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ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION – OCTOBER 24, 2016 4 <br /> <br /> <br />Councilmember McClung agreed the event should be educational in nature. He recommended <br />the facts be presented with a focus on the three key issues being building height, parks and Town <br />Center density. <br /> <br />Councilmember Wicklund believed he understood the overall plan for the site; however, he <br />wanted further information about how the project would be financed. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden stated she would also like additional information on how the water <br />features and drainage areas would look. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holmes questioned what would be presented to the public at the five stations. <br /> <br />The Council discussed that they would like the stations to include bullet points that would include <br />“talking points” such as mixed use, density, home price ranges and shops together with answers to <br />these questions. <br /> <br />Senior Planner Bachler explained one station would be dedicated to each of the following <br />topics: the Town Center, the residential neighborhoods, parks and the natural resources corridor, <br />retail west of the spine road, and office/flex office and the thumb. He indicated another station <br />could be created to address infrastructure and trails. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holmes asked if there would be a station addressing finances for the project. <br /> <br />Senior Planner Bachler commented staff was considering an FAQ station to allow the public to <br />ask consultants and staff questions. He understood that questions would be raised on this topic <br />and staff would be prepared to address this matter. <br /> <br />Interim City Administrator/Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson <br />discussed a meeting staff would be attending on October 31, 2016, with WSB and Ehlers to <br />further address the financing of this project. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holmes believed the public wanted to learn more about what was going on and <br />how the project would be funded. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant suggested the finances be handled at a high level. He recommended the financing <br />for the water tower, infrastructure and civic area be spelled out for the public. He recommended <br />that the Council not approve the project until they had a better understanding of what the costs <br />were. <br /> <br />Councilmember Wicklund recommended staff draft a list of talking points prior to the Open <br />House. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant anticipated this would be drafted by staff. <br /> <br />Mr. Zipko agreed a Q&A sheet should be drafted prior to the Open House to address bigger <br />questions to assist City officials. He recommended the information provided at the Open House