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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - FEBRUARY 14,2000 9 . Councilmember Aplikowski stated that she did not agree with extending the timeline. She noted that the group was not being asked to redesign the project, just to review the project and make recommendations. She felt that the longer the group takes, the less able the City Council will be to move forward with a road improvement project next year. She had no issues with the proposed makeup of the group. Councilmember Larson stated that he supported the Mayor's and City Administrator's suggestions. However, he too was concerned about the group moving forward as quickly as possible. He noted that the dates proposed by Mr. Lynch were not binding and if it takes longer than the proposed three months then so be it. He felt that the purpose of the group was to exchange information and he expected that, after this process, the City staff will make a recommendation to Council. He hoped that the recommendations by staff would be agreeable to the neighborhood group. If at the end of the process, staff s recommendation is not acceptable to the neighborhood group, he would expect that the group would come forward with their own recommendations. Councilmember Larson stated that he did not have strong feelings about the membership ofthe group and he felt that the representatives of the neighborhood should select who they want to serve. He agreed that Ms. Cain should be allowed to serve on the group if the neighborhood supports her. He noted that Ms. Cain's organization represents a significant portion of the assessment and they have an interest in the project in the same way as any other business would. . Councilmember Grant asked Mr. Brown if a six month timeline would allow enough time for bids to go out this year. Mr. Brown stated that since the project would not begin until 2001 , a six month timeline would be acceptable. Mayor Probst suggested that the Council agree on a charge and deal with the makeup of the group in order to take action. He indicated that the City Council does not have to command a schedule, however, the group should be aware of a timeline and hopefully the group will honor the schedule in order for the proj ect to move forward. Councilmember Larson asked what the intent of Council action would be. Mayor Probst stated that all City committees are appointed by the Council. He felt that approving the charge was important in order for the group to understand what the expectations ofthe Council are. Additionally, the Council should identify names of members. If there is a desire to add people, or members resign, this could be dealt with periodically. Mayor Probst stated that the role of the two Councilmembers appointed to the group, as well as staff, should be as liaisons to pm1icipate in discussions but not as voting members. Councilmember Rem asked if the representatives from the Planning Commission and Operations and Finance Committee would be voting members of the group. Mayor Probst suggested that these individuals serve as voting members. He felt that a Planning Commissioner could bring perspective having dealt with a number of issues throughout the City. Additionally, the Operations and Finance Committee has dealt with assessment issues many times and a representative from this Committee could be helpful. .