05-18-2020-WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION – MAY 18, 2020 5 Mayor Grant felt that Arden Hills shouldn’t waive City fees. Discussion ensued regarding park dedication fees. It was ultimately decided to be sure the purchase agreement was worded in such a way that the City could impose or reduce the park dedication fees at a later date. It was acknowledged that park dedication fees can be waived if the fire department purchased the property, but if another entity purchases it then park dedication fees would apply. The other parcel would also pay a park dedication fee if it were to be developed. Councilmember McClung asked about the purchase agreement closing and contingency dates, if they find something unexpected can they terminate the agreement? Chief Boehlke replied that was correct. He noted that soil borings have been done and results are forthcoming. The architect has been in contact with Rice Creek Watershed about the wetlands. Councilmember McClung asked what things they would be able to do at the new station that they can’t do at the current stations, as well as architectural improvements that will make things safer for the firefighters. Chief Boehlke responded that live fire training is done in Maplewood. The new station would have training for ropes, fire simulations etc. The layout would incorporate safety measures for hot, warm and cold zones for decontamination. The building is expected to last 50+ years. Mayor Grant asked if the Council wanted Chief Boehlke and the Fire Board to move forward with the purchase agreement. Councilmember Holden said she felt it wouldn’t be possible to build a new station in 2022 as suggested by the memo. Chief Boehlke replied that the timing of the building is dependent on the three cities in the agreement. City Administrator Perrault noted the date in the packet was arbitrary. All three cities understood the date could be changed. Councilmember McClung said that acquiring the land was the important thing, followed by starting the discussion of when to build. He felt the Fire Board and all three cities are on board it won’t happen. Chief Boehlke added that there may be a recommendation from the Board but all three cities need to be able to fund their portions of the project. He would expect the City Councils to discuss the timing of the build. City Administrator Perrault commented that an item in the agreement between the cities could say that construction will not begin without agreement between the three cities. Mayor Grant noted there was no pushback from the Council on the purchase of the property.