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

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—FEBRUARY 21, 2012 9 PTRC Chair Garretson thanked the Council for their time and for the discussion held between the two groups this evening. Todd Hill Update Councilmember Holden asked how much longer the City would be retaining Todd Hill's services. She indicated he has not been scheduling individual meetings with legislators but the City has still been paying him. City Administrator Klaers indicated staff considered adjusting the contract, but wanted to wait until the redistricting was complete. Mr. Hill was still speaking to representatives regarding the Arden Hills site. Even if TCAAP was not used for the stadium, future development was being discussed. Councilmember Werner recommended the contract be changed to billable hours. He was pleased with the lobbying efforts Mr. Hill has completed on behalf of the City. City Administrator Klaers stated he would investigate this further. Mayor Grant questioned if the Council should renegotiate Mr. Hill's contract. He noted he would support a reduction in services or that the contract be changed to billable hours. Councilmember Holmes stated she was uncertain what Mr. Hill was completing on the City's behalf at this time. City Administrator Klaers noted Mr. Hill was acting as a lobbyist on behalf of the City of Arden Hills, promoting the TCAAP site. However, since the Minneapolis site was being discussed more heavily, it had been more difficult for Mr. Hill to schedule legislative meetings to discuss TCAAP. He would like to see Mr. Hill continue to assist the City in some capacity, with funding for clean up efforts for the TCAAP site even after the stadium issues are resolved. He recommended the City renegotiate Mr. Hill's contract, due to the change in the State's focus for the stadium. Councilmember Holden, Councilmember Holmes and Councilmember Werner agreed. 3. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND REQUESTS Councilmember Holden questioned if the City had any building permits over a year old. She indicated 13 permits were over two years old. Councilmember Holden noted that Edina recently assessed 100% of their street assessments to their residents. Councilmember Holden indicated that the representatives of the White Earth Indians wanted to meet with her and the Mayor.