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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—OCTOBER 23, 2023 2 <br /> updates on the upcoming public engagement event, which would be held on Wednesday, <br /> November 1 in the Marsden Room at the Ramsey County Public Works Facility with the doors <br /> opening at 5:45 p.m. He explained the Primer Tracer property was still under auction. He <br /> indicated the Ramsey County Board recently met in a closed session to consider the proposals for <br /> Outlot A. He reported the City Council would be holding a special worksession on November 2 to <br /> discuss the Rice Creek Commons project as a whole. <br /> Councilmember Holden asked if the 750 square foot houses proposed for TCAAP would have <br /> basements. She reported these homes would need an emergency space if they did not have <br /> basements. <br /> City Administrator Perrault stated he did not have an answer to this question, he noted he did <br /> not believe they were called for in the TRC and it would be up to the developer. <br /> Mayor Grant stated he understood the most recent edition of the Arden Hills Notes included a <br /> section that outlines the JDA's open house. He noted he had not received his copy of this <br /> publication, which was an issue. He noted there may be other residents who have not received <br /> their copy and therefore would not know about the upcoming open house. <br /> 3. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL <br /> Don Wahlberg, 1451 Arden Place, stated he understood Arden Hills has scored high for the <br /> quality of life over the years. He believed much credit should go to the Arden Hills City <br /> government for their excellent short and long term planning. He commented on how his <br /> interactions with staff regarding community development and planning has been positive. He <br /> discussed how solar panels on roofs were currently allowed, but ground mounted panels were not. <br /> He described how ground mounted panels can be precisely aligned and can be easily brushed off. <br /> He commented further on the pros and cons of ground mounted solar panels versus roof panels. <br /> He asked that the City make a place for ground mounted solar panels in some Arden Hills <br /> residential districts. <br /> Linda Swanson, 1124 Ingerson Road, read a comment on behalf of Donna Wiemann of 1406 <br /> Arden View Drive, stating Donna was unable to attend the meeting. Donna requested that once <br /> the public reviews the proposed information and the JDA approves the 1,960 units, that the JDA <br /> Advisory Committee meetings be open to the public. Donna stated if this request is denied she <br /> would like to have reasons for the denial. <br /> Linda Swanson, 1124 Ingerson Road, stated belittling and dismissing residents that bring <br /> questions and ideas to various meetings is totally uncalled for. She reported contrary to <br /> Councilmember Fabel's remarks, the majority of residents have not said they don't want any <br /> residential development. She understood the Council was asking residents to come together and to <br /> work together. She explained when residents don't agree, their comments are thrown to the <br /> wayside and dismissed. She stated at the October 9 Council meeting, the JDA had asked for a <br /> density proposal of 1,700 to 2,300 units. She asked for a copy of this communication from the <br /> JDA to the developer. She urged the City Council to recognize the moral obligation they have to <br /> Arden Hills and its residents. She indicated this obligation included many different ideas, besides <br /> density. Rather, this included public safety, transportation, financial stability for the City and its <br />