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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — JANUARY 13, 2025 15 Councilmember Rousseau supported the proposed park development fee. Councilmember Monson indicated the Council was unsure of how many units would be constructed as part of this project, which would impact the park development fee that was paid by the developer. She noted she did support the park development fee remaining $6,500 per unit. Councilmember Weber agreed. Councilmember Holden explained she had not made up her mind regarding density. She recommended the wetlands not be included because this has not been included in past developments. She reported the maximum density for this project should be 12 units per acre and the developer was asking for 13.9 units per acre. Mayor Grant stated the Council had the ability to provide for additional density through a PUD, in exchange for something that improves the project. Councilmember Monson questioned what the total number of units would be if the density bonus were not allowed. Planning Consultant Hofer stated the development would be allowed to have 102 units. Councilmember Monson inquired what should be exchanged for the additional density. Mayor Grant supported the addition or inclusion of a trail connection to the park. He reported if 14 units were removed from the project, this may jeopardize the financial feasibility of the project. He explained these 14 units should be worth something to the developer and the developer should be giving the community some benefit. City Attorney Bjerkness pointed out that Section 1130.08 of the City Code speaks to cases where a subdivision borders a trail identified in the City's comprehensive plan, the developer or subdivider shall (must) be responsible for constructing trail improvements that provide connections to the trail. She reported this code language means the City Council shall make the trail connection a requirement for the developer. Interim City Administrator reported this language speaks to the fact the developer or subdivider shall be responsible for creating the trail connection. Mayor Grant questioned the length of the trail connection. Interim City Administrator stated the trail connection would only be the length of the property, which would be approximately 1,373 feet. She commented there would still be a gap from the North Heights property line to Highway 96. Councilmember Holden indicated she could support the bonus density for the full trail connection. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen explained this trail segment would be a good candidate for a back of curb bituminous trail. He noted the trail would require some tree removal and site grading.