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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — SEPTEMBER 11, 2023 3 Councilmember Rousseau questioned what the cost differences were for a four story versus an eight story building. City Administrator Perrault stated he was uncertain but could speak with the developer regarding this matter. Councilmember Holden indicated cost for cement was 20% higher than it was two years ago, but noted it was her understanding the price was starting to come down. Mayor Grant commented the developer could build 78 feet in height with lumber construction. He questioned if staff understood the County's reason for driving density up. City Administrator Perrault reported he preferred not to answer this question on behalf of the County but anticipated the answer to this was a confluence of factors that included return on investment along with equity and affordability issues. Councilmember Fabel stated the County's cost for mass grading and the spine road have gone up dramatically due to the delays and failure to compromise over the past five years. He indicated the County was now actively pursuing $25 million from the State of Minnesota and noted he would be participating in the bonding meetings with both the State Senate and Representative. Councilmember Holden explained the Council wasn't adding anything negative to this conversation but rather was asking clarifying questions. 3. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL Linda Swanson, 1124 Ingerson Road, encouraged all in attendance to pause and remember what happened 22 years ago and to remember where the country was at that time. Ms. Swanson stated she was looking forward to receiving a written response to the questions she raised at the August 22 meeting. She noted the JDA Advisory meetings are not being properly summarized by staff. She recommended the JDA Advisory meetings be made open to the public. She believed residents had a right to know about what was happening in their town. She questioned why the City was keeping these meetings closed. She reported the update that was provided by City Administrator Perrault should be more detailed. She recommended the JDA not hold a community event until a developer is retained. She questioned when a developer will be signed. She stated at previous meetings the public has discussed the content within the Arden Hills newsletter. She recommended the City include more information regarding TCAAP within the City newsletter for transparency purposes. She believed the City could do better than directing residents to a website for information. She recommended highlights be listed within the newsletter from both the JDA Advisory and JDA meetings. Donna Weimann, 1406 Arden View Drive, reviewed the information that was included in the City newsletter for August and September, stating there was only a small note that directed the public to a website for information regarding TCAAP. She indicated the public would not be receiving any additional information regarding TCAAP until October, which she did not believe was right. She stated at the last JDA meeting the County stated they need somewhere between 15,000 and 18,000 deeply affordable housing units. She asked what this means for TCAAP and