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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION - DECEMBER 18, 2023 15 Mayor Grant said they did, and the other developers were happy to come in. Councilmember Holden added that they needed more than one person with a vision because everyone sees the future differently. Councilmember Rousseau would be interested in that, but she would like to understand what was happening with Outlot A before they have that meeting. She also wondered if there was a County Director of Economic Development that could provide input. Mayor Grant stated that he didn't know if Staff had good direction or not. City Administrator Perrault thought the conversation coalesced around having Mr. Lux and/or his commercial representatives invited to a meeting after the JDA work session and invite additional developers including the Outlot A development person to discuss commercial marketing conditions, zoning conditions that might be averse to attracting development, along with warehousing/commercial/manufacturing options that we allow or don't allow. Councilmember Holden didn't want the developer of Outlot A there because they may already have bias on what they're creating and may want to offset it so they can fill their commercial area first. She also didn't think a County representative should be there because they are biased and may want things in Arden Hills that may not be the best for Arden Hills. Councilmember Rousseau would still be interested in having the County understanding that there may be biases. City Administrator Perrault said he would start working on it and give the Council an update. Discussion ensued regarding the timing of the County approving Outlot A. E. Arden Manor Hardcourt — CDBG Discussion Assistant Public Works Director Miller stated there was a change order approved in July to remove the hard court from the Arden Manor Park improvements this past summer with the idea of pursuing future Community Development Block Grant funding. Staff recommends the first step be to hire a consultant to begin the CDBG process. Cost is anticipated to be about $5,000. There are two options the Council should consider with the CDBG program: the first is applying for CDBG to cover all engineering and construction costs resulting in a 2025 construction timeline, or the City paying for the design engineering cost and applying for construction cost and construction admin cost resulting in a 2024 construction timeline. Staff would like direction on whether to pursue the grant and to consider direct selecting a consultant for professional services to administer and deliver the proposed project. Councilmember Holden thought they should do it. Councilmember Monson would support getting it shovel ready for construction in 2024 and was OK with direct selecting. Mayor Grant agreed, and said to go after the grant.