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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—MARCH 10, 2025 6 <br /> MOTION: Councilmember Monson moved and Councilmember Weber seconded a <br /> motion to approve the Consent Calendar as amended and to authorize <br /> execution of all necessary documents contained therein. The motion carried <br /> (3_O)• <br /> 9. PULLED CONSENT ITEMS <br /> A. Motion to Approve Extension for Recording of Final Plat — 1700 Highway 96 <br /> W—Trident Development <br /> Councilmember Weber stated he pulled this item to acknowledge what this item means. He <br /> indicated he voted against this project in January because he believed affordability should have <br /> been a component of this project. He stated the argument at that time was that the City could not <br /> afford to delay the project. He reported now the Council was now being asked for an extension, <br /> which meant there was time to discuss affordability. He explained the developer was never going <br /> to seriously consider affordable units. He indicated the Council was being asked to consider an <br /> extension for the Final Plat without any consideration of revisiting affordable units. He stated this <br /> land would not sit empty forever as the church would continue to find a partner that was <br /> interested in developing this land. He explained the City was under not obligation to approve the <br /> extension and he thought voting against this request would send a clear message that Arden Hills <br /> does not reward developers that ignore the communities needs. <br /> Mayor Grant stated he disagreed with Councilmember Weber, noting the developer brought <br /> forward an affordable component that was costly. He indicated affordable housing was not free, <br /> but rather there was a financial aspect that the City was asked to participate in and the City chose <br /> not to. He explained he supported approving the extension. <br /> Councilmember Monson reported she believed the offer from the developer was a joke and she <br /> made that clear in January. She was of the opinion the offer was so unattractive that the City had <br /> no option but to say no to the affordable units. She commented it was also clear that because the <br /> City doesn't have any affordable housing requirements, the City puts itself at risk trying to deny a <br /> project that does not have an affordability component. She recommended the City Council pursue <br /> an affordable housing policy and that this be put into ordinance in order to support affordable <br /> housing going forward. She asked that staff speak to why this request has come to the City. <br /> City Administrator Jagoe reported this request came about because staff was working on the <br /> logistical language within the development agreement, but it was not yet finalized. She <br /> anticipated this agreement would be finalized by April. She explained staff was working to have <br /> the recording of the final plat and the development agreement happen at the same time. <br /> Mayor Grant asked if the City Attorney was working on the development agreement and <br /> questioned if it was close to completion. <br /> City Attorney Bjerkness reported the document was close to completion, noting both parties <br /> have exchanged redlines, but the document was not ready in time for the City packet. <br /> Mayor Grant stated the developer was working in earnest to complete the development <br /> agreement. <br />