05-15-23-WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — MAY 15, 2023 8 Councilmember Rousseau asked for clarification about the Economic Development Commission. City Administrator Perrault said the ordinance calls it a commission, but he could confirm with the city attorney. Mayor Grant felt having youth on committees was a fine thing, but he didn't see the need to limit the term as a sophomore or junior may wish to serve longer. Councilmember Rousseau didn't think they would be limited as they could also serve as a regular member. Mayor Grant said that was essentially his point. He felt youth could provide valuable insight on certain committees such as PTRC. Or they could join a committee simply to learn about it. He noted that students would come from Mounds View High School, Irondale, and Roseville. Councilmember Fabel noted there were also private schools that had Arden Hills residents attending. Further discussion ensued. It was determined to get clarification from the city attorney which committees/commissions would be eligible to have a youth member. City Administrator Perrault asked what age group they would like to limit it to, noting Little Canada and Shoreview limited it to high school students that live in or go to schools in the city. Would they like to expand to Bethel and Northwestern Universities? One-year term or longer? After discussion it was decided to limit it to high school sophomores, juniors and seniors, for a one-year term. Councilmember Holden suggested that if someone who is a sophomore or junior applies they should encourage them to take a regular open position leaving room for someone else to take the one-year youth position. Councilmember Monson thought voting rights should be dependent on the committee. City Administrator Perrault was anticipating EDC and PTRC. He wouldn't include the fire board, Karth Lake, or the personnel committee and noted the communications committee no longer has a public member. E. Economic Development Commission (EDC) Discussion Community Development Director Jagoe stated the EDC was suspended in 2021 due to inactivity and the limited resources of the Community Development department. A Senior Planner has been hired so Staff is asking direction on resuming the EDC and recruiting members. Currently only one member is still interested in participating, there are nine total positions available; four would need to be Arden Hills residents and five could be non-residents that are business owners within the community. If the Council would like to re-establish the committee recruitment could begin in June and July and potentially begin meeting in August.