04-27-26-R - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—APRIL 27, 2026 19 Mayor Grant addressed one of the comments made during the public hearing where an individual referred to the City as being full of greed. He noted these were tough economic times but stated he did not believe the City itself was full of greed. He referenced the inclusionary housing policies that staff provided to the Council, noting there were only eight other cities in the metro area with this type of policy in place. He commented on the other communities that were pursuing inclusionary housing policies and questioned if there were any cities that had 3,000 residents. Community Development Director Reilly stated Falcon Heights has approximately 3,200 residents. Mayor Grant commented it was his hope the Council could discuss this ordinance and gain consensus. Councilmember Rousseau thanked Community Development Director Reilly for all of his efforts on this document. She stated she appreciated all of the discussion the Planning Commission had on this topic as well. She indicated an affordable housing corridor was discussed during the public hearing and noted this was not something the Council would address at this meeting but noted this topic could be addressed by the EDA in the future. She questioned if Section 6.3 were removed would the language within the ordinance be too prescriptive. Councilmember Weber addressed the AMI table. He was of the opinion developers should have to provide 15% of the units at 80% AMI and suggested developers be required to provide 10% of the units at 60%AMI. He indicated he supported the density bonuses as proposed. He addressed a paragraph in Section 5B and recommended fees be collected in lieu of units when possible, noting these dollars would assist with funding future affordability in the City. He suggested this fee be placed on the City's fee schedule and be reviewed on a yearly basis. Councilmember Monson stated her preference would be to keep the AMI table as is. She explained Shoreview has had success with these AMI values and she did not want to drive developers away from Arden Hills and to Shoreview. Councilmember Holden agreed with Councilmember Monson, noting she did not want Arden Hills to be in competition with Shoreview. Councilmember Weber requested further comment from staff on whether the pet fees, parking fees, pool fees, etc. were included in the rental rates and affordability level. Community Development Director Reilly explained optional fees,such as renting a parking space or pet fees were not part of the total rent calculation but utilities were. He reported Subdivision 7- Affordability Controls Rent Limits states that maximum rent for affordable units including utilities, parking and all mandatory fees shall not exceed 30% of the applicable AMI level adjusted for household size and bedroom count. AMENDMENT: Councilmember Rousseau moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to remove Subdivision 6, Item 3. Councilmember Weber supported the table remaining and suggested the 55+ requirement for three-bedroom units be removed.