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. ~ . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - AUGUST 31. 1998 13 frustrating. He stated the National Guard is sending its attorneys out to negotiate the terms of a lease agreement is a significant indication. He stated this decision can be delayed but the commitment to move down this path is such that he is prepared to move the documentation to the next step. He stated he is concerned about the need to update the documents and cost estimates. Mayor Probst stated there have been several recent discussions about whether the City should walk away from the TCAAP effort but the intention of the discussion was not to go down a path of walking away from that site but to determine options. He noted that to locate the City Hall on this site would not preclude those options. Also, the City has not been successful in finding another location in the heart of Arden Hills that is acceptable. Thc other option is to build on the old City Hall site but he does not see an advantage in that location over the TCAAP site. Mayor Probst noted it was also discussed to locate a public works building on this site and the National Guard has indicated that will be a much easier process. He stated there may not be additional information in two weeks except for a staff update on their discussion with the National Guard on the lease and he is ready to proceed with this process. Council member Malone stated he is also concerned about the cost and amount of increase. He statcd if there is anything that would cause him to back off this project, it would be the cost. Councilmember Malone stated the old City Hall site was purchased under duress and is too narrow to site a City Hall. He noted the land is also marketable and the opportunity with the Arsenal property is that it is free. Councilmember Malone stated he is also encouraged about the pending negotiations with the National Guard attorneys which indicates they were serious all along. However, the question remains ifthe Council should proceed with construction plans. Councilmember Malone stated he leans toward moving forward with preparation of the building plans due to the timing issues involved. In response to Councilmember Aplikowski's comments, Councilmember Malone stated that he would like an indication of where it has taken two and onc-half years to negotiate a lease and pointed out the lease for the current City Hall space took only three weeks. Councilmember Malone asked that another alternate be presented. He agreed with Council member Keirn that this location makes the most sense for the City and he concurs with proceeding with construction plans. Councilmember Larson asked what the construction plans will cost. Mr. Vestcrholt stated it would be approximately $40,000. Councilmember Malone asked if the City would just pay for the work done to that point if it is determined a lease arrangement cannot be made. Mr. Vesterholt stated this is correct. Councilmember Larson stated he is enthusiastic about the site and plan for the City Hall but he remains concerned about the amount of money spent when there is uncertainty about the lease. MOTION: Councilmember Keirn moved and Councilmember Malone seconded a motion to authorize the architect to proceed with the preparation of construction plans and that the Council further directs the City Administrator to negotiate fees with Architectural Alliance as a result of changes in the scope of the project. The motion carried (4-1 Councilmember Aplikowski).