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<br />ARDEN HILLS crty COUNCIL WORK SESSION - SEPTEMBER 29, 2008 <br /> <br />3 <br /> <br />Administrator Willis encouraged the Council to be effective with their time. The more time <br />that was spent on less significant issues, the less time could be spent on TCAAP or other large <br />issues. He indicated time was a limited resource for each Councihnember. <br /> <br />Administrator Willis stated maintaining a disciplined focus on policy formation and <br />implementation could be the primary responsibility of the Council. This could not to be <br />established at a staff level, but was essential for the Council to handle in order for issues to be <br />resolved. <br /> <br />Administrator Willis indicated Council has decided to proceed with the TCAAP redevelopment <br />and that could now be the first and primary goal. He explained that the TCAAP development, if <br />done well, can provide a host of services and open spaces for all of Arden Hills to enjoy. <br />Administrator Willis indicated TCAAP would create a sense of pride for the community, <br />increase the tax base, etc. <br /> <br />Administrator Willis indicated it was critical for there to be a transportation solution that <br />addresses the community's desires and is needed for TCAAP to be successful. Administrator <br />Willis encouraged this development to also be driven by a single entity developer with a master <br />plan approved by Council. <br /> <br />Mayor Harpstead asked ifhe had any concerns with Ryan Companies as the developer for this <br />project. Administrator Willis stated he had worked with Ryan Companies in the past and they <br />were a great company to work with, providing excellent communication. He stated Ryan <br />Companies has a realistic view of the market and has staying power in this economy. <br /> <br />Administrator Willis encouraged the Council to allow Ryan Companies to implement the plan <br />once approved. Council should also be more interested in architecture and landscaping than who <br />was occupying each lot. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden indicated there were some trust concerns with Ryan Companies in the <br />beginning. Administrator Willis stated trust was a very fragile issue. <br /> <br />Mayor Harpstead stated this could be due to the fact that there were other parties, Rhebein and <br />Centex, involved at the beginning with Ryan Companies. <br /> <br />Administrator Willis stated his final comment for the Council would be that prior planning <br />prevents poor performance. <br /> <br />Mayor Harpstead thanked former City Administrator Willis for his input and asked if he could <br />offer additional comments regarding individual staff performance based on his observances. <br />Councilmember Holden agreed stating she would like to build the team environment. <br />