Laserfiche WebLink
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—OCTOBER 9, 2023 5 <br /> None. <br /> 13. COUNCIL COMMENTS <br /> Councilmember Monson commented the Council was looking to hold a special meeting <br /> regarding the 1,960 density scenario as proposed by the JDA. <br /> Councilmember Monson stated she attended the flashlight pumpkin hunt with her son and niece. <br /> She thanked the City for hosting this wonderful community event. <br /> Councilmember Holden asked staff to look into getting a button battery box at City Hall. <br /> Councilmember Holden indicated in June she asked for information regarding how much the <br /> City was recycling. She asked that staff present a report with this information to the Council. <br /> Councilmember Holden reported she attended the flashlight pumpkin hunt as well. <br /> Councilmember Holden reminded the members of the JDA to consider the cost of providing <br /> stable housing, which included public safety. She recommended the JDA bring in some public <br /> safety expects to make sure the 1,960 density scenario doesn't lead to problems in the future. <br /> Councilmember Holden indicated there seemed to be some confusion at the last JDA meeting. <br /> She discussed how the City came upon the 1,460 density number. She reported the County had <br /> drawn the map and had chosen where they wanted certain zoning districts. She noted the original <br /> plan called for 1,200 units but this number was increased to 1,460 after holding meetings between <br /> the City, County and developer. She explained the TRC was created after agreement on the 1,460 <br /> number. She stated during mediation, the Council accepted an offer from the County that was <br /> significantly above 1,460 and the County decided that they did not want to move forward with <br /> their offer. She commented on the term sheet that had previously been negotiated for this project. <br /> She stated it was heard to say the City was stuck on 1,460 when the County never came forward <br /> with any information or term sheets to negotiate, rather they simply said no. She discussed how <br /> there was to be negotiations between the City and the County and asked that the blame stop being <br /> placed on the City. She feared if the lies continued, she would have to continue wasting <br /> everyone's time by providing factual historical information regarding this project. <br /> Councilmember Rousseau explained she was uncertain why the 1,460 number was still being <br /> discussed. She stated she was looking forward to having discussions regarding the 1,960 number. <br /> She invited the public to attend the community event that would be held on Wednesday, <br /> November 1 at the Ramsey County Facility in the Marsden Room. <br /> Councilmember Rousseau indicated the Council would be further discussing the density <br /> scenario at a special meeting on Thursday, November 2. <br /> Councilmember Rousseau stated a resident spoke to the Council about the importance of <br /> working together. She commented on how the Council had put together a tentative plan to work <br /> on group norms with the League of Minnesota Cities and to plan a Council Retreat. She indicated <br /> neither had happened this year. She hoped that the Council could bypass the norms conversation <br />