12-17-18-WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — DECEMBER 17, 2018 6 Councilmember McClung said his support for the land swap would be contingent on getting a trail constructed, not at City expense. Mr. Kohout stated that his plan is to come back with a layout of what they project to put in the facility and how many units they will have, investigate what it will cost to build the trail, work with Staff to determine a sidewalk to Old Highway 10, get elevation drawings, illustrate buffer landscaping and have another neighborhood meeting. He also suggested putting the sidewalk on the north side of Parkshore Drive versus the south side, due to residents of the townhomes having more access on that side of the road. Discussion ensued regarding roof height and pitch, while noting the Council is sensitive to height. C. TCAAP Survey Results Communications Coordinator Dawn Skelly presented a summary of the two surveys from the TCAAP Public Form. The City survey was two open ended questions, the second survey was multiple choice related to the Civic Site and put together by HGA. Surveys were handed out at the forum and online via the City website and Facebook page. Most responses came from the forum. There were 41 responses to the City survey and 34 responses to the Civic Site survey. Communications Coordinator Dawn Skelly reviewed the main themes from the responses as shown on the PowerPoint presentation, including the following: overall concerns with the TCAAP/Rice Creek Commons redevelopment proposal including concerns about density, traffic, impact to schools, and loss of small town feel. Attendees wanted a better understanding of costs/financing and the open space plan. They cautioned the City to avoid duplication of amenities with neighboring cities, chains/franchises, management and facilities, and the pace of building a civic facility. The majority wanted a civic site that included rinks for skating, walking track, fitness classes, gym, meeting spaces, banquet space, outdoor trails for cross-country skiing, a restaurant and underground parking. In light of Ramsey County announcing a pull-back in resources the week prior, many residents wanted more information and open discussion. Mayor Grant wondered how far the Council would like to take the Civic Site discussion with Ramsey County taking a hiatus in TCAAP discussions. Councilmember Holmes felt there needs to be numbers attached to the construction and maintenance in order to warrant more Civic Site Task Force meetings. Councilmember Holden suggested having HGA attend one more Task Force meeting, present the survey results and tying up the Task Force. Councilmember McClung said he felt the City has a basis to start should the next step present itself but there is no need for obtaining numbers until then. Councilmember Holden stated the purpose of the Task Force was to determine if we were interested in utilizing the land and what we might use it for, not discuss the costs. Councilmember McClung said he didn't want to spend a lot of money putting numbers together in case it doesn't go anywhere. Due diligence has been done but until there is more positive progress it is appropriate to put the Civic Site discussion on hold.