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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—FEBRUARY 10, 2014 5 Assistant City Engineer Anderson stated that only a few projects are planned between 2017 and 2022. He discussed the budgeting cycle noting that the City plans to spend an average of $1 million per year over the next 20 years. Councilmember Holden explained that the dog park would be located at the hockey rink and not in the open space at Hazelnut Park. She requested that staff discuss the goals and objectives of the PTRC. Park and Recreation Manager Olson discussed at length the priorities of the PTRC noting that the group meets once per month and is currently seeking new members. Mayor Grant commented that the City recently purchased a parcel of park land for Hazelnut Park that was previously owned by the adjacent church. He further discussed the franchise fees noting that the proposed rates would provide a starting point for discussion and that public input is being accepted tonight. Councilmember McClung asked what the implications would be to the PIR if the City could not wait until 2021 to reconstruct the Indian Oaks neighborhood. Assistant City Engineer Anderson reported that without additional funding,the City would have to bond for these projects. Mayor Grant reviewed the public hearing process. He explained that there will be a second public hearing on February 24, 2014. He requested that people keep their comments respectful as there will be differing opinions. He welcomed comments from the public and requested that residents keep their comments to three minutes. Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 8:01 p.m. Gregg Larson, 3377 North Snelling Avenue, stated that it was refreshing to hear both the advantages and disadvantages of franchise fees. He encouraged the Council to consider if the franchise fees are going to be used for an essential need of the City. He discussed the recent park improvements the City has completed without the use of franchise fees. He commented that the City is not fully developed, and as the TCAAP property develops, so will a great deal of park dedication funds. It is his opinion that the franchise fees will be generated for wishes and not needs. He recommended that essential needs of the City be covered by property taxes and not franchise fees. He stated that for 62 years the City has not needed a franchise fee and he does not feel that the City should pursue this option now. Steve Freimuth, 1200 Ingerson Road, thanked the PTRC for their volunteer service. He reported that he is a 30-year resident of Arden Hills and does not support the franchise fees. He is not in favor of expanding the City's parks and trails, but does want to see that the roads are maintained. He questioned why Arden Hills is trying to change a fully developed City into something that it isn't. He expressed concern with how the franchise fee would negatively impact the City's businesses. He then discussed the road replacement on Ingerson Road. He encouraged the Council to consider the City's needs and not just its wants.