Laserfiche WebLink
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—FEBRUARY 27, 2012 2 <br /> Greg Larson, 3377 North Snelling Avenue, addressed the Council regarding the stadium plans. <br /> He expressed concern with the approach the Council and Mayor were taking and how property <br /> taxes may be affected. He requested the Council protect the City's interests. Mr. Larson indicated <br /> he served on the Council for 11 years. He cautioned the Council against attending out of state <br /> conferences at the expense of the taxpayers. At a time when budgets are tight, he felt this was not <br /> a necessary expense for the City. He recommended the Council begin taking action as the fiscal <br /> conservatives they claim to be. <br /> Mayor Grant closed the Public Inquiries/Informational at 7:13 p.m. <br /> 3. STAFF COMMENTS <br /> A. TCAAP/Stadium Update <br /> Community Development Director Hutmacher explained the Star Tribune reported on <br /> February 18th the Vikings, the City of Minneapolis and the State of Minnesota had reached a <br /> tentative agreement to locate the new stadium at or near the Metrodome site. The article reported <br /> the stadium would cost $975 million. The funding would include $427 million from the Vikings, <br /> $398 million from the State and $150 million from the City of Minneapolis. A formal <br /> announcement of this deal was expected to occur last week, but has not yet occurred. <br /> Community Development Director Hutmacher indicated Representative Hamilton suggested a <br /> plan to have the stadium located in Arden Hills which would be funded by electronic bingo and <br /> pull tabs. She discussed the plan in further detail. Another bill, proposed by Representative <br /> Davids would eliminate the Minneapolis sales and hospitality taxes which would be used for the <br /> Minneapolis stadium financing. <br /> Mayor Grant clarified he had, at no time, made any statement about having the stadium in Arden <br /> Hills "at any cost". Nor was he focusing on locating a casino in Arden Hills. He did not want the <br /> residents of Arden Hills putting words in his mouth. He commented that the trip taken by <br /> Councilmember Holden and Councilmember Holmes was to a National League of Cities <br /> Conference held in Arizona. A report was given by the Councilmembers. <br /> Councilmember Holden indicated she did attend a conference in Arizona and discussed stadium <br /> funding along with park design and foreclosed homes. These issues were discussed with the <br /> Council after returning from the trip. <br /> Councilmember Holmes reported the National League of Cities Conference was attended by the <br /> Mayor of St. Paul as well. Many representatives from Minnesota and throughout the country were <br /> present at the event. She discussed the locations she visited and information gained from the <br /> conference. She felt the networking at the conference allowed her to gain valuable information <br /> that would assist the City of Arden Hills. <br /> 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES <br /> A. January 17, 2012, Council Work Session <br /> B. January 30, 2012 Council Work Session <br />