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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION – AUGUST 21, 2017 3 Mayor Grant questioned existing zoning and how many units are allowed. Senior Planner Bachler responded that current zoning, R-1, allows for a density of up to three units per acre. He clarified that the Comprehensive Plan guides the property for medium density of six to nine units per acre. So, based on current zoning, the property could support approximately 15 units, based on the Comprehensive Plan it would be approximately 47. Mayor Grant felt bringing the density down and providing more green space would be a positive. He asked for more information about the proposed retaining wall between the property and the Winiecki property. Mr. Heuer responded that they only build boulder walls. The wall could be up to 10 feet tall. Mr. Rausch explained that the wall would be seen from the townhome side, with a berm effect for the Winiecki’s. Councilmember Steve Scott stated his primary concern is impervious surface coverage and water quality. Mr. Rausch said they had a good meeting with the Rice Creek Watershed District the previous week and they were happy to hear about the plans to reuse the storm water. Councilmember Holden asked for staff’s opinion about putting a holding pond on City property. Public Works Director/City Engineer Sue Polka said it would be a policy issue. If the Council wanted the pond on City property there would have to be maintenance agreements put in place. The roadway location would need to be looked at also. Councilmember Dave McClung was concerned about the precedence set by using use of City land for their pond. He would consider it only if it were a major win for the City. He felt the plan was too dense compared to other townhome developments in the City. He also felt there should not be a pond off of Old Hwy 10 in the Ramsey County right-of-way and that it should be on site. He was concerned about the number of deviations required from our ordinances and stated that he couldn’t support the proposal as it stands. Mayor Grant discussed how much additional traffic the units would generate and felt the City should look at the transportation impacts. Councilmember Holden would like to see sidewalks added to the proposal. She stated the proposed plan is too dense and she doesn’t want the water on City property. Councilmember Holmes would like to see if staff could find out more about the park dedication fee as the City green space isn’t being used and possibly the builder could buy the property from the City and use it as part of the green space in the development. Mr. Rausch stated they would be willing to commit to a tot-lot type amenity on the City property if the City lowered the park dedication fees. They would also consider building a city sidewalk to the park.