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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—NOVEMBER 13, 2023 8 blowing. He encouraged the residents of Arden Hills to wake up and see what is being proposed. He stated there was supposed to be 1,500 residential units with retail and commercial businesses. He explained the plan how shows 1,500 apartments along 35W and 500 small 750 square foot slab homes by County Road 96/Highway 10. He indicated these units would be rental with a high level of subsidies. He was of the opinion someone higher up was pushing the buttons and there was a hidden agenda that was moving forward. He anticipated his taxes would be going up in order to cover the expenses for this project. He reported the population of Arden Hills would be increasing by 60% or more, which would put a burden on roads, police, fire and schools. He further discussed how the existing residents of Arden Hills would be adversely impacted by this project and noted he was contemplating the sale of his family's land. He urged the residents of the community to wake up, come before the Council and share what they think. Mark Kelliher, 3712 Chatham Court, explained he was not planning on speaking during the public forum, but given the manner in which Ms. Swanson spoke about disrespectful behavior he felt compelled to speak. He stated he was an active member of the PTRC. He understood Councilmember Rousseau has placed a special agenda item to have him eliminated from the PTRC. He believed this action was extremely disrespectful. He explained a letter was drafted about him on Saturday and now there was an urgency to remove him from the PTRC. He understood the Council may not allow him to speak later on and he knew there was a 3-2 voting system with the Council. He respectfully requested the Council allow him to speak at a Closed Session versus publicly shaming him at an open meeting. Donna Wiemann, 1406 Arden View Drive, stated she believed it was imperative for the Mayor of Arden Hills to attend the JDA Advisory Committee meetings. She noted the topics discussed at these meetings cover infrastructure, financing, construction standards, park sizes, future maintenance and operating costs. She indicated the Mayor was the community's main leader and brings a great deal of knowledge, experience and wisdom to the table. She believed it was wrong and misguided for one Councilmember to say he cannot attend these meetings. She stated after attending the open house she understood the 1,960 units within TCAAP may not be the final number. She indicated the maximum number may go up by hundreds of units. She urged the City Council to make the public aware of this fact. Mayor Grant commented the JDA Advisory Committee meetings are closed. He was led to believe he could attend at one point in time. However, after attempting to attend a meeting he learned the door was closed and he was escorted out. He explained Councilmember Fabel was the only Arden Hills Councilmember that served on this advisory committee. He asked if Councilmember Fabel would be open to him attending these meetings. Councilmember Fabel reported these meetings are open and televised. City Administrator Perrault explained the JDA's direction at a previous meeting was to provide Zoom links for the public to listen, barring sensitive conversations regarding development agreements. He stated he did not anticipate there would be a Zoom link for the November 16 JDA Advisory Committee meeting. Mayor Grant explained he was not just a member of the public trying to attend these meetings, rather he was the Mayor of the City.