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

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—FEBRUARY 21, 2012 5 Councilmember Holden asked if EDA funds could be loaned or granted to the Arden Square Building to assist with facade improvements. Mr. Bubul stated this could be done to assist with painting and other exterior improvements for businesses in the community. Mayor Grant thanked staff and Mr. Bubul for the information provided this evening and for the discussion held by the Council. He recommended the bylaws be reviewed and that the EDA meet at least annually from this point forward. B. Public Inquiries/Information Mayor Grant stated that at the last work session, the Council discussed the Public Inquiries/Informational item on the agenda. He understood the value of communication with the public but did not want to hold public hearings at each Council meeting, for each item the public wishes to discuss. He suggested action items on the Council agendas be allowed for public comment, both for and against. Mayor Grant stated that all the other discussion items that receive public comments should be for no longer than three minutes. This would allow the public to address the Council with concerns while not monopolizing the meetings. He was in favor of establishing ground rules and that the Council remains consistent. He reviewed information received from LMC stating some cities allow for comments only on non-agenda items, while other cities take all comments. The LMC does recommend time limits for public comments. Mayor Grant then requested the Council discuss the issue further and come to an agreement on how to deal with public comments/inquiries. Councilmember Holmes stated she did not feel the public would appreciate there being a difference between issues the Council has and has not studied. She agreed with the three minute time limit as that provided a fair playing field for all public comments. Councilmember Tamble felt there was not enough public testimony to further regulate this issue. He indicated issues will arise from time to time when the public would have emotional testimony to offer to the Council. He stated sticking to the three minute time limit would be beneficial. Councilmember Holden was in favor of reducing the public inquiries time limit to two minutes. She felt the public offered a great deal of history to the Council through their comments. Councilmember Holmes commented she was in favor of allowing the public to speak. Mayor Grant suggested the Council address this again further at a future meeting.