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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—MAY 28, 2024 3 that the slate contributes to this disharmony. She indicated this was not just words as disrespect can be words or actions, or lack thereof. She commented she has stood before the Council on numerous occasions to bring up the disrespectful actions of the slate members. She noted Councilmember Fabel roles his eyes when residents speak, makes noises and doesn't show interest. In addition, he makes derogatory comments about residents and has stated topics like TCAAP were too complicated for residents to understand. She expressed concern with the fact Councilmember Fabel had determined that neither the Mayor nor the public would be allowed to participate or watch any of the JDA Advisory Committee meetings, where the basic aspects of the project were being discussed. She did not like that Councilmember Fabel was referring to residents as being immoral when they don't agree with him regarding TCAAP. She did not understand why Councilmember Rousseau was making disparaging remarks regarding Councilmember Fabel's hearing, when Councilmember Fabel did not state there is a concern. She expressed frustration with the fact Councilmember Rousseau was heard complaining about residents who regularly attend City Council meetings. She questioned what else Councilmember Rousseau was saying when not overheard. She did not appreciate how Councilmember Rousseau listened to other Councilmembers and how she made snide remarks to the Mayor. In addition, she did not appreciate how Councilmember Rousseau was not inclusive, as she had reduced the number of committee volunteers when they disagreed with her. She commented on how the slate had removed a PTRC member and the Planning Chair. She questioned why Councilmember Rousseau was packing up and leaving Council meetings before all Councilmembers had a chance to speak. She asked why Councilmember Rousseau had stated she was pro-development and that the Mayor and Councilmember Holden were not. She questioned why a letter was sent to a local legislator about current proposed legislation, implying this was the City's position without discussion and not responding to a Councilmembers request for information. She reported the slate, as a group, was using their quorum to eliminate duties and responsibilities of a duly elected Mayor. She indicated this was disrespectful to the Mayor and the residents. She encouraged the slate to stop pointing their fingers at the Mayor and Councilmember Holden without first looking at the disharmony they themselves bring to the City Council. 4. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC INQUIRIES Mayor Grant commented on the hearing equipment in the Council Chambers. He reported a box was ordered to transmit to hearing aids in December of 2022 and this was just under $400. He indicated he was uncertain when this was installed in the dais, but he recalled it was shortly after the new Council began meeting in January of 2023. He indicated this solution was tried for a year with varying degrees of success. When he learned the varying degrees of success were not acceptable, in December of 2023, new equipment was purchased at a cost of$3,000. He stated this system offers both a neck loop and a hip pack or a separate option to be paired with a phone. He commented that a dedicated phone was also provided. He stated at the last meeting it was mentioned that things were not going well for a member of the Council. He explained he met with this Councilmember along with City Administrator Perrault and members from Nine North and on Wednesday of last week, testing was conducted. He reported frequencies were changed to make things better. He indicated the microphones have been turned up as well. He wanted people to know that subsequent to December of 2023, he was not made aware that anyone was having difficulty with hearing. He explained after he was made aware of this fact, testing was done and hopefully improvements were made. Mayor Grant indicated at the last Council meeting it was noted two inappropriate speakers were allowed to address the Council. He clarified for the record, this occurred in January and these