02-13-23-R - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — JANUARY 3, 2023 11 Councilmember Monson believed the next steps were for the new Councilmembers to meet with Stacie Kvilvang. Mayor Grant agreed. He noted the Council would also have to decide how to move forward with the Civic parcel. He appreciated the information that had been discussed at this meeting for the new Councilmembers in order to understand the history of this project. He was of the opinion Bob Lux would still stand behind the terms sheet. He believed it would be an advantage for the TCAAP project for the entire City Council to support whatever moves forward. He asked if the new Councilmembers would support holding public meetings regarding this project. Councilmember Fabel supported the JDA beginning to meet in order to get discussions started and recommended public meetings be held after these meetings are established. Councilmember Holden feared that this would not be transparent for the public. Councilmember Monson asked if the JDA meetings were public or if the negotiations with the County would be closed to the public. Councilmember Fabel stated these would all be public meetings. Councilmember Holden expressed concern with the fact Councilmember Fabel was proposing to negotiate and make decisions with the County and would then report back to the Council and public on what has been decided. Councilmember Monson reported she believed Mayor Grant and Councilmember Fabel were saying the same thing. She stated information had to be gathered before information could be presented to the public. Councilmember Holden disagreed, stating Councilmember Fabel has suggested the Council meet with the County prior to speaking with the public. Councilmember Rousseau asked if this was how the term sheet from May was created. Councilmember Holden reported this was the case, noting the terms sheet was based upon the density feedback and data received from the public. She explained when the City was in the midst of the lawsuit, she received emails that recommended the City stay the course. Mayor Grant indicated Bob Lux came to the Council recommending the terms sheet include a density of 1460 and not the other way around. Councilmember Fabel stated this was a different story than he received from Bob Lux. He was told Bob Lux wanted 1900 units and he fought for six months to get the City up to 1460. Councilmember Holden asked staff if this was accurate. City Administrator Perrault commented he was not privy to the discussions in 2016 and 2017.