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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION— SEPTEMBER 22, 2014 10 Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson explained that she could bring a budget at both 4.5% and 5%. She reminded the Council that additional cuts could be made to the budget after the preliminary levy was set. 2. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND STAFF UPDATES Councilmember Holden expressed concern with the TCAAP zoning map. She wanted to provide feedback to staff before it was presented to the Council in the future. She believed that the feedback provided from the commercial and residential developers should be taken into consideration and adjustments should be made. City Administrator Klaers stated that staff would investigate the timing for the Comp Plan Land Use Map and would schedule a meeting for the Council to provide input early in the process. City Administrator Klaers discussed Nick Robert's proposal for Chesapeake Companies site. It appears there was a misunderstanding on the road improvement costs and that Nick Roberts was going to walk away from purchasing this property unless Chesapeake Companies pays the street improvement expenses. He stated that John McClure has offered the City $85,000 for the street improvements. Staff recommended that the City accept this offer and requested feedback from the Council on how to proceed. Councilmember Holden would not accept this low of an amount. Mayor Grant questioned if assessments should be levied at this time. City Administrator Klaers explained that the lot is vacant and it may be difficult for the City to prove the benefit of the new road. Mayor Grant asked if staff knew the value of the land. City Administrator Klaers reported that the County had the land valued at just over $3 million for the 20.8 acre parcel. Councilmember Holden inquired how McClure came up with the $85,000 offer. City Administrator Klaers explained that Chesapeake Companies wants this site acquisition to go through and the $85,000 was presented as the most they had available and a fair amount for the improvement. He reported that he would have more information on this matter for the Council to evaluate at the closed work session on September 29th. Councilmember Holmes questioned if the other two vacant lots would have the same issue. City Administrator Klaers stated that these lots may not develop for some time into the future and; therefore, the future assessment amount would be insignificant. Councilmember Holmes did not feel she could make a decision on the matter without further information from staff.