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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — APRIL 14, 2025 3 focus has been on zoning. There is more to the overall picture of what they do. They are a part of a family of businesses operating at this location. Senior Life Management is the parent company and the overall umbrella whose mission is to help seniors in transition. There are home maintenance plans and handy man services to help seniors who want to stay in their homes. The realty brokerage arm of Senior Life Management helps clients sell their home or buy a new one. Sort Toss Pack helps when a client is ready to move, or they just want to declutter in preparation for a future move. The sorting is done at the client's home. Odds and Ends Again is the retail arm that sells the items from Sort Toss Pack. This store brings value to the community. The shop is a destination for many people. They come to Arden Hills specifically to shop in this store. Odds and Ends Again sells solid furniture at affordable prices. This is a retail store, taking space that had been vacant for quite some time. If the store remains in this location, more staff will be hired. She is requesting that the Council work with the business owner to keep this small business open. Anita Alexander, 1355 Indian Oaks Trail — She said in light of the tough small business environment and in light of the fact that so many businesses are closing, she is confused why the City wouldn't try to change the zoning laws in order to allow a viable business to remain operating. They are paying taxes. We want money to come in. She is confused. Councilmember Holden helped her understand what the company would have to do. That wasn't in writing from any other Work Session meeting minutes stating how much it would cost to change the zoning. She really wants the Council to look at it and see why we would not do everything we can to keep this business there, rather than moving them out and thinking something else will come in. Toni Wellwooding, 120 Demont Avenue E, Little Canada — She works for Senior Life Management in the Sort Toss Pack area. She outlined how the shop generates business for surrounding businesses, through referrals and patronage. She shared personal memories from specific clients. She thinks expecting the business owner to apply and pay for something without knowing if it will be approved is wrong. Jannette Wasnin, 111021 Larpenteur Avenue, Roseville — She is a regular customer of this store. She was heartbroken when it closed. She was so happy to learn they reopened. She has helped spread the word that they are here. It will be a great disservice to this community if he's not allowed to stay. Katrina Evenfelt, 249 Poplar Drive, Shoreview — She is a regular customer from when it was open in the prior location. She has found unique and good quality items for her daughter's and mother's homes. This business provides essential services for people who are downsizing or looking for new furniture. She can't see how it could be decided that it would be beneficial for them to go elsewhere. If this store remains open it will bring new customers, bring tax dollars and benefit nearby businesses. Alicia Waltman, 1316 Indian Oaks Circle — She has been a resident for 37 years. She purchases clothing and furniture second hand, to afford to live in Arden Hills. There is a need for these types of stores. The economy is terrible. Thrifters are a community. She doesn't understand why Arden Hills doesn't want this store. 2. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC INQUIRIES None.