02-12-24-SWS - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION - FEBRUARY 12, 2024 6 Mayor Grant felt he was a little early to the game being as the City has a need for property but at some point the property may be sold. Councilmember Rousseau asked how much square footage Public Works would need. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen replied they would need 15,000 - 20,000 square feet for storage area. They haven't done any type of topography survey on the City Hall property. Councilmember Monson felt they had many years to deal with the Public Works facility issue as TCAAP gets going. She added that to put Public Works there just because the City owns the land when it is prime Highway 96 land was something they needed to think about. She wondered if staff could talk to the County about a Highway 96 study. Mayor Grant said they need to figure out where the maintenance facility would go, as part of a study. Councilmember Holden thought one of the concerns is if they sell this they will have to buy something somewhere else. She stated one of the reasons we were trying to build in this area is because the other Public Works facility is right there and the guys interchange and work together all the time. She thought discussing selling was premature. Councilmember Fabel asked about the market for $3,000 a month rental townhome. Mr. Alexander said there is a strong market, many are young families with small kids that aren't in the position to buy a home but have good jobs. There is a renter by choice movement going on in the Twin Cities and elsewhere. Councilmember Rousseau wasn't against the idea but figuring out next steps while preparing for Rice Creek Commons should happen first. Mr. Alexander hoped if there was an opportunity in the future they would consider his company. C. MCES Private I/I Grant Program — Equity Component Mayor Grant said staff recommended to not have an equity component this year. Councilmember Rousseau was in favor of staff s recommendation but would like a list of equity requirements. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen said the equity component would be formulated by the City, and varies from city to city. He would like to wait to see what other cities are doing, then come back with their ideas to see what fits our community the best. Councilmember Holden wouldn't like staff to have to review income tax forms, maybe they could base it on home value. Councilmember Fabel liked the assessed value of the home, and that it must be under a certain dollar amount.