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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 10, 20148 <br /> <br />Patricia Jacobsen <br />, 3530 Ridgewood Road, support the franchise <br />fees. She recommends Old Snelling be replaced prior to the City considering new trails. She <br />feels that infrastructure needs are more important than parks and trails. <br /> <br />Robert Jacobsen <br />, 3530 Ridgewood Road, loves ife within them. <br />He recommends that the City move Old Snelling higher up on its priority list. He suggests that <br />the City further pursue the endowment idea for bettering its parks and trails. He fears that the <br />franchise fees will only continue to rise as utility rates increase in the coming years. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant <br />There being no further comments, closed the public hearing at 8:57 p.m. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden <br /> was disappointed by the emails and calls she had received from <br />residents prior to this evening. However, she was pleased with the constructive comments <br />received this evening. She reported that the Council has not decided on the franchise fees and <br />would continue to take comments from the public for the next two weeks. She expressed concern <br />that those on public assistance would still be responsible for paying the franchise fees. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant <br /> discussed the economic downturn and how this has impacted the residents of <br />Arden Hills. He reported that he has heard these concerns from residents and wants to <br />acknowledge them. He reviewed the expense of replacing Old Snelling noting that the City is <br />applying for bridge funding to assist with reducing the expense of this roadway. He understands <br />that the roadway is in poor condition. He explained that the County Road E bridge over Old <br />Snelling would be replaced in 2015. He thanked everyone again for their comments this evening <br />and for the respectful manner in which the comments were presented. <br /> <br />Councilmember Werner <br /> went on record stating that he is opposed to the franchise fees as it is a <br />regressive fee. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant <br /> discussed the Arden Hills Foundation and noted that this is a new organization. <br /> <br />Councilmember McClung <br /> asked if the same presentation would be provided at the February 24, <br />2014, City Council meeting. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant <br /> was in favor of having the full presentation made again at the next meeting to all <br />for a full public dialogue. <br /> <br />Councilmember McClung <br /> was pleased that the Council would be holding two public hearings to <br />take comments on this issue. He appreciated the number of conversations he has had with <br />residents regarding this matter. <br /> <br />8. NEW BUSINESS <br /> <br />None. <br /> <br />9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />A.B-2 County Road E Feasibility Report <br />