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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - OCTOBER 9,2001 8 chief. He noted the proposed bylaws stated four members would come from the member cities . and would be private citizens that were not elected officials. He added the Mayor of North Oaks was not supportive of it. He stated the Councilmember from Shoreview had some reservations, too. He noted he thought the cities should choose who they wanted for participation. He added the person might or may not be a Councilmember. He stated he thought it would be just be adding one more level of government. He noted he did not understand why this responsibility could not be given to the Fire Board. He added the Fire Department agreed to look at changing the bylaws. Mayor Probst stated during his conversation with the Fire Chief this morning the Department was moving toward offering more flexibility in choosing who would serve. He noted he agreed they would want the flexibility. He added it was a bit disconcerting to have a Fire Board and a Board of Directors. Mayor Probst stated he received a telephone call yesterday from Ms. Elizabeth Link from Mills Corporation. He noted Ms. Mills was asking how the city wanted to proceed since Mills Corporation was very interested in pursing a relationship. He added Ms. Mills would like to bring out the President, CEO, VP of Leasing, etc. to discuss their vision. He stated that he had indicated to Ms. Mills that the city was not as far along as he had hoped in the decision. He asked if the Council was willing to meet with the Mills Corporation. Councilmember Larson stated it could be advantageous to have some help. He noted the . immediate question was that if these people came out would there be any additional information presented. He noted it seemed a good approach to nail down the interest of the National Guard in a deal and to talk to at least one more developer. Councilmember Grant stated he would like to approach other developers in order to have a choice. Mr. Lynch responded he was working with two other developers to come and present to the Council. Councilmember Grant stated the Mills Corporation's focus was retail. He noted other developers might have another focus. He added the Council needs to ask if that is what it wants there. He stated he did not want to appear disinterested and cut the Mills Corporation loose. He noted that perhaps Ms. Link should come back and present. Councilmember Rem stated the Council still had some homework to do. She noted she did not think the management people would tip the balance. She added her concerns and questions were about what was happening there with the National Guard and its timetable. She stated she would like more perspective on what the options were. Mayor Probst stated he would take that message back. He noted what intrigued him most was their willingness to put their money into the planning. He added he would like to see if that . approach was unique to them.