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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — JULY 22, 2024 11 explained the only time the fire truck would be turning to the south on Pine Tree was if there was a fire in those neighborhoods. Councilmember Monson stated the two biggest pieces the Planning Commission discussed were the trees and the park dedication fee waiver. She indicated the discussion was taxpayer money would be used for the fire station. She commented on how the Fire Board supported waiving the park dedication fee to ensure costs would be kept down for taxpayers. She explained the 300 caliper inches was a compromise from the Planning Commission and noted it appears the park dedication fee should have been paid by Bethel University. Community Development Director Jagoe reported park dedication fees were to be paid as part of a future development process. She indicated she was not with the City when this parcel was split off from the Bethel property. She commented further on the formula that was followed park dedication fee noting the rate varies depending on the type of development that is pursued. She believed the park dedication fee was tied to the future of the lots, because the future development was uncertain. Councilmember Monson explained a fire station was a public use. Councilmember Holden commented when the fire department was looking at buying it and Bethel was looking at selling, the City did not want the additional burden of a park dedication fee to be transferred to the sale of this property. She indicated this would have added to the taxpayer burden. She stated if the fire department were to build on this property, the park dedication fee would be waived, but if the property were to be developed commercial, a park dedication fee could still be collected. She was of the opinion there was a lot of misinformation at the Planning Commission meeting. She noted the trails on this site were owned by Bethel and they gave the City the right to use these trails. She commented on how the current fire station in Shoreview was owned by Shoreview and served Arden Hills. She did not understand why the Planning Commission was intent on sticking it to Shoreview and North Oaks for the park dedication fee and trees. She supported giving up the park dedication fee given how Shoreview has donated a fire station building for years that has served Arden Hills' residents. Mayor Grant stated he supported the proposed criteria within the conditional use permit and the design materials. In addition, he supported the setback variances and the 117 foot driveway. He indicated he would like to see more trees on the site, but he anticipated the site had as much landscaping as was possible given the amount of impervious surface on the property. He stated he supported the signage and noted he could support waiving the park dedication fee. He reported he supported the application with conditions. Councilmember Monson commented she did not believe the conversation at the Planning Commission involved sticking it to anyone. Rather the intent was to provide additional benefit to the City. She explained she supported withholding the park dedication fee. She asked if the Mayor supported Condition 19. Mayor Grant indicated he supported allowing the applicant to plant the proposed 48 caliper inches.