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. . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - JUNE 29.1998 4 Mayor Probst stated the Planning Commission meeting is this week Wednesday so there will be a period of about one month for the Council to make that appointment. C. Resolution #98-46, Commending Dale Hicks for His Years of Service to the City of Arden Hills Upon adoption of the agenda, this item was rescheduled to the end ofthe agenda. D. City Hall Concept Design Review Mr. Fritsinger explained that the City has been working with Architectural Alliance for the past several months on the design of the new City Hall facility. At the Mareh 16, 1998 Worksession meeting, the Council reviewed the plans for the facility and while in agreement with the majority of the design issues, did request that several items be reviewed for their impact on the budget. He explained that since then, a discussion was held at the Council retreat regarding staff levels and, as a result, a new staff position was created which impacted internal design issues. Staff has worked to fit that into the build out. Mr. Fritsinger explained the intent of the discussion tonight is to review these issues and assure the Council is comfortable with the proposal and proceeding to the Planning Commission for their August 5th meeting. Jeanne Sterner, Architectural Alliance, reviewed the interior room layout for the upper and lower area, noting the open staircase area and relocation of the City Administrator's office. Councilmember Aplikowski arrived at 7:5] p.m. In response to Councilmember Malone, Ms. Sterner reviewed the area on the upper level which overlooks the lower level lobby that contains a low solid wall and a glass wall to the ceiling. However, the conference room and computer room area would have full height walls. Mr. Fritsinger noted the glass walls will address the noise issues while still allowing for a feeling of open space and providing natural light. Ms. Sterner noted that two staircases are being proposed. Mr. Fritsinger explained the proposal is to use the mezzanine space for office areas which created the issue of separating staff on two different floors. The question was raised about how to create internal flow. The architects were asked to determine how the two staff areas could be tied together and the concept was created for the second stairway. Also, the staircase location and design may be revised further to address the internal access issue and Fire Code. Mayor Probst stated that the City needs to be careful about public access issues and to segregate staff area from the public area. He stated he is comfortable with the general layout of the plan but suggested the open stairway be placed in the location of the Building Inspector's office and then rearranging the open petition office areas. He stated this would preserve expansion space on the west side and provide a higher degree of flexibility in how the building is used in the future.