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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – March 5, 2014 10 <br /> <br />The City Council also reviewed Planning Cases 14-006 and 14-008. Transwestern’s proposal for <br />a sign standard adjustment for its six properties on Dunlap Street and Grey Fox Road was <br />unanimously approved by the Council. Ramsey County’s request for a Conditional Use Permit <br />for a Source Separated Organics collection area in Tony Schmidt Regional Park was denied (5- <br />0). The Planning Commission recommended approval of both of these planning cases at their <br />February meeting. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holmes invited the entire Planning Commission to attend the March 17, 2014, <br />Joint City Council Work Session meeting at 6:30 p.m. She looked forward to the discussions <br />regarding signage. She thanked all who attended the recent public hearings regarding the <br />proposed franchise fees. She reported the Council would not be moving forward with franchise <br />fees. She then provided the Commissioners with information on the Arden Hills Foundation. <br /> <br />Vice Chair Thompson thanked the Council for holding two public hearings and for taking <br />public comment regarding the franchise fees. She was pleased with the discussion that was held <br />and was excited to see a growing awareness regarding the Arden Hills Foundation. <br /> <br />B. TCAAP Update <br /> <br />City Planner Streff stated that in February, a group of City, County, Rice Creek Watershed <br />District, and St. Paul Chamber of Commerce staff worked with 7th Grade students at Chippewa <br />Middle School to provide a practical, hands-on learning experience related to the TCAAP <br />redevelopment. Staff engaged groups of students on natural resource planning, parks and <br />recreation, roads, recycling, and building. This project is part of the “STEAM Learning Center at <br />TCAAP” which is designed to support the school district’s STEAM (science, technology, <br />engineering, arts, and math) curriculum while also providing students with a unique look at <br />vocational opportunities. <br /> <br />City Planner Streff explained that the “STEAM Learning Center at TCAAP” has been a project <br />of the TCAAP Redevelopment Partnership (TRP). The TRP supports elements of the <br />redevelopment project related to community engagement and building business and legislative <br />support for the project. The student engagement exercise was featured in KARE 11’s “Cool in <br />School” feature on Thursday, February 20, 2014. <br /> <br />City Planner Streff reported that the City Council has directed staff to proceed with a surface <br />water management study that will consider issues related to drainage and stormwater <br />infrastructure. Staff has met with Rice Creek Watershed District staff to discuss the scope of <br />work for the surface water management study. The City and RCWD are discussing how to <br />proceed with the study in a manner that will simplify the future permitting process. <br /> <br />City Planner Streff indicated that developer interviews to gather feedback on the draft Master <br />Plan have been completed. Overall, feedback from developers and the public has been very <br />positive. The consultants are compiling comments that will be presented to the City Council in <br />March. <br /> <br />C. Planning Commission Comments and Requests <br /> <br />Commissioner Hames asked if the Council has considered renaming the TCAAP site.