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ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL – DECEMBER 16, 2024 3 <br /> <br />the old regime and she supported a new member of the community serving as the JDA Chair that <br />is able to attend the monthly meetings. <br /> <br />Councilmember Fabel commented he believed Mr. Wicklund has done an outstanding job <br />serving as the JDA Chair. While Mr. Wicklund had missed meetings, he had not missed meetings <br />where significant decisions were made. He stated he supported Mr. Wicklund remaining the JDA <br />Chair given his experience with the project and strong leadership abilities. <br /> <br />Interim City Administrator Jagoe explained she spoke with Mr. Wicklund in advance to this <br />meeting and noted he shared it appears he would only have to miss two meetings in 2025. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant indicated he spoke with Mr. Wicklund as well and he understood Mr. Wicklund <br />was indecisive of whether or not he wanted to come back as Chair but was willing to serve. He <br />stated this was a difficult decision for him, but he believed the City would be well served by <br />opening up appointments for the Chair position. He understood there were bigger issues that are <br />impacting the Rice Creek Commons project. <br /> <br />Councilmember Rousseau reported she had a conversation with Mr. Wicklund regarding his <br />position on the Planning Commission. She understood he was indecisive regarding his service on <br />the Planning Commission and was willing to step away from that position in order to continue his <br />service with the JDA. She explained she supported Mr. Wicklund continuing to serve as the JDA <br />Chair. <br /> <br />MOTION: Councilmember Fabel moved and Councilmember Monson seconded a <br />motion to Approve Appointment of Joint Development Authority (JDA) <br />Chair (2025-2026). A roll call vote was taken. The motion carried 3-2 <br />(Councilmember Holden and Mayor Grant opposed). <br /> <br />7. COUNCIL/STAFF COMMENTS <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden excused herself from the meeting. <br /> <br />Councilmember Monson thanked Councilmember Fabel for his service on the City Council and <br />JDA over the past two years. <br /> <br />Councilmember Fabel stated this was his last meeting on the City Council. He hoped that <br />everyone in the City can appreciate the outstanding staff that worked on behalf of the community. <br />He believed the City was very well served by the professionals on staff. He urged the Council to <br />continue to take care of the City staff members going forward. He stated he was proud of the <br />City’s efforts to move forward with the TCAAP project after a period of stalemate and that more <br />housing would be provided to Arden Hills residents. <br /> <br />Councilmember Rousseau explained she has enjoyed working with Councilmember Fabel over <br />the past two years and thanked him for his service to the City of Arden Hills. <br /> <br />Councilmember Rousseau stated she was interested in serving on the Gateway Visitor’s Bureau. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant reported he contacted the director of the Gateway Visitor’s Bureau and explained <br />he would like to continue with this organization. He explained in his conversation with the