06-26-23-R - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 26, 2023 5 2. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL Donna Wiemann, 1406 Arden View Drive, thanked the City Council for the improvements at Perry Park. She explained she has heard about the delay with TCAAP, but noted it was her understanding the City devised a plan within the County's parameters, and after approving the plans, the County then changed their mind and wanted more affordable housing units. She indicated the City increased the number of affordable units to 20% and then the County wanted more units overall which led to the stall. She reported the Arden Hills City Council tried to meet with the JDA and Ramsey County failed to show up. She asked that it not be implied that the City was not showing up. She noted one Councilmember has set himself up to be the only person talking to the developer and County staff. She stated this was wrong. She was glad the County's website information would be included in the July newsletter. She recommended City website information regarding TCAAP also be included in the July newsletter. Gregg Larson, 3377 North Snelling Avenue, stated at the last worksession the Council discussed the scheduling of a State of the City presentation. He noted the last Council chose September 15, 2022, at 7:30 a.m. on the Boston Scientific campus, which was a terrible choice. He estimated less than 10 residents attended that meeting, with 4 of them being the candidates running for office. He questioned who the old Council wanted to attend this meeting. He encouraged the new Council to choose a day, time, and venue that was more accessible to all. He anticipated a Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. at City Hall would be a wise choice and would encourage public participation. He hoped the new Council would welcome resident dialogue. He noted the old Council did not. He encouraged the Council to answer questions then and there, not later. He understood not all questions may be answered, but he hoped the Council would try. He urged the new Council to continue to change up the old. Linda Swanson, 1124 Ingerson Road, tried to make a comment but there were technical difficulties. City Administrator Perrault stated he would follow up with Ms. Swanson regarding her comment. 3. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC INQUIRIES A. Public Inquiry Response from June 12, 2023 Regular City Council Meeting City Administrator Perrault provided the Council with a response to the public inquiries from the June 12, 2023 regular City Council meeting. He explained the first comment was from Ms. Swanson with a question directed at Councilmember Fabel, the question was, "what else are we giving away at the expense of Arden Hills residents?". He stated he did not believe it was staffls place to address this question. He noted the second comment came from Ms. Wieman asking when the County's estimate would be provided to the City. He anticipated the density scenarios and updated estimates would be discussed in September, which would drive the direction of the project. Councilmember Holden asked what the first question was.