02-21-12-WS Draft Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—FEBRUARY 21, 2012 2 was responding to the feedback received by the Council last Monday. Options were being investigated at this time and a public informational meeting may be scheduled in the future. City Planner Beekman indicated she received a phone call on February 14th from the Salvation Army asking what the next step would be for their proposal. She encouraged them to speak with their neighbors regarding the plan. If the Council had no interest, staff could pass this information along to the Salvation Army. Councilmember Holmes stated it may be premature to meet with the neighbors until the Council has considered approving the zoning code amendment. She explained the potential facility for the Salvation Army should also be discussed further so people understand what is proposed. Councilmember Werner questioned if the non-profit status of the Salvation Army would change the property taxes on the warehouse. He questioned the revenues that were gained by the City in the past. Mayor Grant stated this was the case as the property would go from taxable to non-taxable. City Planner Beekman explained the site generated $9,300 a year in property taxes from the site for the City of Arden Hills. Councilmember Holden requested further information on the entire amount of taxes paid for the property. She was also interested in touring the Salvation Army facility in Minneapolis. City Planner Beekman questioned how the Council would like staff to proceed with this issue. Councilmember Holmes indicated the zoning code amendment issue would need to be further discussed by the Council before the public meeting was held. Councilmember Tamble agreed with this suggestion. He explained there was a lot of information for the Council to consider. He was also interested in touring the Minneapolis facility. He requested further information on the benefits to the host City for this facility. Mayor Grant was fine with reviewing the issue further, but stated he was not in favor of making a zoning code amendment. City Planner Beekman asked what other information the Council needed on the issue. Mayor Grant suggested the Council forward questions and thoughts to staff regarding this issue. The item could be brought back to a future work session for further discussion. Holiday Inn Proposal City Planner Beekman stated staff met today with representatives to discuss the Holiday Inn project. Staff's recommendation will be to deny the application. Mayor Grant questioned why staff was recommending denial of the request.