CCP 04-29-2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

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, ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION MINuTES MARCH 18,2002 tcSI'JIf~ [....~... ",.=.".r.. ". 'I , '\' 'j 1"'\ \:1'" ~ ~j~'~i""\.~ 6 2 Mayor Probst said he had focused his attention on a couple of fIrms. He thinks it is clearly a property transfer issue. He explained that another piece is he does not view this selection made as a "take it all, leave it all" issue. He suggested the Council pick a fIrst choice and an alternate team, . Council Member Aplikowski said the engine driving this issue is governmental relations. She is more impressed with the OPUS presentation on these criteria, as well as based on thc dcsign and their attention to environmental issues. Council Member Larson noted his choices as: Centex (fIrst) and Rottlund (second). He wants to see more rcsidential development and thinks of the area as residential. He does not see this as a big regional center for the Twin Cities. He likes combined residential/commercial. Regarding Centex, has had a good experience with them, and thinks they did the best job of following up with City Council, He said there is a strong political element to this project as they did bring in former Senator Grams and would like to see some of the other consortiums that could address issues like Presbyterian Homes-and other life cyclc housing sccnarios. Council Member Grant believes Centex offers what is closest to what the City wants, with less risk, and retail development is something the City Council is struggling with, His second choice, but not real strong second is Mills. Council Member Rem said she had heard from various people that the fmancial engine which would drive this is a certain arnount of commercial development, and asked how is this going to pay for it, She agreed that OPUS seemed to have a better handle on what is better for the City with a clear vision, which is appreciated. She asked if this is going to be another residential community, . Mayor Probst said Mills is not an appropriate partner, stating the City needs to contract with a group that can make the land transfcr work, that being Centex/ Glenn Rehbein Companies. He said clearly the environmental issues are paramount, and OPUS is his second choice. He said he wants to go with the developer with the most land transfer experience. Council Member Aplikowski requested staffs opinion. Planner Parrish state that staff was not prepared to make a recommendation. However, he agreed with Centex as fIrst candidate, and OPUS as second. Mr. Post stated he chose OPUS fIrst and Centex as a second candidate, explaining he was more impressed with the governmental affairs team of OPUS, and Centex residential expertise. Mr. Moore noted his choices were OPUS fIrst, Centex second. Administrator Lynch said he thought the City should go through a planning phase to fIrst determine its vision for the site. He stated his choices are Centex fIrst, Mills/OPUS second. Council Member Aplikowski said she agreed with Council Member Rem in that the City needs the commercial development at this site. .