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