02-09-2026-WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — FEBRUARY 9, 2026 11 side has been there about a year. He doesn't know if that matters but he thinks it's worth considering. Councilmember Monson said having this alternative site discussion without a map is difficult. She doesn't know if this conversation is supposed to be about the site or about selecting the aesthetics. She noted there is about 10 minutes remaining. If we need to have a discussion on an alternative site, she would ask that this be tabled until we have the information to complete the discussion. She asked if we're having the aesthetics conversation. Mayor Grant said we're getting back to the aesthetics. He said Bolton and Menk has provided four models. He asked if there is a way to minimize the size of the booster station by building it into the grade or something of that nature. Mr. Peterson said the original size was 30x40. It has been shrunk to 2000. There are two big motors that have to be housed and employees need to be able to move around in there. It can't get much smaller. Mayor Grant asked if it can be built sub -grade so it's isn't as tall. That could be helpful in terms of aesthetics. Mr. Peterson said anything is possible. He said the grade goes up a little so we could build a retaining wall and sink it down a little. That would increase the cost. Maybe that's worth it, to reduce the concern. Mayor Grant said retaining walls are expensive. He was thinking more like a basement or walk- out. Mr. Peterson said this is an at grade, slab on grade building. He doesn't see it being like a walk out. Councilmember Holden said a flat roof makes it look institutional. She said of the options presented, the simple gable one will blend in better than anything else. Councilmember Monson asked why Option 3 has extra height. Is it just visual? Mr. Peterson confirmed. It isn't functional. Councilmember Monson said regardless of where it is built, making it look like a residential home would be helpful. She likes Option 3 but would like to see it as a single story. She doesn't like option 1. Her personal preference is Option 4. However, when keeping the impacts to neighbors in mind, she's okay with another design. She wanted to clarify that if there is going to be a discussion on alternate locations, we should do that at the next work session. Mayor Grant thinks option 1 looks institutional, 3 is too tall and 4 has a slanted roof. He doesn't like any of those. He thinks option 2 minimizes the height and looks a little residential. Councilmember Weber likes option 4 the best. He thinks option 3 sort of resembles the nearby resident's house, at least in color.