01-30-17-SWS - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — JANUARY 30, 2017 2 Senior Planner Bachler reviewed the minimum and maximum setbacks for the civic site and commented further on the build to zone for this property. City Administrator Joynes provided the Council with further information to help frame the City's discussion regarding the future use of the civic site. Preliminary discussion by the City Council has focused on the possible use of the property for a community center, library, licensing center, a new location for City Hall, or a combination of these uses. Staff described the site development and use requirements specified in the TCAAP Redevelopment Code, reviewed the types of community centers in surrounding communities, and provided preliminary cost estimates and financing options. He estimated the financing gap to be roughly $5 million at this time. Interim Public Works Director/City Engineer Brotzler discussed his history with similar projects and explained he could review this process with the Council at a future meeting. Janele Taveggia, WSB, introduced herself to the Council and stated she works in land development alongside architects. She discussed a similar civic project she completed in Blaine. Steve Sorensen introduced himself to the City Council and described his work experience with municipalities on civic properties. He believed the first decision the Council would have to make was to determine what was the best use for this property. He reiterated the fact that the City had two years to develop this site. Councilmember Scott asked how common it was for a City to receive a piece of property within a new development to be used for a civic use. Mr. Sorensen explained this was very rare. City Administrator Joynes stated the Council should focus on the vision for the property first and that a decision regarding the process would come later. Mayor Grant stated that the Developer was offering the civic site to the City in order to assist in drawing people to the site, while also creating interest and vitality within the development. He understood the land that has been set aside for the civic site was a very nice piece of land. He questioned if the Council wanted to proceed with discussing the process or the vision for the civic site. Councilmember Holmes believed the Council should address the vision first. Mayor Grant questioned what the Council's vision was for this property. Councilmember Scott understood the City was underserved for library services. He wanted to see some sort of civic use on the site in conjunction with a Ramsey County library. Councilmember Holden did not believe the City would receive a library given the fact Shoreview and New Brighton had branches. She stated a library space with a computer resource center may be a better option for this space, along with public meeting space.