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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—FEBRUARY 13, 2023 4 <br /> Linda Swanson, 1124 Ingerson Road, spoke to the Council regarding Councilmember Fabel's <br /> comments. She reported she was appalled, angered and insulted by his narcissistic comments made <br /> at the recent work session. She stated the residents of Arden Hills were not stupid. She was glad to <br /> hear that Councilmember Monson believed the residents were smart enough to be able to figure <br /> things out. She expressed concern with how callus Councilmember Fabel was behaving. She noted <br /> she has worked in the legal industry for the past 50 years. She stated it does not take an attorney to <br /> be all knowledgeable on matters. She indicated the residents have a clear understanding of his <br /> comments and he ran a coup. She believed Councilmember Fabel's comments were rude and <br /> condescending. She believed Councilmember Fabel owed the residents of Arden Hills a heartfelt <br /> apology but she did not believe this would happen. <br /> Donna Wiemann, 1406 Arden View Drive, stated she was pleased the Council was taking <br /> applications for an Arden Hills resident to serve as the JDA Chair. She believed this person should <br /> be objective and should take into consideration the TCAAP development would have on the City's <br /> roads, traffic and upfront costs. She asked that the selected individual not automatically align him <br /> or herself with the "we are all of one mind" mantra. She feared this was the action that would be <br /> taken by the new City Councilmembers. She understood that at the February 6 JDA meeting an <br /> advisory committee was established and was made up of Councilmember Fabel and County <br /> Commissioner Frethem. She stated it was not clear to her if these meetings would be public, but she <br /> was hopeful that they would be. <br /> Mark Kelliher, 3712 Chatham Court, explained he has been a resident of Arden Hills for the past <br /> 30 years. He reported he attended the recent JDA meeting. He described the idea of free ridership <br /> and expressed concern with the fact all parties involved in the JDA were recognized for their great <br /> efforts except for the previous JDA leadership. He reported the previous leadership was responsible <br /> for creating the JDA. He noted the new members on the JDA should have taken the high road and <br /> acknowledged these individuals for their efforts. He ended his comments by stating at the JDA <br /> meeting he sensed a great deal of excitement. However, as was demonstrated by the freshman <br /> Councilmembers with the roundabout, he feared the new Councilmembers would be all too willing <br /> to accept anything they are told by the County. He explained he was for the Council not taking the <br /> same approach when it comes to the TCAAP development. He did not believe any amount of <br /> rushing would make up for the time that has been wasted in the County showing any interest in <br /> JDA participation. He stated the Councilmembers representing the City of Arden Hills on the JDA <br /> have a fiduciary responsibility to all Arden Hills residents. He encouraged them to not rush to <br /> embrace the County at every turn but rather he urged the Council to complete their own research <br /> before making decisions. <br /> Chris Hughes, 3515 Snelling Avenue North, explained he attended the January Council meeting <br /> and he applauded the number of residents in attendance. He indicated he did not applaud everything <br /> that came out of the mouths of his fellow citizens. He stated he was the campaign treasurer for the <br /> three new Councilmembers. He commented there have been comments in the Council Chambers <br /> and on social media that the new Councilmembers received money from Ramsey County and the <br /> Met Council, both interested parties in the TCAAP project. He reported this was categorically false. <br /> He stated no donations were received from Ramsey County or the Met Council. He indicated he <br /> filed multiple campaign financing reports as required and all were public record. He clarified for <br /> the record that Councilmember Fabel did not receive a donation from a Ramsey County <br /> Commissioner. He explained the attorney who donated to Councilmember Fabel's campaign is not <br /> employed by Ramsey County, rather his independent firm was employed by Ramsey County. He <br /> reported Councilmember Fabel knows this attorney personally and professionally. He stated <br /> Councilmember Fabel received campaign donations from other lawyer friends as well, but this did <br />