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ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION - JANUARY 8, 2024 4 the buildings and parking areas. Demolition, remediation, and site preparation will take six months. Mr. Wicklund stated that both Arden Hills and Shoreview have utilities in the general area, but not to the immediate area. There is a 12-inch water main and a nine -inch sanitary sewer to the north that go into Shoreview. To the west there are utilities available from Arden Hills; an eight - inch sanitary sewer line and a 12-inch water main. He anticipated the area being serviced by the nine -inch line to the north as the County considered utility extensions from that direction. Water would potentially be connected to both locations. Mr. Cocchiarella said they were the high bidder for the property but they have not closed on it yet. There are some stumbling blocks with the Army; in the event of any discovery of contamination the Army needs to have unfettered access back into the site, and nobody will put a mortgage on that. Something needs to happen to change that but he's not sure what that could be. They are prepared to close and move ahead, but that is a big stumbling block. He explained the three key issues he saw: the source of sewer and water services, the easement that will provide access to the Ramsey County Park and to this property would have to remain a private road, and the zoning request to I-2 which would be a bit more flexible than the current zoning. Councilmember Holden asked if the County had intentions to have a road that comes to that parkland area. Mr. Cocchiarella didn't think there was any other way to get through there based on the impediments of wetlands and Rice Creek. Councilmember Holden asked how they would bring the water line through the nature preserve. Mr. Wicklund responded they would likely direction bore that line. Councilmember Holden suggested they talk with Betty McCollum's office to see if there are concerns because that is a sensitive area with Blanding's Turtles, Rusty Bumblebees and different plants. She asked if they could bring utilities from Mound Road. Mr. Wicklund said Ramsey County had communicated that the corridor easement area had been provided with the expectation that there be a private road to serve the property. Mr. Cocchiarella added the easement agreement from the Army is very specific to the site and the Ramsey County site. Councilmember Holden asked if they would participate in the MPCA Voluntary Investigation and Cleanup program as it was easier to get brownfield money. Mr. Cocchiarella stated they hadn't anticipated doing the project in any way other than as a market rate deal. Councilmember Fabel asked if the private road would preclude any commercial use of the property. Mr. Cocchiarella said it gives them their access and the easement agreement is set out specifically to provide access to that site so commercial would be included.