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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—OCTOBER 28, 2024 7 Mayor Grant explained he took part in the Partners in Energy (PiE) meeting last week. He stated in this meeting he learned the average manufactured home in Arden Manor pays $1,875 a year in energy costs and the average assistance offered was $550 per year. He noted additional resources are available to seniors. Councilmember Monson also commented on how the City was partnering with Xcel Energy on the PiE program to help provide additional energy reduction strategies in which the City's residents can participate in. She indicated there were specific programs geared towards manufactured home residents to assist with defraying energy costs. Mayor Grant reported all manufactured homeowners qualify for a free home energy audit. He was hopeful that as this program rolls out, those living in the manufactured home park could participate in this program. Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 7:45 p.m. Steve Scott, 4286 Norma Avenue, explained a prior Council floated a notion of a franchise fee to cover unanticipated costs, but noted this was shouted down by the public. He commented franchise fees were already being charged for cable services in the City. He stated his preference was to defer the construction of the fire station until they have enough grant dollars in place. He commented further on how expensive it was to borrow money at this time. Gregg Larson, 3377 North Snelling Avenue, commented the City's survey of 73 residents was meaningless. He indicated this survey only reflected 1% of eligible voters. He stated the vote before the Council was a deja vu, noting a franchise fee to fund parks was denied by the City Council in 2014. He reported Councilmember Holden and Mayor Grant opposed the previous franchise fee at that time and now they want them. He encouraged residents and voters to listen up. He was of the opinion the franchise fee was bad policy because this expense would be added or hidden into residents' monthly energy bills. He indicated this tax was regressive because all residents would be charged the same amount. He explained both AARP and the Chamber of Commerce opposed this tax. He reported this tax would not be tax deductible like a property tax increase would be and noted this would be a forever tax. He commented on how this tax would adversely impact non-profit properties. He encouraged the Council to raise revenue in a transparent manner and not through a hidden fee on an electric bill. With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 7:52 p.m. B. Planning Case 24-016—Planned Unit Development Amendment and Site Plan Review—Elegant Event Center—3776 Connelly Avenue Consultant Planner Hofer stated the Applicant previously submitted a land use application for a Zoning Code Amendment, Master Planned Unit Development, Final Planned Unit Development, Conditional Use Permit, and Site Plan Review to redevelop the existing approximately 11,000 square foot commercial building on the property at 3776 Connelly Avenue. This application was approved, with conditions, with Resolution 2024-038 on July 22, 2024. The Subject Property is currently owned by Standout Properties, LLC and the building was most recently occupied by the Northern Lights Bingo Hall and Bright Side Cafe. The Applicant's previous proposal was to renovate the existing building and resurface the parking lot. The Applicant proposed a phased development with the event center established in Phase I and restaurant and adult day care uses to