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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL – JANUARY 9, 2023 4 <br /> <br />community did not support Gregg Larson as their mayor. Rather the community supports David <br />Grant as their Mayor to move the City forward. She encouraged the Council to understand that the <br />community wants Mayor Grant as their leader. She reported if the Council were to isolate or <br />remove Mayor Grant, this would be contrary to the respects of what the public wants. She <br />questioned where in the post-election literature the new Councilmembers address the coup that <br />has been started. She explained the residents of Arden Hills did not elect three new <br />Councilmembers to start a coup. Rather, the new Councilmembers were elected to bridge the <br />current communication gap. She hoped the new Council would be able to work in unity. She was <br />hopeful that the new Councilmembers would be able to bring their respective knowledge, <br />perspective and experience to the table. She stated the TCAAP development was going to happen <br />and many Arden Hills residents were looking forward to seeing new businesses and housing <br />coming into the community. She indicated this would also bring new jobs to the community. She <br />encouraged the Council to consider what impact the development would have on Arden Hills <br />residents. She questioned how transportation, infrastructure and future maintenance within <br />TCAAP would be managed. She understood the City would realize significant property tax <br />revenues from the project, but noted there would be ongoing costs to maintain this portion of the <br />City. She stated she did not want to see another Costco on TCAAP, because there was already one <br />in Roseville and Maplewood. She encouraged the Council to consider the needs and wants of the <br />residents of the community when considering the TCAAP development. She asked that the City <br />open its arms to all individuals, including immigrants, people who may have different colored <br />skin, people with college degrees and those who do not, and people with all ranges of income. She <br />agreed the City needed affordable housing for seniors, young families, and those with limited <br />means. She suggested that any changes to the TCAAP plans, including street maintenance, <br />increased fire and police services, be discussed with the public prior to being considered by the <br />Council. She hoped the new Council could keep in mind what has happened between the County <br />and the City. She reiterated that there were more than four concerned citizens in Arden Hills and <br />asked that the Council move forward with the knowledge the public supported Mayor David <br />Grant. She provided a copy of her presentation to City staff. <br /> <br />Susan Johnson, 1220 Karth Lake Drive, stated the Karth Lake neighborhood was one of the best <br />in Arden Hills because of its citizen participation. She commented on how the neighbors work to <br />keep Karth Lake clean and stated they hold tremendous National Night Out block parties. She <br />discussed how her neighbors have created a sense of community by getting to know one another. <br />She welcomed each of the Councilmembers and noted this was a time of change. She encouraged <br />each Councilmember to be respectful and to follow due process per State Statute and City <br />Ordinance. She stated if the new Councilmembers have the majority that votes one way, due <br />process was being followed. She indicated the public wanted transparency and requested the <br />Council hear the voices of the public. She understood the Council would never make all residents <br />happy all the time. Rather the Council had to use its wisdom and judgement when making <br />decisions on behalf of the City. <br /> <br />Richard Wenzel, 1931 Noble Road, questioned what the three new Councilmembers were trying <br />to pull. He feared the new Councilmembers were trying to demote the Mayor and were treating <br />him like a second class citizen, even though the majority voted David Grant as Mayor to lead this <br />City. He did not believe the Mayor should be taken off of any committees. He expressed <br />frustration with the fact one of the new Councilmembers told him he was white privileged during <br />the campaign. He explained he was a disabled veteran who worked as a mechanic for the DOT for