councilmember Holden also stated that the lobbyist was hired at a public Council meeting, not in secret as claimed by one resident. Councilmember Holden then commented that the City has asked for a stoplight on County Road F for many years. She pointed out that this is a County road and the City could not get the County to cooperate. Public Works Director Maurer explained that there is a signalized intersection being built at County Road F as a part of the I-694 construction project. Councilmember Holden also pointed out that the City has recently purchased property on which a City soccer field has been located at Hazelnut Park and the Council is looking at improvements to that field. Councilmember Holden explained that when the Ryan proposal fell through, the Council voted to try and make the property a park land and open area but there was resistance from some residents. Because of the remediation costs involved, a park site was not financially feasible. However, the City did get a wildlife corridor to the north through the Rice Creek area. Mayor Grant stated that one of the issues with the Ryan proposal was the Tax Increment Financing that would have been a part of that development which would have been about $56 million. This development would have added a burden to the school system without the City or County being able to collect the increment taxes for a period of 30 years. Councilmember Holden commented that she opposes the use of public funds for the stadium. But she also explained that if the half cent tax had been imposed in Ramsey County, the citizens of Arden Hills would have been a lot better off than if the City had to establish Tax Increment Financing for Ryan's proposal. Councilmember Holmes stated that as far as comments regarding Arden Manor, there are no plans to touch the Arden Manor property and even if there were, there are quite a few laws protecting the owners of manufactured homes. Arden Manor is an important part of the community and the Council respects their rights as well as everyone else's. Councilmember Holmes also stated that most of the people she has spoken to in the community are in favor of the stadium. In addition, Councilmembers have received many emails from residents and she believes the Council is well aware of how the residents feel. She commented that as Councilmembers, they are the stewards of the TCAAP property; they have a responsibility to not squander this current opportunity to develop the site. There are so many government agencies involved in the development of this site for the Vikings that were not involved when it was being considered for private development; Representative McCollum facilitated the transfer of the land and the price negotiations for the land. There was no state or federal funds available for the much-needed road improvements but there is now because of the Vikings. The Vikings