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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—DECEMBER 11, 2023 12 Councilmember Monson welcomed Finance Director Joua Yang to the City of Arden Hills. Councilmember Monson stated she took a tour with several other Councilmembers and JDA members of two different Alatus developments. She explained one of the developments was 116 units at-50% AMI with several of the units being set aside at 30% AMI. She commented further on how quickly these units have leased. She appreciated how well this building was done, noting it would have market rate units next to it in Hopkins. Councilmember Monson explained the fire department held an open house on the building of a new station where design information was presented to the public. She discussed how training space would be built into this facility. She indicated she spoke to the architect about the sustainability measures that were being incorporated into this building. Councilmember Fabel stated he was truly impressed by the Alatus development he visited this morning in Hopkins. He explained the project has a size and density that was almost identical to the Town Center project within Rice Creek Commons. He encouraged the public to visit this project in order to better understand the proposed density. He stated he was impressed by how positive the work relationship was between Alatus and the cities of Hopkins and Columbia Heights. He indicated he came away from these tours very enthused regarding the relationship the City has with Alatus and where the planning process was for Rice Creek Commons. Councilmember Holden reported she was not able to attend the tour this morning. She stated it was curious that Alatus had not toured a 10 or 15 year old apartment complex with the Council and JDA members. She understood Mr. Lux would not be managing the apartment buildings he constructs. She commented on how the apartments in Hopkins were located on a bus line, which would differ from the apartments that were being built on Rice Creek Commons. Councilmember Holden requested the fire department provide the City with more timely information on their publicly hosted events. She questioned what work was being done to pursue additional funding for the fire station. Councilmember Monson stated she could report back with this information at a future City Council meeting. Councilmember Rousseau reported at the last Planning Commission meeting, the Rice Creek Commons density was approved on a 4-2 vote. She indicated six of the Commissioners expressed concern regarding air and noise pollution and strongly advised that the Council study these matters in order to mitigate these factors, particularly around the areas surrounding Highway 10/ Highway 96. In addition, the Commission was concerned with the fact an updated traffic study had not been completed. The Commission recommended the proposed North Heights project be included within the traffic study. She stated a Commissioner spoke to her regarding the importance of having owner occupied units on Rice Creek Commons versus rental/AirBNB units. Councilmember Rousseau explained she had a meeting with a resident last week where they provided glowing feedback after their interactions with Community Development Director Jagoe. She thanked Director Jagoe for caring for the City's residents.