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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — JANUARY 13, 2025 13 Mayor Grant questioned who the applicant was for this project, Trident Development or the church. Interim City Administrator Jagoe reported the church was the property owner, but the applicant was Trident Development. Mayor Grant commented the standard park development rate would require the applicant to pay $773,500, but based on the purchase price that was provided by Trident Development to applicant was proposing to pay $450,000. Councilmember Monson agreed with Councilmember Holden, reiterating this was a bare minimum application and she did not understand how this project came forward. She reported the City has no more time to make a decision on this project. She stated the information the Council had requested before had not been included within the application. She commented the offer for affordable housing offended her. She was of the opinion this was a clear strategic plan that was brought forward by the applicant with the understanding the City would never accept. She wanted to have a development on this property, but she was angered by the manner in which this project has moved forward. While she wanted to deny the project, she was stuck. She expressed frustration noting this was not the manner in which a developer partnered with the City. She commented she did not love this project and noted she was not interested in waiving any fees for the developer. Councilmember Holden stated when the concept plan was considered, Councilmember Fabel mentioned affordable housing and none of the other Councilmembers offered support. She stated it was the Council's fault for not addressing this issue sooner. She noted one other member of the Planning Commission discussed affordable housing with the developer. Councilmember Monson agreed the Council did not make the affordable housing requirements clear. However, the Planning Commission wanted this addressed and she was offended by the developer's response. Mayor Grant reiterated this was not a project where TIF financing was involved. He commented this would be a totally different arena. Councilmember Rousseau questioned what the benefit to the community would be with the higher density. Mayor Grant anticipated this would be higher tax revenue. Councilmember Holden indicated the additional density was provided based on how the building was laid out. Mayor Grant requested the Council address the series of issues facing this request. Councilmember Holden addressed resident dedication and noted she would support a payment of $450,000. Mayor Grant supported the Council putting a motion on the floor with amendments then to be considered versus discussing each issue prior to putting a motion on the floor.