12-09-24-R - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — NOVEMBER 7, 2024 5 Councilmember Monson asked if that is something we want, we need to decide as soon as possible because then he would rearrange the number of units in town center. Councilmember Holden said the City Attorney has said that if we think we want a second story, we should plan it with two stories from the beginning. It's easier to expand it than it is to go up. She said the reason the civic space had been discussed with a gym is because in the summer if it's raining, kids have nowhere to go. Councilmember Rousseau said she didn't know if playground space is applicable anymore because surrounding cities have done a great job building similar spaces. She does agree there should be a second story. Councilmember Holden clarified that she didn't mean a playground setting. She meant when there is a summer program at Tony Schmidt. If it's raining, the parent can't go to work or would have to make other arrangements. Having a civic center that can accommodate the kids on those bad weather days, is what she meant by playground setting. Councilmember Monson said for the sake of time for tonight's meeting, we don't have decide exactly what will be there, but just agree we still want it. We can use a public process to determine what is included in that space, but everyone is in favor of holding that. She asked if there anything needed for the agreement. Mayor Grant said assuming we're adding 500 units of housing, we'll need an additional park. Councilmember Rousseau wondered if the southwest corner will still be considered a walkable park. She is concerned that if we go with a recreational aspect, where will the next park be? Do we need green space? There could be a path around a building with murals. Councilmember Monson said there are terms that need to be updated in the agreement. Interim City Administrator Jagoe said knowing there is the update on the 2022 Term Sheet, Staff would like direction on next steps. How does Council want to move forward with discussions with Alatus on the Term Sheet items to refine the numbers? Councilmember Holden asked if Council could discuss the land sale in a closed session. She said even if the land sale is for $1. She said before anyone negotiates, we need to decide what the priorities are. Kori Land said there are a lot of moving parts in the Term Sheet. One of the parts is the sale of land. There is a separate document for the sale of the land. There is an offer for the sale of land with the purchase price of $1. That is separate from the other terms. If Council wants to discuss the sale of land, whether we want to buy it, use it as civic space, or amend the components of that option agreement, Council can go to closed session to talk about that. The other components in the Term Sheet are not part of that. Mayor Grant said basically the answer is no to a closed session. Kori Land confirmed.