CCP 10-30-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - OCTOBER 10, 2006 8 . Councilmember Grant stated he was not in favor of changing the Code, but he was in favor of granting this variance, MOTION: Councilmember Grant moved and Mayor Aplikowski seconded a motion to approve the variance to retain the existing cmshed rock driveway and should the driveway ever need to be replaced, that it be required to meet City Code. This variance approval is based on the following findings: It is a reasonable use of the property; it will not change the character of the neighborhood; and the resident relied on the building permit that indicated cmshed rock was approved, Councilmember Grant noted the Planning Commission was correct in their findings and that Commission had little latitude in making their decision. The motion carned (3-1) (Councilmember Larson opposed), D. Motion to Approve the Arden Hills Strate2ic Economic Development Plan Ms. Barton stated in December 2005, the City Council authorizcd the EDC to hire a consultant to prepare an Economic Development Strategic Plan for the City. The EDC immediately began the RFP process and in March 2006 hired DeSCo Solutions, Inc. to prepare thc plan. . She indicated DeSCo, in collaboration with the EDC, gathcred information through research and interviews with City Officials, kcy leaders and stakeholders, as well as through a city-wide survey, then used this information to prepare the Economic Development Strategic Plan. She stated the EDC has since rcvicwed the plan and, after making some changes to the plan, has recommended adoption and implcmentation of this plan in and for the City of Arden Hills. Shc stated the EDC recommends Council move to approve the Arden Hills Economic Development Strategic Plan and authorize staff to budget for the implementation of said plan. Bruce Kunkel, EDC Chair, presented the Economic Development Stratcgy Plan. Councilmember Grant stated outside of TCAAP, if they tried to retain the CUlTent businesses, how would thcy grow. Mr. Kunkel responded it was strategic and they might not necessarily want to retain all of the existing businesses they cUlTently had in the City as well as being strategic in attracting the kind o[businesses they wanted in the City. He indicated there was a lot of growth potential through redevelopment. Councilmember Holden asked who thc 12 people were that were interviewed. Ms. Barton responded it was a mixture of leaders, including Councilmembers, residents, and business people. .