CCP 01-12-2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN H1LLS REGULAR C1TY COUNC1L MEETING MINUTES DECEMBER 8,2003 4 . 6. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT A. I-35W Corridor Coalition: 2004 Membership Mr. Parrish stated the 2004 dues for participating in the l-35W Corridor Coalition were $11,594. In addition, based on Council's request, staff contacted a local G1S consultant to see what the cost would be to obtain equivalent G1S services from a private vendor. He noted equivalent services would cost approximately $3,000 annually. He asked Council if they wished to participate in the l-35W Corridor Coalition in 2004. Council member Holden cxpressed concern about how the City's voice was bcing heard and she was not sure this was a good represcntation for Arden Hills. MOTION: Councilmember Grant moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to withdraw funding and membership in the 1- 35W Corridor Coalition and cease the City's participation in that organization. Councilmember Grant also expressed concern about how the City's voice was being heard within this organization. He noted, however, it was not his intent to say that this coalition was . not valuable or did not have something to offer. He statcd he believed staff's time should be focused on TCAAP, and the coalition had become much larger and much more diversified in the things it looked at than any of the members envisioned when it started out. Mayor Aplikowski spoke against the motion. She stated she had concerns about how the City was perceived, but the coalition members did come to bat for the City on the Postal Service, which was recognized by the St. Paul Chamber. She noted many residents had also accessed the Housing Resource Center. She stated they should not base their vote on the rcccnt New Brighton joint meeting. Councilmember Larson stated he was ambivalent about this motion. He agreed with Councilmembers Grant and Holden in trying to gauge the value of the services they purchased, not only the time, but also the cost of the membership. On the other hand, he believed there were some valuable services they rcceived. He stated he did not know what the vision of the coalition was or what their goals were. He stated hc did not want to see this coalition become another level of government. He stated he would feel more comfortable voting on this if he could see how the City benefited from this membership and what the vision and goals of the coalition were. Councilmember Rem stated she also agreed with Councilmember Larson regarding what the goals were of the coalition and if Arden Hills was getting their money's worth out of this membership. .