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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MAY 19, 20149 City Administrator Klaers stated that the numbers before the Council are a first attempt and he cautioned the Council from making any firm decisions based on these numbers. He understood the Council concerns voiced this evening regarding park expenses and defining surface water management. Councilmember Holmes believed that the Council needed to know what costs the City cannot bond for and what risks would be associated with these expenses. Ms. Kvilvang reported that she could run a model to show the Council the risks. Councilmember Holden thanked Ms. Kvilvang for providing the Council with preliminary numbers. TCAAP Residential Development and Densities Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that in April, the City Council was given options for a self-guided development tour to see examples of recent residential developments that offered mixed types of housing. These development projects are relevant to TCAAP because they demonstrate how types of housing can be mixed and how density can be successfully achieved. Community Development Director Hutmacher discussed concepts related to density in preparation for further City Council discussion on the topic. She requested comment from the Council on these residential developments and desired density levels for TCAAP. Mayor Grant believed it would be difficult to provide an exact number because per acre density can be calculated in so many different ways. He questioned if the Council had feedback regarding density. Councilmember Holmes stated that she recently spent time in St. Louis Park at Excelsior and Grand and did not find the mix of retail to be attractive. Discussion ensued regarding the potential mix of uses in the Town Center, along with the pros and cons of vertical and horizontal mixed use developments. Councilmember Holden stated that townhouses have become starter homes and questioned if the TCAAP development would offer life-cycle housing. Community Development Director Hutmacher explained that the mix of housing products has not been determined. She understood that Arden Hills did not currently have a lot of starter/young professional homes. She believed that starter homes would assist in drawing and keeping families in the community. Councilmember McClung wanted to see balanced housing opportunities on TCAAP. Mayor Grant suggested that the market demand be reviewed prior to the Council making any decisions. He wanted to see that the majority of the constructed units be owner-occupied.