10-15-18-WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—OCTOBER 15, 2018 7 City Administrator Perrault read a statement in full for the record from Councilmember Holmes noting she opposed the hiring of a negotiator. He explained Councilmember Holmes believes City staff has the ability to negotiate on behalf of the City of Arden Hills. Councilmember Holden questioned what the purpose of the Wednesday, October 24 meeting was. Councilmember McClung stated this meeting was being held to address the Council's direction to staff regarding moving forward with TCAAP. Councilmember Holden asked why the City was still discussing a Civic Site. Councilmember McClung commented he believed it was Alatus' position to have the City involved in the development of a Civic Site and that Alatus wanted the County to transfer this property to the City. Councilmember Holden inquired if the City had heard from Ramsey County regarding the Civic Site. Mayor Grant indicated the City had not heard from the County. He suggested once Alatus owns the Civic Site property that conversations between the City and the developer could begin. Councilmember Scott asked how staff wanted to proceed and if they felt like they needed a negotiator. City Administrator Perrault commented that after speaking with staff and its consultants that staff was capable of handling this in-house. He stated he believed the meeting on October 24 would be a session for the Council to provide staff with direction on how to proceed with negotiations. Mayor Grant questioned if staff would be prepared to work with the County after the gloves came off and the negotiations were complete. Councilmember Holden inquired who would be taking the lead on the negotiations. She stated she feared at this time that staff was not working together as a cohesive team. City Administrator Perrault indicated he was not aware of the fact that staff was having missteps or was lacking in communication. Councilmember Holden expressed frustration with the fact staff had not provided her with information on the proposed Town Center maintenance expenses. Councilmember Scott stated he supported staff continuing to act as the negotiator. Mayor Grant commented he was concerned with the fact the Cooperative Agreement was not moving forward at the same time with the County as the sale agreement. He feared that if this was the last agreement that was reached with the County, it would not be under favorable terms.