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ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION – JUNE 23, 2014 3 <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden believed that the County was more concerned with job creation rather <br />than the number of residential units. It would cost the City more to service residential units than <br />commercial properties. For this reason, she supported Option B. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant asked if the topography in another area of TCAAP would support a ball field. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Hutmacher indicated that this may be an option if a grade <br />change was made. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant asked if the Council was leaning towards Option B. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holmes did not support Option B as she did not believe it made sense to put a <br />ball field in a residential area. <br /> <br />Councilmember McClung noted for the record that he objected to Option B. He commented that <br />his least favorite park in the City was Perry Park due to the adult softball field. He suggested that <br />the adult fields be eliminated from TCAAP before eliminating any residential development. He <br />believed that green space near business/commercial was a plus. He explained that he could <br />support Option A. <br /> <br />Public Works Director Maurer clarified that adult softball teams were generally organized by <br />employees of local businesses and not neighborhoods. He believed that additional businesses in <br />TCAAP could mean more softball teams. He understood that businesses would not locate in <br />TCAAP just because of the adult softball fields. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant opted to have an adult softball field in a residential area. He believed that it would <br />be problematic in the downtown area. He anticipated that teams would still visit the Town Center <br />area after games. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden suggested that the Town Center park/green space be made into flex <br />space in order to increase the amount of flex space. <br /> <br />City Administrator Klaers commented that this could be done as part of Option A for the master <br />plan land use map. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holmes inquired if the County has requested that the softball field be moved. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant clarified that this was his suggestion. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Hutmacher explained that this field would be the last one <br />developed. If a softball field was not needed, tennis courts or a soccer field could be developed <br />which may be a better fit with the residential area. <br /> <br />City Administrator Klaers commented that he was pleased by the recommendations the Council <br />made at its last meeting. He stated that based on the comments this evening and unless directed <br />otherwise, Option A would proceed. <br />