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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — JANUARY 13, 2025 16 Councilmember Weber indicated he envisioned the affordable housing units for the additional density. He agreed the proposal from the developer was offensive. He noted while the trails would be a nice add, he wanted to see the affordable housing units remain on the table. Councilmember Holden asked if the Council supported giving the bonus density in order to receive the trail. She indicated she could support the requested flexibility for density, FAR and building height if the trail was included in the plans. Councilmember Monson questioned if EV charging stations could be included. Councilmember Holden commented this would be a separate requirement. Councilmember Monson requested further information on what Councilmember Weber was envisioning for affordable housing. Councilmember Weber stated he hoped the entire density overage would be affordable housing, or 17 units. He believed it was in good faith of the comprehensive plan, that the City should seek options for affordable housing within this development. Councilmember Holden asked if the comprehensive plan lists areas within the community where affordable housing was allowed. Interim City Administrator Jagoe explained at the time of writing the comprehensive plan, within the housing chapter, there were areas that were anticipated for future development and this site was not one guided for redevelopment and affordable housing. She noted this property was zoned R-1 and guided for low density residential to the east. Councilmember Monson inquired if the City could ask for affordable housing as a requirement for density bonus. City Attorney Bjerkness stated the requirement for affordable housing, or a threshold far affordable housing in exchange for the density does go outside what is generally considered within a PUD application. She referred back to her previous statement, noting the affordable housing goals within the comprehensive plan have not been codified within City ordinances. She did not recommend the City Council require affordable housing within the land use application because it was within the comprehensive plan and not City ordinances. Councilmember Monson asked if the City Council could require the trail. City Attorney Bjerkness advised the trail connection could be required, due to the specific language within City Code. She reported the trail connection does not have to be tied to the density bonus. Mayor Grant commented typically within a PUD, the trade offs relate to each other. Councilmember Rousseau indicated she supported the inclusion of a trail connection. Councilmember Monson was in agreement.