Laserfiche WebLink
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 10, 20145 <br /> <br />Assistant City Engineer Anderson <br /> stated that only a few projects are planned between 2017 and <br />2022. He discussed the budgeting cycle noting that the City plans to spend an average of $1 <br />million per year over the next 20 years. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden <br /> explained that the dog park would be located at the hockey rink and not <br />in the open space at Hazelnut Park. She requested that staff discuss the goals and objectives of <br />the PTRC. <br /> <br />Park and Recreation Manager Olson <br /> discussed at length the priorities of the PTRC noting that <br />the group meets once per month and is currently seeking new members. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant <br />commented that the City recently purchased a parcel of park land for Hazelnut Park <br />that was previously owned by the adjacent church. He further discussed the franchise fees noting <br />that the proposed rates would provide a starting point for discussion and that public input is being <br />accepted tonight. <br /> <br />Councilmember McClung <br /> asked what the implications would be to the PIR if the City could not <br />wait until 2021 to reconstruct the Indian Oaks neighborhood. <br /> <br />Assistant City Engineer Anderson <br /> reported that without additional funding, the City would have <br />to bond for these projects. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant <br /> reviewed the public hearing process. He explained that there will be a second <br />public hearing on February 24, 2014. He requested that people keep their comments respectful as <br />there will be differing opinions. He welcomed comments from the public and requested that <br />residents keep their comments to three minutes. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant <br /> opened the public hearing at 8:01 p.m. <br /> <br />Gregg Larson <br />, 3377 North Snelling Avenue, stated that it was refreshing to hear both the <br />advantages and disadvantages of franchise fees. He encouraged the Council to consider if the <br />franchise fees are going to be used for an essential need of the City. He discussed the recent park <br />improvements the City has completed without the use of franchise fees. He commented that the <br />City is not fully developed, and as the TCAAP property develops, so will a great deal of park <br />dedication funds. It is his opinion that the franchise fees will be generated for wishes and not <br />needs. He recommended that essential needs of the City be covered by property taxes and not <br />franchise fees. He stated that for 62 years the City has not needed a franchise fee and he does not <br />feel that the City should pursue this option now. <br /> <br />Steve Freimuth <br />, 1200 Ingerson Road, thanked the PTRC for their volunteer service. He reported <br />that he is a 30-year resident of Arden Hills and does not support the franchise fees. He is not in <br />does want to see that the roads are maintained. <br />He questioned why Arden Hills is trying to change a fully developed City into something that it <br />is <br />businesses. He then discussed the road replacement on Ingerson Road. He encouraged the <br /> <br /> <br />