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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL – JULY 22, 2019 2 Jim Quitter, 4615 Prior Avenue North, indicated he has lived in Arden Hills for the past 39 years in Arden Manor. He stated it was his opinion the citizens and taxpayers in Arden Manor are treated like second class citizens. He explained the postal service has deemed the City newsletter will no longer be delivered the Arden Manor residents. He requested the Council work with the residents in Arden Manor to resolve this issue. Mayor Grant stated he thought this issue had been resolved and he apologized for the misunderstanding. He reported that no one in Arden Hills was a second-class citizen and he apologized for the situation. He directed staff to research the issue and report back to the City Council. Gary Hovind, 4117 James Circle, stated he has lived in Arden Hills for 30+ years. He asked when his street would be completed. He questioned why two shut offs were placed in each yard. He inquired why White Bear Lake taxes were less than Arden Hills’ taxes. He asked if he could put a metal roof on his house if he were to reroof his home. Mayor Grant encouraged Mr. Hovind to be in touch with City staff in order to have these questions answered. Gregg Larson, 3377 North Snelling Avenue, explained the Council had adopted new language regarding public inquiries that banned residents from commenting on pending litigation. He questioned when the Council made this decision as there was no documentation for the change. He asked who would draft this language and inquired how the Council could ban words. He believed the Council had created a gag order. He recommended the Council allow the public to speak and that the City Attorney advise the Council accordingly. He explained the Council could refuse to discuss litigation and can claim attorney/client privilege. He stated there was no justification for banning residents from discussing pending litigation. He questioned if the Council would ban residents from writing to the City regarding the litigation. He asked if the Council wanted to know what residents truly think. He concluded that the Council was afraid of citizens who disagreed with the Council. He questioned why the Council was so lacking in confidence that it was seeking to quiet citizens and take away free speech. Councilmember Holden stated she was feeling personally attacked by these comments. Mayor Grant agreed Mr. Larson had crossed the line with his comments. Mr. Larson questioned where he had crossed the line stating he had not mentioned any names or stated anything personal. Mayor Grant indicated Mr. Larson had made several personal attacks by the characterization of the Council. He asked Mr. Larson to take a seat at this time. Mr. Larson stated he would like to finish his comments. Mayor Grant requested Mr. Larson to take a seat and called for a five-minute recess. Mayor Grant recessed the City Council meeting at 7:16 p.m.