07-22-09-TCAAP WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION-JULY 225 2009 3 Councilmember Holden questioned why the County would want to take possession of polluted land. She felt the land should be transferred after there was a funding mechanism to clean the site. City Administrator Moorse indicated that it would be helpful to have a number of entities supporting the vision of the City when seeking the McKnight Foundation grant. Councilmember Grant questioned if the grant could be received before the Army/GSA completed the public sale process. He stated that this process may take too much time to gather partners and find an entity to assume the responsibility of the property. Councilmember Holden explained that the grant would be to determine the feasibility of retaining a major portion of open space on the TCAAP site. Community Development Director Lehnhoff indicated that even if the City found an entity interested in assuming the responsibility of the property, the public auction could still continue, unless special legislation were to intercede. Councilmember Grant asked if any federal or state representatives were going to be willing to step in and block the public sale. Councilmember Holmes stated that according to Kevin Legare and Mike Fix, they would not fight special legislation if federal representatives were to step in with special legislation. She suggested the Council continue conversations with Betty McCollum's office as this was her main jurisdiction. Councilmember Holden indicated that a site specific risk assessment would assist the City going forward with the open space vision. Mayor Harpstead felt the grant application would be stronger with more entities voicing their conceptual level support. He added that the federal delegation would be more predisposed to support the vision if it covered a broader constituency to serve as park land. Mayor Harpstead suggested holding a meeting early to elicit support and build a coalition around the suggestion of a park area. He stated an invitation should also be sent to a representative of the McKnight Foundation.