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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – November 4, 2015 5 <br /> <br />Associate Planner Bachler updated the Planning Commission on City Council activities from <br />the September 28, 2015, City Council Regular Meeting. The City Council approved a maximum <br />tax levy increase of 3.5 percent for the 2016 budget. The Truth in Taxation public hearing will be <br />held at the regular City Council meeting on December 14th, at which time the final tax levy <br />amount will be set. The maximum tax levy established by the City Council in September can be <br />lowered in December but it cannot be increased. <br /> <br />Associate Planner Bachler stated that at the Work Session on October 21st, the City Council <br />discussed how the Zoning Code currently regulates retail sales of new and used goods in <br />commercial districts. Staff was directed to create a separate land use category for resale <br />businesses to distinguish between these uses and retail businesses primarily engaged in the sale <br />of new merchandise. Additional research will be completed on which districts resale businesses <br />should be allowed and on whether the use should be classified as permitted or conditional. The <br />City Council also continued to discuss options on regulating outdoor display and sales uses. <br />Specific topics discussed included the amount of space that should be permitted for display areas, <br />the types of merchandise that may be displayed, and requirements for screening from residential <br />properties. <br /> <br />Commissioner Holewa cautioned the City from furthering the Ordinance regarding resale retail <br />businesses. <br /> <br />B. TCAAP Update <br /> <br />City Planner Streff reported that the Metropolitan Council Community Development <br />Committee reviewed the TCAAP Comprehensive Plan Amendment (CPA) on October 19, 2015, <br />and unanimously recommended approval. During the meeting on October 28, 2015, the <br />Metropolitan Council unanimously approved the TCAAP CPA. With the approval of the CPA, <br />the TCAAP Joint Development Authority will become fully activated upon Ramsey County’s <br />approval of the Master Plan. <br /> <br />C. Planning Commission Comments and Requests <br /> <br />Chair Thompson commented that the Planning Commission had an opening for an alternate <br />position at this time and those interested in serving were encouraged to contact City Hall for <br />additional information. <br /> <br />Commissioner Jones discussed proposed changes to the B-2 and B-3 District Design Standards <br />that he would like the Planning Commission to review. <br /> <br />Commissioner Holewa provided comment on how close the Goodwill building was to the street. <br />He explained that several residents have approached him with concerns as to the placement of <br />this building. <br /> <br />Commissioner Bartel agreed that the placement of the Goodwill building was strange when <br />compared to the remainder of the businesses. <br /> <br />Commissioner Holewa discussed the need for additional parking at Lexington Station. <br />