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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—JANUARY 19, 2010 3 LA Representative Kate Knuth (continued) Representative Knuth indicated it was not useful to use one method over the other. There would need to be a combination of tools to resolve the state of the economy at this time. Councilmember Holden asked if ethanol subsidies were being explored at this time. Representative Knuth explained these subsidies get voted on each year. The ethanol subsidies were set to run out within the next few years. She stated this was a difficult issue. Councilmember Holden questioned who the Met Council reported to and how I&I issues could be handled better in the future to reduce the fines implemented on cities. Representative Knuth stated the Met Council was appointed by the governor. Bills have been introduced suggesting an elected Met Council. Councilmember McClung asked if there were stimulus funds available for the reconstruction of I694 from I35W to I35E. He encouraged the State to look into servicing this roadway as it was the last portion of I-694 in substandard condition. Mayor Harpstead indicated local access would have to be preserved if upgrades were made to I- 694. Mayor Harpstead thanked Representative Knuth for her presentation to the Council. B. Library Committee Presentation Meg Robertson, branch manager of the Arden Hills Library, presented the Council with information on the current library branch situation. Barb Crassweller provided additional background and stated that in 2003 the Arden Hills branch was set to be shut down. Several citizens joined together to create a task force to save the library. She currently serves on the Friends of the Library Board and stated the library was a great asset to the community. Ms. Crassweller encouraged the Council to speak in favor of the library to the Board in order to keep the site open. The community was looking to the City for assistance at this time to keep the doors open. She indicated two informational meetings were held in November with over 70 residents in attendance. Leslie Goldsmith noted she has been a resident of Arden Hills for over 25 years and was an avid reader. She felt the branch library was a remarkable space and added an intellectual capacity to the community. Ms. Goldsmith asked that the Council work together to assure that the City continues to be served by a library within the City limits.