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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION – OCTOBER 27, 2025 17 <br /> <br />Community Development Director Reilly doesn’t believe it is restricted to only resident <br />members. <br /> <br />Councilmember Rousseau said Council has requested Finance Director Yang to explore how <br />EDA funds can be utilized. So it is possible that a Planning Commissioner may be a good fit. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden said she is for one EDC member. She wants to change it from five to <br />six. <br /> <br />Staff stated that it is defined in State Statute as three, five or seven members and can’t be changed <br />at the City level. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant said we have to go to seven members unless two Councilmember want to drop off. <br /> <br />Councilmember Monson thinks we change it to seven. It’s approval by the Council. <br /> <br />Councilmember Weber said to the earlier comment about meeting times. We can still put it right <br />before the work session. The other authority members can make it in person or digitally. He <br />doesn’t see that as a problem. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant will look at the EDC membership and come up with two EDA members, subject to <br />Council approval. <br /> <br />City Administrator Jagoe said Staff will have to bring forth the ordinance change first. City <br />Code outlines the composition of our commissions and committees. Today it states the EDA is <br />the five City Council members. We’ll need to change the ordinance before we can appoint two <br />EDC members. <br /> <br />Discussion ensued about the timing when the ordinance language will be brought back. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Reilly said he confirmed there is no residential requirement <br />for an EDA. It’s all based on what the City’s ordinance says. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden wondered why we should change the ordinance. She would prefer it to <br />be Arden Hills residents. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant asked if we want a business representative, even if they don’t live in the city. <br /> <br />Councilmember Weber does question the value of that, somewhat. However, they want their <br />business to thrive. <br /> <br />Discussion ensued if the language should outline the membership is two EDC members with a <br />maximum of up to one non-resident. <br /> <br />Councilmember Monson said we don’t need to be so prescriptive. Let the ordinance say seven <br />members. Can’t we just say it’s the five Councilmembers plus two EDC members? Mayor Grant <br />can have the authority to pick who he thinks is the best fit, with some flexibility. <br />