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ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — JUNE 10, 2024 10 <br />Assistant Public Works Director Miller stated considering Council's desire to be flexible at the <br />early stages of the project with the design and the current broad scope of the project, Staff <br />requested that Bolton and Menk, Inc. (BMI) provide a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) <br />that only included the following: complete online survey development, public involvement, <br />survey analysis, planning level cost estimates based on feedback and a Public meeting <br />presentation to Council. This PSA with BMI was approved by Council at the April 8, 2024 <br />Council Meeting. Council was able to see the presentation from BMI and the packet information <br />they put together, breaking down in detail the survey results at the Work Session on May 28, <br />2024. <br />Assistant Public Works Director Miller commented for the Work Session, Council will need to <br />define more, the scope of the project, which will lead the project into the design phase. A PSA <br />amendment will be requested from Bolton & Menk related to that project scope for the Arden <br />Oaks Park & Freeway Park Improvement Project. <br />Councilmember Monson supported the City having a Parks Master Plan in place because this <br />would give the City a vision for budgeting and overall vision for park amenities. <br />Councilmember Rousseau stated after speaking with the consultant regarding the proposed park <br />improvements, she understood there were a lot of opportunities at Freeway Park. She supported <br />the City having a Master Plan in place, but also incorporating other values such as environmental <br />stewardship and invasive species. <br />Councilmember Holden indicated she was having trouble envisioning Freeway Park any other <br />way, given its size and how it was surrounded by two major roadways. She suggested more <br />planning be completed for Arden Oaks Park. <br />Councilmember Monson supported these two parks moving forward as is and that a Master Plan <br />be put in place for all future parks. <br />Councilmember Fabel stated he liked the idea of a Parks Master Plan. He feared the Council was <br />micromanaging parks from the Council level. He reported he was a fan of the plans for Freeway <br />Park. <br />Councilmember Rousseau was of the opinion Freeway Park may have more opportunities. <br />Mayor Grant discussed that what the City does today has to fit into the plans for tomorrow. He <br />agreed Arden Oaks Park could have more amenities added in the future. <br />Councilmember Holden asked what parks were coming up for improvements. <br />Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen stated in 2027, Ingerson and Sampson <br />would be improved, and in 2029 the playground structure would be replaced at Royal Hills. He <br />stated in 2033, Valentine Park would be improved. He asked if it made sense to put the brakes on <br />the plans for Arden Oaks and Freeway Parks in order to pursue a Parks Master Plan. <br />Councilmember Holden reported she supported these two parks moving forward given the fact <br />the City has told residents these parks were going to be improved. <br />