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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 24, 2013 2 Gregg Larson, 3377 North Snelling Avenue, recommended the Council support a mixed use concept for TCAAP to make the development a success. He encouraged the Council to approach the project with a "glass half-full" mentality. He suggested that all future developers be approached in a positive manner. Mr. Larson indicated that the TCAAP property and its expansion may financially affect all Arden Hills residents. He recommended that citizens become involved in this project to gain their support and suggested that the Council promote TCAAP whenever possible. He stated that the City needs strong leadership at this time and encouraged the Council to do better. Matt Westberg, 1455 Skiles Lane, asked if the City would be assisting residents with debris removal in easements, right-of-ways, and common areas. He explained that three very large pine trees fell onto City property and he would need assistance with the removal of these trees. A. Financial Award Presentation Robin Roland, GFOA Minnesota State Representative, presented the City with three awards which promote the best practices in budget and financial reporting. She explained that the first was the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, or CAFR Award, which is given to entities whose Comprehensive Annual Financial Report achieves the highest standards in government accounting and financial reporting. She noted that this is the City's sixth consecutive year in receiving this award. The second award presented to the City is the Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting. This award is given to entities who publish a Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) and whose contents conform to program standards of creativity,presentation, understandability, and reader appeal. Ms. Roland indicated that the last award being presented to the City is the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award which represents a significant achievement by the entity. This reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meet the highest principles of governmental budgeting. In order to receive the budget award, the City of Arden Hills had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. These guidelines are designed to assess how well an entity's budget serves as a policy document, financial plan, operations guide, and a communications device. She commended the City Council and the Finance Department for their fine efforts. Mayor Grant congratulated the entire Finance Department. B. 2012 Audit Presentation Aaron Nielson, MMKR, reviewed the 2012 Financial Audit in detail with the Council. He explained the City received a clean opinion on the 2012 financial statements, which was the highest rating possible. The Arden Hills tax rate was compared to other cities in the metro area, noting it was below average. General Fund revenues and expenditures were further reviewed. Mr. Nielson thanked the Council for their time and asked for questions or comments. Councilmember Holmes appreciated the comparison chart showing the City's tax capacity and tax rate to neighboring communities in the County.