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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — JANUARY 8, 2024 27 until after the TCAAP vote. She indicated his vote to not move forward with TCAAP at this time without addressing the significant questions was the source of his dismissal. She stated this action was pointing to the fact that leaders had to toe the line or pay the price. She explained this message has also been sent to staff. She thanked Paul Vijums for his years of dedicated service to the City and apologized for the fact he had to lose his position on the Planning Commission because he asked hard questions and offered challenging ideas when it came to doing what was best for the City. She stated the emotional abuse from leadership was really sad to see. She commented on how Commissioners were addressed in the past when they were found to be dishonest. She believed that the manner in which this was handled was wrong and was a loss that should have never happened. She reported the members of the Planning Commission represented the City and not the Council liaison. Mayor Grant thanked Paul Vijums for his contributions to the City. He believed Mr. Vijums was an outstanding Chair of the Planning Commission. He noted this was an important position and if this matter would have been handled properly it would not have led to his resignation. He stated the City lost a really good Planning Commissioner. He indicated it was apparent that Mr. Vijums took this very personally and this was difficult to see, especially when someone has contributed so much to the community. Councilmember Fabel commented he has not met Mr. Vijums and he has no doubt that he has contributed significantly to the community over the years. However, he was approached by several people who advised him that they witnessed that Mr. Vijums was not simply opposed to moving forward with the TCAAP item, but rather he tried to prevent the Planning Commission from having a vote. He stated people felt this was exercising a degree of authority that was inappropriate as the Chair. He stated it was his understanding Mr. Vijums was not asked to step down from the Planning Commission altogether, but rather to step down from serving as the Chair. He reported it was Mr. Vijums decision to step down from the Planning Commission after being approached on how he handled this matter. MOTION: Councilmember Fabel moved and Councilmember Rousseau seconded a motion to Accept Resignation Of Planning Commissioner. Councilmember Holden asked if Councilmember Fabel had watched any of the other Planning Commission meetings where Mr. Vijums was the Chair. She stated she was surprised criticisms were being made about tabling a motion given the fact the Council has taken this same action instead of bringing things forward. She noted Paul has run meetings for the past five years, perhaps he was having a bad day and to remove him based on one meeting seemed unfair and irresponsible. She commented further on the emotional abuse that was being placed on the volunteers of the City. Mayor Grant stated there will always be difficult topics at meetings. He noted Mr. Vijums was voted to be the Chair in November for the next three years. He explained after one tough meeting he was removed from the Commission. Councilmember Rousseau clarified that Mr. Vijums was not removed from the Commission, he was encouraged to stay but was asked to step down as Chair given the feedback she received. Mayor Grant stated he believed this matter was mishandled.