08-10-09-TCAAP WS - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL TCAAP WORK SESSION-AUGUST 10, 2009 9 Mayor Harpstead asked if the City was looking for grant opportunities to assist in paying for Mike Comodeca. City Administrator Moorse stated this agenda item should be moved to H and I and was not a subset under Mike Comodeca. He indicated that the City was - pursuing grant opportunities to fund the planning activities for the parks and open space use, as well as addressing the land use and zoning options for the site under each scenario. Councilmember Holmes stated she got a call back from the McKnight foundation stating they were considering our request for a planning grant. She noted that the TCAAP site was categorized as one of the Twin City metro areas treasures through the Embrace Open Space. Mayor Harpstead reviewed the goals of the McKnight Foundation with the Council stating their number one priority at this time, given the economic climate was to poverty initiatives and education. Councilmember Holmes responded that the McKnight Foundation's priorities also included protecting and restoring open space. She also suggested staff look at the legacy heritage information when pursuing planning grants. Mayor Harpstead asked how Item I would proceed. City Administrator Moorse stated the City had current guiding land use plans for the TCAAP site within its 2030 Comprehensive Plan. He noted it could remain as is or be amended for the parks and open space option. City Administrator Moorse explained the Council would need to act on this quickly if the GSA's public land sale were to continue, as the City would want something in place by the time the land was to be transferred. Mayor Harpstead suggested staff begin working on a plan for the site, along with a timeline or schedule and report back to Council. Councilmember Holden stated she would be in favor of the Council discussing the land use at a work session level before opening up this item up for public comment.