Laserfiche WebLink
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—MAY 28, 2024 2 <br /> land at one time. This discussion is still preliminary, and they are working with their partner to <br /> fine tune the numbers, we expect to hear back in coming weeks if this option is feasible or not. <br /> Councilmember Holden explained she asked staff if the $5 million deficit for TCAAP took into <br /> consideration affordable housing and she understood this was the case. She requested staff see <br /> what the affordable housing assumptions were. <br /> City Administrator Perrault stated he could investigate this further and could report back to the <br /> Council. <br /> Councilmember Holden questioned if a staff meeting was held for TCAAP and asked what the <br /> phases were for this project. <br /> City Administrator Perrault reported this has not been spelled out. He explained at this time <br /> Phase 1 included the horizontal infrastructure. He stated the next phases have yet to be <br /> determined. <br /> 3. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL <br /> Mark Kelliher, 3712 Chatham Court, stated he understood the Council would be addressing the <br /> budget tonight. He explained that on April 8, he expressed strong support for the development of <br /> TCAAP/Rice Creek Commons but only if the numbers work to the City's advantage. He indicated <br /> he previously presented the Council with a projected budgetary impact of building 1,989 units on <br /> TCAAP. He stated this summary was gleaned from the City's consultants and was not his work. <br /> He reported later in that meeting (April 8), Councilmember Fabel stated he did not like the <br /> numbers that were used. He indicated he did not like the numbers either and this was why he <br /> brought them to the Council's attention. However, he stated these were the projections that were <br /> used when the slate moved forward with the 1,989 units. He understood the Council directed staff <br /> to massage the consultants' original work, but the important point is, the slate did not wait for <br /> these revisions. Rather, the slate approved the 1,989 units based solely on the consultants' <br /> projections. He reported the consultants' numbers show a half million deficit in some years and <br /> this would worsen should the City approve tax increment financing. The point he wanted to make <br /> at this meeting was that for anybody who supported the 1,989 units, having the knowledge of the <br /> impact this project would have on the City's budget, does not understand their fiduciary duty. He <br /> stated Councilmember Monson does not have a professional background to understand the role of <br /> fiduciary and Councilmember Rousseau has shown she is without a clue because she is on record <br /> telling residents the finances will be worked out over the next 10 years or so. However, <br /> Councilmember Fabel was a seasoned attorney and he should well know the role of fiduciary. He <br /> called on Councilmember Fabel to awaken the slate from its current ethical slumber. He indicated <br /> the Council's focus, when voting on any topic, should always be what is best for the City, not <br /> what is best for the County or the developer. He urged the Council to begin acting as fiduciary <br /> stewards so the Council does not tank the City in its haste to launch the Rice Creek Commons <br /> project just because they fear the results of the upcoming election. He stated he printed out the <br /> definition of a fiduciary and would leave this with the City Clerk. <br /> Linda Swanson, 1124 Ingerson Road, stated her comments were being made on the heel of <br /> Gregg Larson's comments. She understood the slate wanted people to believe they were always <br /> caring people, but this wasn't how it is. She stated it was easy to point fingers at others, versus <br /> looking at your own faults. She agreed there is disharmony amongst the Council, but pointed out <br />