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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION – OCTOBER 27, 2025 14 Mayor Grant said it is important to gain an understanding of what is available. It is difficult to offer a density bonus without locations to build density. It doesn’t make sense to talk about things that we can’t do. Councilmember Holden thought there was a list of things other than density bonuses. She would like to see all of the affordable housing options so Council can choose what is best for Arden Hills. Councilmember Weber said regardless of what else we do, having density bonuses gives teeth to the action. It’s not something we are required to do. To not do something because we know it’s not an option now is incredibly short-sighted. There are a lot of tax-exempt lots that could be available in the future. Councilmember Monson would like density bonuses to be included. She would like to better understand the structure. Developers are opportunistic. They will find the land. Community Development Director Reilly summarized that we need an evaluation of un-utilized land and where things might go, if the market allows. Then once we know that, we want to have a menu of things to choose from, including density bonuses, reduction in park dedication fees or park requirements. That will give us tools to get the best development possible and have it not seem arbitrary. C. Lake Johanna Fire Department Strategic Plan Follow-Up Discussion City Administrator Jagoe said this is a follow up to the presentation the Lake Johanna Fire Department (LJFD) made at the last work session. The fire department provided some supplemental information based on the Council feedback at that discussion. They shared response times for calls when Station 1 is browned out. Discussion ensued regarding how many calls were being tracked. Is it a high or an average? The longest responses were the most extreme cases and the smallest percentage. The numbers accounting for the median and the mean calls was more useful information. Councilmember Holden said she didn’t think they provided a lot of the information that Councilmember Monson requested. She was disappointed with that. She said chances are this will pass. She wanted Council direction if Arden Hills should vote in favor or not. Councilmember Monson asked what Councilmember Holden’s message has been so far with discussions at the Fire Board. Councilmember Holden said her answer has been no, she wouldn’t vote for it. It’s an astronomical amount of money. We aren’t approving new Public Works positions and we are losing Safer Grants in 2027. We don’t have another $1 million for the six additional full time employees (FTEs) they are requesting. We are going to end up taxing residents out of their home and she doesn’t want to do that. Discussion ensued regarding how some of the other Cities are in support and the others are still deciding.