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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION – JANUARY 17, 2023 2 Catherine Nelson, 3475 Siems Court, said she hoped the Council members could be respectful of each other and work together. She noted the previous five-hour meeting was exhausting for all. She discussed the roundabout that was approved on County Road E and the parking lot for the business there. She felt some councilmembers didn’t research the proposed project thoroughly before the vote. She hoped they would work for the best interests of all residents. Richard Wenzel, 1931 Noble Road, said if possible, he would like a copy of Ramsey County’s proposal for TCAAP. Mayor Grant clarified that any response would be made at the next Council meeting as is customary. 1. AGENDA ITEMS A. TCAAP/Rice Creek Commons Update City Administrator Perrault stated that Mayor Grant and Councilmember Fabel had each met separately with Bob Lux and other team members from Alatus along with Robert Thomas Homes to have a discussion regarding TCAAP. Mr. Lux provided market updates, noting that the office space market has weakened, the industrial market it still strong but they would like the Council to potentially consider other options for industrial sites along the west side of the Spine Road. Mr. Lux said they are seeing a significantly higher number of single-family homes being rental units versus owner occupied. There are some big box retailers still interested in the site. Lux encouraged the Council to work together and with Ramsey County to move forward with overall affordability, density, job goals, energy goals, and infrastructure costs. Councilmember Fabel noted that Mr. Lux hoped the Primer Tracer parcel north of TCAAP could be used as some sort of solar project. Mayor Grant said another thing that was talked about was the issue of 1,900 units. At the time, a presentation was given by the county to the four prospective bidders. The County presentation said residential density would be 1,500 or less. After bidding, Alatus was selected and 1,900 units was suggested by Alatus, to which they were told no, that they bid on 1,500, so the idea was dropped. Councilmember Holden mentioned that when the project first started builders were brought in to discuss townhouses, apartments, and single-family homes. She understood that Mr. Lux wants to build homes and housing units as that’s where he will make money, but she thought they should ask for other opinions on what would work now. The idea was people would live and work in the same area. She felt there was a need for industrial facilities. Councilmember Holden said Mr. Lux can bid on the Primer Tracer site but Xcel won’t work with him on the deal he wanted. She wondered what happened with the geothermal aspect of the development. Councilmember Fabel said he told Mr. Lux that he was anxious to get started discussing and negotiating with the County. He had reached out to the County to ask for a meeting in February. Mr. Lux suggested that staff start meeting, and he would like to see that also.