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