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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION - JUNE 23, 2008 5 can consider the financial feasibility. The next step in the planning process is to consider the desired character of the area or how the area can become a unique and special place. City Administrator Moorse stated it is important for each of the Councilmembers to provide input regarding what is most valued in terms of the housing and commercial components and how they relate to each other including parks, amenities, and trails. Once identified, the priorities can be determined. Mayor Harpstead stated this can be revisited but has been done a number of times involving two groups over the last ten years so there is a lot of history. The first group included input from the community and surrounding communities. Later fatal flaws were identified in that plan because 100 acres were not properly accounted for. Mayor Harpstead indicated the most recent concept plan focused on residents of Arden Hills and input was provided by residents from all comers of the City that represented different interests. Then a new architect was used and out of that a less expensive infrastructure was developed. However, unanswered questions remained related to the underlying contamination, water treatment facilities, and specific densities were not identified. At that point, the question of access to the property became the focus. Several meaningful meetings were held and the Council met with Ryan to ask what it means to have buildings with elevation. Input indicated that while some would be comfortable with six-level units in certain areas, others were not comfortable. Parking structures were also discussed.in the light industrial and retail areas. Mayor Harpstead explained that Council was not interested in having several big-box retail spaces but one big box space may be appropriate. With regard to housing, single-family housing was encouraged with a variety of lot sizes to create spread on affordability. Townhomes and manor homes were also discussed with some on the Council supporting them but others not supporting that type of housing. Discussion also occurred regarding apartments and the trade-offs between owner-occupied housing versus non-owner-occupied housing with a difference of opinion expressed by the CounciL Mayor Harpstead stated those discussions were very helpful because they involved Ryan, a consultant, and the Planning Commission. The location, nature and size of the parks was another land use discussion that was concerning in that some felt they were too small and disbursed. Councilmember McClung stated the Council started discussion on some of these issues as part of the Master Plan process but the Council did not have the opportunity to actually make a decision. He agreed with Mayor Harpstead that there have been a lot of useful discussions but only one or two general talks with nothing really being "put to bed." M,ayor Harpstead noted at that time the Council was not at a point to vote on a Concept Plan. Councilmember McClung stated he remains concerned there may be other topics of discussion that need to occur. He asked staff if they are referring to the "big picture" view in that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. He stated that may have occurred at one point in the past but he does not recall the outcome of that past discussion but believes the Council delved more into the middle level, the nitty-gritty in how this can be accomplished.