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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — FEBRUARY 13, 2023 19 <br />the City commit itself to civility and to being a cooperative partner. He stated the City was very <br />committed to moving forward in this manner. <br />Councilmember Fabel commended Mayor Pro Tern Rousseau for running a great meeting. <br />Councilmember Holden reported she watched the JDA meeting and she understood the group was <br />focused on moving forward. However, there were comments made at the meeting that the City did <br />not move forward with the County. She clarified that the City held numerous JDA meetings that the <br />County did not attend. She explained the JDA did not just start meeting again in February of 2023, <br />but rather has been meeting for the past three years, just without the County in attendance. She <br />encouraged the JDA Council liaisons to remember that they represent the City of Arden Hills. <br />Councilmember Holden asked residents of Arden Hills to keep frequenting the businesses along <br />Lexington Avenue. She understood this roadway was a mess and would remain a mess, but these <br />businesses needed community support. <br />Mayor Pro Tem Rousseau explained the Planning Commission did not meet in January or <br />February. She indicated the Planning Commission would meet again in March. She stated the <br />PTRC met and discussed the City's park naming process and buckthorn removal. <br />Mayor Grant thanked Council Member Rousseau for running this meeting. <br />Mayor Grant addressed the comments that were made regarding the progress that has been made <br />by the JDA. He commented on the monumental items that had been completed by the Council to <br />date. He reported in December of 2012 the JDA was established through a Joint Powers <br />Agreement. He stated bylaws were created, goals were established, a developer was chosen, and <br />Alatus was brought on board. He reported in 2013 and 2014 the City took public comment and as <br />part of the goals the County agreed to clean the site. He explained in 2016 the plan with 1,460 units <br />was adopted by the City Council and Ramsey County. <br />Mayor Grant indicated there were a number of comments regarding transparency and he <br />questioned how the JDA would be transparent with its new subcommittee. He stated he has heard <br />comments from the public that they would like to be involved in the TCAAP project and he has not <br />heard plans on how this will occur. He understood there was talk about not looking backward and <br />he appreciated the fact that both parties wanted to move forward. However, residents came to the <br />City with valid feedback and plans for this project. He hoped that the public could be involved in <br />the JDA's planning process going forward. <br />Mayor Grant commented on the Council was supposed to be openly listening to each other, but <br />this meeting began by removing two items from the agenda that one Councilmember wanted to <br />discuss. He hoped in the future the Council could and would discuss items. He believed it was <br />disrespectful to remove agenda items that a Councilmember wanted to discuss. <br />Mayor Grant reported there was a comment made about the Fernwood Channel, retention pond. <br />He discussed the condition of this channel stating he understood it needed to be dredged. <br />Mayor Grant explained the Council canceled the second meeting in January and February. He <br />indicated the Council took this action the past several years and this action could be found in the <br />December minutes. He reported this action was taken because there was not much for the Planning <br />