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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—FEBRUARY 13, 2023 19 12. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Monson commented last week the first JDA meeting was held in four years. She reported this meeting was a really positive experience and she believed the City had their attention. She believed the City would continue to have good discussions with the County going forward. She stated she was happy about the representation the JDA had around sustainability and resiliency. She explained she was looking forward to hearing from the public as this project moves forward. Councilmember Fabel stated it has been agreed by staff, the County Commissioners and the Councilmembers on the JDA that this group was looking forward and would not be looking backward. He reported there has been significant changes in the world since the JDA last met which were impacting inflation and supply chains. In addition, the County was very concerned that the City commit itself to civility and to being a cooperative partner. He stated the City was very committed to moving forward in this manner. Councilmember Fabel commended Mayor Pro Tern Rousseau for running a great meeting. Councilmember Holden reported she watched the JDA meeting and she understood the group was focused on moving forward. However, there were comments made at the meeting that the City did not move forward with the County. She clarified that the City held numerous JDA meetings that the County did not attend. She explained the JDA did not just start meeting again in February of 2023, but rather has been meeting for the past three years, just without the County in attendance. She encouraged the JDA Council liaisons to remember that they represent the City of Arden Hills. Councilmember Holden asked residents of Arden Hills to keep frequenting the businesses along Lexington Avenue. She understood this roadway was a mess and would remain a mess, but these businesses needed community support. Mayor Pro Tem Rousseau explained the Planning Commission did not meet in January or February but would meet again in March. She welcomed newly appointed Planning Commission member Brad Bjorklund. She also stated the PTRC met and discussed the City's park naming process and buckthorn removal. She then welcomed the three newly appointed PTRC members and noted there is still room on the PTRC for those that may want to volunteer. Mayor Grant thanked Council Member Rousseau for running this meeting. Mayor Grant addressed the comments that were made regarding the progress that has been made by the JDA. He commented on the monumental items that had been completed by the Council to date. He reported in December of 2012 the JDA was established through a Joint Powers Agreement. He stated bylaws were created, goals were established, a developer was chosen, and Alatus was brought on board. He reported in 2013 and 2014 the City took public comment and as part of the goals the County agreed to clean the site. He explained in 2016 the plan with 1,460 units was adopted by the City Council and Ramsey County. Mayor Grant indicated there were a number of comments regarding transparency and he questioned how the JDA would be transparent with its new subcommittee. He stated he has heard comments from the public that they would like to be involved in the TCAAP project and he has not heard plans on how this will occur. He understood there was talk about not looking backward and he appreciated the fact that both parties wanted to move forward. However, residents came to the