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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - NOVEMBER 24. ] 997 6 . Recreation Directors, City Managers, Mayors, School District #621 Superintendent, Community Education Director, and School Board Chair met on October 2] to discuss the recommendations included in the study. Ms. Walsh explained it was agreed at this meeting that the only areas ofland within the Mounds View School District which appear to be large enough to accommodate such a facility are the U of M site in Shoreview and the TCAAP property. Shoreview has indicated that a developer has expressed interest in the U of M site and it would be difficult to exclude the amount of acreage necessary for the joint facility. Thus, the TCAAP property is the only other area for this type of development. Ms. Walsh stated since TCAAP is located in Arden Hills, all parties agreed that the City of Arden Hills should take the lead in developing a concept plan. At this time, the plan would be simply conceptual and not include plans and specifications. She explained they would like to hire a landscape architect to design a concept plan, establish fundraising needs, timelines, etc. Councilmember Hicks stated he agreed it is appropriate that Arden Hills take the lead position. But, his concern was the probability of the TCAAP property becoming available. Mr. Fritsinger noted the availability of the land, as of today, has not been established. Although the excess property process has started on the tract of property with fourteen homes. The reuse plan does establish that as commercial use and there would need to be some discussion on whether this . type of use would be acceptable in the short-term and possibly turned over when other land becomes available. But, he believed the next logical step would be to prepare a conceptual plan for the area. Mayor Probst noted the property will probably be available in the next two years. Counci1member Hicks rciterated his concern the TCAAP property would not be available, but the U of M property was currently available. Mayor Probst pointed out there are no other sites available and the U of M property is just as complicated as the TCAAP property. Councilmember Aplikowski also expressed concerns for the TCAAP property becoming available. She believed the property would not be available for five to ten ycars. Although, she indicated taking a lead role in the conceptual plan would be a good step for the City of Arden Hills. Mayor Probst indicated his confidence in the availability of the property in two years. Ms. Walsh noted the concerns for the availability of the property was shared by others. Therefore, two to three options would be made available for a concept plan. Councilmember Aplikowski stated she would be interested in seeing the needs assessment information. Councilmember Hicks inquired if Arden Hills starts this project, would it bc with the assumption that the other cities would share in the expense of pursuing a conceptual plan. Ms. Walsh noted this was correct, and other cities would be approving similar resolutions to the one before the Council. . Mayor Probst noted part of the process was to get commitments from the other cities for contributions.