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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION – NOVEMBER 9, 2011 4 C. All renovations must be in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. Commissioner Hames commented that she believes we will see more of the private park space in future development. She also commented that she likes the way White Bear Lake names their open space as Open Space Conservation District and Public Facilities District. Chair Larson asked if the City could end up owning private park space eventually. City Planner Beekman responded the City can zone privately owned property as private park space. The private park space issues would be addressed as a part of the negotiations with the developer at the beginning of the process. Chair Larson questioned if it would be difficult to convince a private property owner to have their land zoned as Conservation District because it would diminish the value of the land. City Planner Beekman responded that those details are worked out at the beginning of the development. Chair Larson stated there is a key phrase in City Planner Beekman’s memo which states “give the City additional flexibility to allow for unanticipated uses in the future.” He was concerned that allowing “unanticipated uses” in an open space district could be a negative. City Planner Beekman clarified that she is not suggesting the Commission retroactively rezone privately owned land for park or open space. The important focus of this discussion is how to deal with our existing park land. Commissioner Holewa commented that there is reference to county parks but the City doesn’t have control over county park property. City Planner Beekman explained that the City does have control over the zoning in county property within City limits. Commissioner Holewa questioned the wording in the first paragraph of the proposed ordinance; specifically the reference to “unsuitable for development.” Discussion ensued and the general consensus was to reword that sentence to state that the property has been deemed valuable to the community as park or open space. Commissioner Zimmerman agreed that some word-smithing is necessary. He also objected to some of the items listed as uses such as trash receptacles, public announcement system, and exterior signage. Chair Larson stated he is concerned about listing community center as a use because that can be a very large facility. Commissioner Holewa objected to including the statement “City-owned facilities” in the list of permitted uses. City Planner Beekman pointed out that there are Public Works facilities in our City parks.