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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — JANUARY 13, 2025 12 <br />Interim City Administrator Jagoe stated for the residential dedication, the City looks at the fair <br />market value of the land for a cash dedication. She indicated the City did not get a value so the <br />City had to go off of the value of the property today, as assessed by Ramsey County. However, <br />she noted City staff has been provided with additional information as to the purchase price for the <br />land for this project. <br />Councilmember Monson stated when additional density is allowed, this typically means the <br />developer will provide additional amenities, such as EV chargers or a trail to the park. She <br />indicated the developer was meeting very basic standards and was still asking for variances on <br />several more items. She reported to her, this was not enough for the City to offer additional <br />density. She wanted to see the items that were missing included within the project plans, such as a <br />path to Royal Park. She indicated the City was already struggling to pay for trails and this project <br />would benefit greatly by having a trail connection. <br />Mayor Grant questioned if the City were to count the wetlands, no density bonus would be <br />required. <br />Planning Consultant Hofer reported this was the case, noting the site was 10.74 acres with 119 <br />units on it. <br />Mayor Grant commented the PUD allows the Council to grant the density flexibility. <br />Planning Consultant Hofer stated this was correct. <br />Mayor Grant stated the developer will have access to the right of way along Highway 96 to the <br />north. He indicated a trail could be established to the Highway 96 trail. He anticipated the church <br />would have to provide some flexibility in order for a trail to be built to the adjacent park. <br />Planning Consultant Hofer reported that while the applicant was proposing to plant trees on the <br />house on the house of worship lot, there was limited work plan on the proposed Lot 2, Block 1. <br />He indicated the applicant could ask to construct a trail on the house of worship property, but the <br />church would have to give permission. <br />Mayor Grant anticipated it would be in the church's best interest, to provide this amenity to the <br />members as it would be nice to have a trail from the church to the park. He questioned if the <br />development agreement could require the applicant to construct a trail to reach the park. <br />City Attorney Bjerkness indicated City Code has the option, where a subdivision borders a trail <br />that is identified within the comprehensive plan, the City can require the developer construct trail <br />improvements to connect, but this would only be applicable to property the developer owns. <br />Mayor Grant commented while the City really wants a trail connection, this would be on land <br />the developer does not own. Rather, the church owns the land. <br />Councilmember Holden stated this was a PUD and she was not seeing any special amenities <br />included within the plans. She suggested funding be provided by the applicant in order to <br />complete the trail connection to the park. <br />