04-11-05 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES MARCH 28, 2005 4 e Councilmember Grant stated this was an exciting time as they were able to get this piece of property and come up with a community based plan. He stated if they were not to have this vision, the Army would sell it off in pieces at different times to different buyers. He indicated they needed to realize that and this plan was still a work in process and it would go through changes as they went through the process. He noted this plan had parks as well as a number of other open areas, which was part of the Vento plan. He indicated it had open areas between development buildings, which were something the residents valued. He thanked everyone that was taking part both in terms of this plan and those who were continuing to take part ofthis plan, including the staff. He stated he would support the vision. Former Mayor Dennis Probst urged the Council to support this unanimously as this was a fulfillment of a 55-year dream. He stated the step they were taking tonight was a major one and in the long term it will be a good decision for the City. He stated the land that was left here was an accident of history and now there was an opportunity to make this a fabulous part ofthe City. He stated this property was going to be developed and he could think of nothing worse than the City not taking over and fulfilling the vision. Mayor Aplikowski thanked former Mayor Probst for his comments and noted if it was not for him, this vision would not be where it was. She also thanked the stafffor all their hard work. The motion carried unanimously (4-0). . CITY COUNCIL REPORTS Council member Holden - Stated the newsletter articles are due. She asked if the Newsletter Committee wanted to comment on the framework vision could they make comment. Mayor Aplikowski stated this was something they needed to decide on as committees were established. She noted the PTRC had operated in a unique way and had taken upon themselves many projects and issues and because of the very nature of the committee it had a fund and it had property which they dealt with in a different way than the other committees. She indicated if the Newsletter Committee wanted to issue a letter of support or ideas, they could do that and it would be welcomed. Council member Larson stated he believed this was one of the most important decisions the City embarked upon and it would be great if all of the committees came forward with recommendations and he believed it was appropriate for them to do that. He noted he had made a presentation at the PTRC regarding TCAAP and the PTRC wanted to make comment on this. Councilmember Grant - Stated he would not be in attendance at the Planning Commission meeting this month due to being out of town. He stated now that they have approved the vision, one of the items Council should consider is instead of referring to this area as the TCAAP, Army . Ammunition Plan, superfund site, etc, he suggested they come up with a name for this area that fit the vision. Councilmember Larson stated that was a good idea and they should look at doing this at some point in the future.