02-13-23-R - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — JANUARY 9, 2023 25 The Chair shall be a non -elected resident of the City, the Commissioners shall consist of two members of the City Council. The Council is to determine the length of service of its respective appointees. MOTION: Councilmember Fabel moved and Councilmember Monson seconded a motion to appoint Tena Monson (Commissioner), Thomas Fabel (Commissioner) and Emily Rousseau (Alternate Commissioner) to the Joint Development Authority through December 31, 2024. Councilmember Holden asked how the open meeting law will be addressed with all of the like- minded people serving on the JDA. Councilmember Fabel reported the open meeting law addresses public officials. Mayor Grant explained Councilmember Fabel would not be able to brief both Councilmember Monson and Councilmember Rosseau on the JDA. Councilmember Fabel indicated he understood the law. Mayor Grant stated a substitute has not been assigned in the past but noted there was nothing against this. Councilmember Holden reported she believed this action was wrong. She explained the public has asked for balance and for the City Council to work together. She encouraged the new Councilmembers to consider the institutional knowledge Mayor Grant has with respect to the TCAAP development. She discussed how Mayor Grant has been working for 10 years to move this project forward. She stated this action would strip the Mayor of his power as the Mayor. She feared this action was payback because he got elected Mayor. She questioned why the new Councilmembers would not want someone who was not of like mind to balance the JDA. She stated she was perplexed on why the new Councilmembers did not want to draw from the knowledge and experience the Mayor has. Councilmember Fabel stated he fully intends to draw upon the Mayor's knowledge and experience. He reported he was also willing to draw from Councilmember Holden's experience and wisdom. However, he was not willing to send this project into negotiations with representatives that brought about nothing. He supported the City having a new team to work on the negotiations with the County that were willing to address the housing density within TCAAP. Councilmember Rousseau commented she believed each Councilmember would bring unique strengths to the JDA. She explained she supported the Council utilizing Councilmember Monson and Councilmember Fabel at this point. She believed Councilmember Monson had valuable experience that would assist with moving this project forward. In addition, Councilmember Fabel had 40+ years of negotiation expertise. She was of the opinion Councilmember Monson and Councilmember Fabel would be able to build communications with the County while mitigating financial risks to Arden Hills residents. She indicated this matter could be revisited in the fourth quarter to see what progress has taken place and if changes should be made to the JDA appointments.