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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION – NOVEMBER 9, 2011 5 Commissioner Holewa explained that he doesn’t have any objection to existing facilities in our park property but was concerned about what can be placed in parks in the future. He also explained that he does not object to the placement of maintenance facilities for the park itself on park property. Commissioner Hames commented that she doesn’t see a problem with the City using its own park land for some of its facilities. Commissioner Holewa explained that he is concerned about “wholesale looting of parks” which has happened in other cities. City Planner Beekman stated she would want the Public Works Director involved in a discussion regarding City facilities in parks. Chair Larson commented that in Subd. 1, Item F Other Public Uses is too broad and should include the phrase “as approved by the City Council.” City Planner Beekman stated that Item F could be eliminated. She stated that Items (i) through (xv) can also be removed. Chair Larson stated he does not like Item H. City Planner Beekman agreed that Item H is not necessary. Commissioner Stodola stated that the goal of this discussion is to identify open space and the Commission should avoid getting mired in the minutia. City Planner Beekman stated that she would prefer having one district and one color on a map because she doesn’t believe the City has enough park space to warrant more than one district. When TCAAP develops, that may change. There was some discussion about the use of the term “Public” when the park or open space is on private property. City Planner Beekman stated the goal of this ordinance is to the ability to create and designate certain areas as park and open space and it could be privately or publicly owned where development is not allowed except for recreation or City uses. The Commission consensus was to designate an Open Space District for public use and Conservancy District for private use either of which could be publicly or privately owned. City Planner Beekman explained that this proposal will be presented to the Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee and the City Council. Commissioner Holewa stated that he and the Planning Intern had talked about having a “no net loss” ordinance; in other words, if park space is taken out of use it must be replaced with an equal amount of space. B. Expansion of Nonconforming Structures Discussion City Planner Beekman explained that this issue has been on her mind for a while and affects a majority of the homes in Arden Hills which are legal, non-conforming structures. She stated that