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