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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – December 4, 2024 10 Chair Weber opened the public hearing at 8:03 p.m. Chair Weber invited anyone for or against the application to come forward and make comment. There being no comment Chair Weber closed the public hearing at 8:04 p.m. Councilmember Rousseau discussed the City’s fee schedule and asked when was the last time the City updated its park dedication fees. Interim City Administrator Jagoe reported this was last done in approx. 2015/2016. Chair Weber stated it would be useful to know if other cities have recently made changes or updates to their park or residential dedication fees. Commissioner Wicklund stated he was in favor of pushing this project forward. He indicated he was comfortable with the increased density, FAR and building height. He explained the value of the entire parcel was $22 million and the developer was proposing to purchase 10 of the 40 acres. He stated this would lead to a land dedication payment (at 15%) of $825,000. He suggested the Commission deal with the affordable housing piece as a separate motion or condition for approval. Interim City Administrator Jagoe commented on the City’s public use dedication and park development fees. She indicated the City could waive public use dedication fees and recommended the Commission discuss this matter further, but noted subsidizing the development for affordable housing would have to meet a “but for” test. She explained the developer should assess whether or not a fee waiver was necessary. Chair Weber stated if the Commission were to ask for affordable housing, could the Commission offer an amendment to waive fees or recommend the City negotiate as necessary in order to achieve affordable housing units. Interim City Administrator Jagoe reported if the Commission wants this brought forward, she recommended the developer communicate if this was something they would be seeking from the City. She explained the affordable housing request was a new add that staff had not prepared for. Chair Weber stated a lot of information would have to be gathered that may put this project in a table situation. Interim City Administrator Jagoe indicated this may be the case. She stated the Commission could make a recommendation on public use dedication but noted other reduction of fees or waivers should wait until the developer brings forward a request to ensure all criteria within the City’s public financing guidelines for affordable housing requirements were being met. Chair Weber stated the Commission could make a recommendation with respect to park dedication and land dedication and the City Council could take it from there. He explained if there was no agreement on affordable housing, this project may not happen in its current form.