08-19-13-WS - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—AUGUST 19, 2013 3 Further discussion ensued regarding the park fees. Public Works Director Maurer suggested staff could follow Councilmember Holmes recommendation by allowing preapproved neighborhood groups free access to picnic shelters. Councilmember Holden agreed stating that neighborhood meetings promote a sense of community. The Council was in favor of allowing the City's picnic shelters to be free of charge to preapproved neighborhood groups. A. TCAAP Redevelopment Partnership Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that Ramsey County has established a TCAAP Redevelopment Partnership (TRP) to educate the public and build support for the project and the legislative funding request. The TRP is not a formal or legal entity such as the Joint Development Authority (JDA). The TRP consists of organizations that have a common goal—the successful redevelopment of the TCAAP site. TRP members include Ramsey County, the City of Arden Hills, the Mounds View School District, and the St. Paul Chamber of Commerce (SPACC). It is anticipated that other municipalities and entities will join the TRP as the project moves forward. She explained that representatives from the Chamber of Commerce and Ramsey County were present this evening to address the Council. Heather Worthington, Deputy Ramsey County Manager, discussed the TRP further with the Council. She noted that the TRP will address the broader issues regarding the TCAAP redevelopment. She explained that the City Managers in the County see the benefits of this project and have been kept apprised of the latest happenings at the site. She thanked the Council for their time this evening and noted that she was present to take questions or comments from the Council. Mayor Grant requested further information regarding the learning center. Ms. Worthington commented that the learning center will be a joint effort between the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce and the County, in addition to contractors and vendors working onsite. The learning center will be a construction trailer that could move around the site and will serve as a mobile classroom for the Mounds View School District. The classes provided from the trailer will have real-world experiences. Councilmember Holden expressed frustration with the lines of communication between the City and the County. She wants to see that communication improves throughout the redevelopment process. Ms. Worthington stated that the County will continue to work on this to improve the partnership between the City and the County. Councilmember Holmes asked if the surrounding communities will take part in the planning process.