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<br />ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION MINUTES <br />MARCH 21, 2005 <br /> <br />6 <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />The next step after adoption of the TCAAP Framework Vision and Public Financing Policies <br />would be to enter into a new interim agreement with CRR, Inc. The purpose of the agreement <br />would be to bridge the gap between the present interim agreement and the adoption of a Master <br />Development Agreement. A critical element of a new interim agreement is the ability of the City <br />to fund additional steps that are necessary for this project to move forward. The City needs <br />additional revenue to pay for legal fees, creation of a local resource plan, and negotiations of a <br />Master Development Agreement, and other costs associated with the Phase IV portion of this <br />proj ect. <br /> <br />Mr. Clark stated that City Attorney Jerry Filla has reviewed the public financing policy. In his <br />legal opinion, the public financing policy is not legally binding for the City. Changes can be <br />made to this policy at any time. <br /> <br />There was some discussion regarding two 60,000 square foot retail sites in the framework vision. <br />Mr. Clark stated that the retail development sites are a place holder for future developments and <br />can be changed by the City Council at anytime. <br /> <br />A question was asked about financing options other than TIP, such as tax abatement. The <br />concern that was raiscd was whether or not Ramsey COlmty would agree to financial abatement <br />of the TCAAP site. Ramsey County has not participated in this process in the past and is not <br />sure if they would be interested in this option. . <br /> <br />Mr. Clark mentioned that negotiation meetings are scheduled for April 14th and 15th. An <br />informational meeting is being proposed for April 13th (7:00 to 9:00 PM) at City Hall. Michael <br />Comedeca (City's TCAAP Environmental Attorney) will be on hand to address any questions or <br />concerns that the City Councilor residents may have regarding insurance, indemnification, and <br />environmental concerns regarding the TCAAP site. Meeting information will be posted on the <br />City's web site, local cable access Channel 16, newspaper press releases, and the TCAAP list <br />serve group. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Clark asked the City Council if they had any additional <br />questions or concerns regarding the TCAAP Framework Vision. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden stated that she is comfortable with the framework vision, but she is still <br />concerned about the public financing policy. She asked what is the City's definition of a big box <br />development. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Clark said that the current vision calls for two 60,000 square <br />foot retail sites. The existing vision does not call for a lot of retail development at this time. The <br />City can divide the 60,000 square foot development anyway that it sees fit. <br /> <br />Mayor Aplikowski said that in her opinion big box developments are large building-construction <br />stores that have outdoor storage areas. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Councilmember Grant believes that Cub Foods could be considered a big box development. <br /> <br />6 <br />