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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — MARCH 9, 2026 5 as were the PTRC members. She stated she believed the appointment of the two business owners would serve the community well. She suggested the public ask for more transparency when it came to all appointments to the committees and commissions. Councilmember Weber thanked the members of the public who spoke to this issue. He concurred that all appointments for the other committees are placed on the Consent Agenda and these items could be pulled off for discussion. He indicated the key to the EDA appointments was that he was not allowed to pull the item from the Consent Agenda due to a procedural issue. He believed that was unacceptable. He indicated he was allowed to voice his concerns prior to the vote for the appointments, but he was blocked from pulling the item for further discussion. He was of the opinion previous appointments were made through an interview process where notes were taken and kept in order to maintain a record. He reported he had nothing against the individuals that were chosen but rather had a problem with the process that was followed. He explained he still supported a motion to reconsider the EDA appointments. He noted he would like a copy of the official Roberts Rules of Order that the City follows. Mayor Grant explained that some of the speakers referenced State Statute and that the EDA appointments shall be made by the Mayor with approval by the City Council. He indicated he had even higher approval, noting this Council also approved the following: "The two remaining members shall be appointed by the Mayor with the approval of the City Council from the membership of the Economic Development Commission for six year terms which shall coincide with their terms on the Economic Development Commission". He stated this was approved by this Council, meaning he had authority from the Council and State Statute to make the two appointments to the EDA. He indicated there was talk about procedures. He stated he spoke with the City Clerk today about if there was a formalized City Council adopted policy or procedure for committee and commission appointments, noting there were none in place. However, for these specific appointments, the Council approved the Mayor making the appointments. He reported he had obtained all of the EDC members' application materials. He commented on how the public believed placing the appointments on the Consent Agenda was somehow sneaky. He stated the item was on the agenda and was included in the meeting packet. He explained any Councilmember can pull an item from the Consent Agenda for further discussion, as Councilmember Holden had done at this meeting. He indicated Councilmember Weber did not request the item be pulled for discussion but rather wanted a "gotcha" moment. He stated once an agenda is approved, the Council has to follow the approved agenda, unless a supermajority votes to amend the agenda. Mayor Grant reported it was stated Councilmember Rousseau is the liaison to the EDA. He explained this was not correct, but rather Councilmember Rousseau is the liaison to the EDC and not the EDA. He indicated there were folks that asked about the City's process and noted going forward he would be submitting documents and records to the City Clerk, but reiterated the appointments were made by him as directed by the City Council and per State Statute. Councilmember Rousseau thanked the public for coming out and participating in this process. She explained when the Council made the decision to bring two additional members onto the EDA, there was discussion about having one individual from the Planning Commission and one member from the EDC. She indicated the Council decided to select two individuals from the EDC that would serve. She stated it was her understanding that there would be one resident and one business owner from the EDC that would be appointed to the EDA. She noted some business owners live in Arden Hills while others do not. She commented on how the language within the recommendation was left vague and noted she was disappointed that the appointments did not allow for one resident and one business owner to be appointed but rather had two business owners that were appointed.