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<br />ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION - FEBRUARY 17, 2009 <br /> <br />3 <br /> <br />explained the construction costs are only 2-5% higher than conventional <br />construction and encouraged the City of Arden Hills to take part in LEED. <br /> <br />Mr. Orange reviewed several slides with the Council explaining how important <br />building types and street placement was for green development. He noted how the <br />height of buildings directly affects the projected widths of roadways within green <br />urban developments. Mr. Orange further explained the requirements for the <br />LEED program. <br /> <br />Mayor Harpstead asked for comments or questions from the Council. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden questioned what additional fees would be added to the <br />commercial buildings by having them go green. <br /> <br />Mr. Orange indicated green buildings are a bit more costly but have great <br />paybacks generally within three years due to reduced energy use. He stated this <br />could be seen as more of a return on investment issue than an increase expense for <br />the development. <br /> <br />Councilmember Grant asked for a visual example of green buildings. Mr. Orange <br />described a cross-over apartment with the Council and the many environmental and <br />energy benefits the building presented. <br /> <br />Mayor Harpstead reviewed his thoughts stating the TCAAP site was unique and <br />making it sustainable would greatly benefit the development and City. He stated <br />the criteria presented will give the Council a lot to consider moving forward. <br /> <br />Mayor Harpstead questioned the fee process used in the certification process with <br />LEED and if each single family home had to be certified. <br /> <br />Mr. Orange explained each building would need to be certified and that some <br />were easier than others to certify. He indicated that TCAAP had a projected 15 <br />year build-out and that LEED will evolve sustainable design during this time. <br /> <br />Councilmember Grant stated he wasn't concerned with the score of the <br />development but was more concerned with doing what made the most sense for this <br />development long term. <br /> <br />Mayor Harpstead agreed and asked how the design wouldn't conflict with <br />livability. <br />