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--AIENHILLS
Approved: December 10, 2012
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS,MINNESOTA
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING
NOVEMBER 13,2012
6:30 PM—COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Grant called to order the Special City
Council Work Session meeting at 6:33 p.m.
Present: Mayor David Grant; Councilmembers Brenda Holden, Fran Holmes, Nick
Tamble, and Ed Werner
Absent: None
Also present: City Administrator Patrick Klaers; City Planner Meagan Beekman; and
Deputy City Clerk Amy Died
1. AGENDA ITEMS
A. Arden Village Discussion
City Planner Beekman stated that Sand Companies, Inc. (SCI) received approval in 2010 for an
affordable rental housing development at 1296 County Road F. The original plan consisted of 55
units, ranging in size from one to three bedrooms, a 55-stall underground parking garage, and a
55-stall surface lot. It also included a playground and picnic area for residents.
City Planner Beekman noted that as part of the approval, a Comprehensive Plan Amendment
was required to rezone the property from I-1 (Limited Industrial District) to R-4 (Multiple
Dwelling District). In addition, a Conditional Use Permit amendment, rezoning, Preliminary and
Final Plat, Master and Final Planned Unit Development, and a development agreement were all
approved by the City Council.
City Planner Beekman stated that SCI has gone through several funding cycles with the
Minnesota Housing Finance Agency to attempt getting tax credits to assist in financing the
affordable housing project. Because SCI has not been able to secure funding for an affordable
housing development, they have decided to instead move forward with the construction of an
apartment building that is a market rate project. She explained that SCI has received funding from
the Ramsey County HRA in the form of a loan from the HOME Investment Partnership Program,
ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—NOVEMBER 13, 2012 2
and in exchange for the assistance, Arden Village must have four units dedicated to households
whose income is less than 80% of the area median.
City Planner Beekman stated that since the project is changing from affordable to market rate
housing, SCI contracted with Maxfield Research to conduct a market study related to apartment
demand. She noted that the study found a greater demand for single and double units rather than
family-sized three bedroom units. As a result of the study, SCI is converting many of the
proposed three bedroom units to one and two bedroom units, which results in a total of 60 units.
City Planner Beekman stated that the increase from 55 to 60 units increases the density of the
project from 20 units per acre to 21.7 units per acre. She noted that in addition to the changes in
the unit mix, SCI is proposing higher quality interior finishes, which include granite counter tops,
nine-foot ceilings, a larger community room, a fitness center, and additional outdoor recreation
areas and amenities.
City Planner Beekman noted that staff considers the proposed changes as minor. If the Council
felt the requested changes were deemed significant, it would mean that the plans would have to go
back to the Planning Commission for recommendation, and a public hearing would be required.
She noted that it would be approximately a 60 — 90 day process if it was to go back to the
Planning Commission.
Councilmember Holden questioned if the plans included a sidewalk.
City Planner Beekman stated that a sidewalk that runs the length of the property, along County
Road F, is included in the plan.
Mayor Grant asked for clarification between affordable housing and market rate housing.
Jamie Thelen, Arden Village, LLC; stated that in the affordable housing plan, all the units had
income restrictions and rents were restricted to certain dollar amounts. With the market rate
housing plan, only four of the units are governed by the HRA to be deemed affordable housing. In
the scenario of affordable housing, a three bedroom would rent for approximately $1,023 per
month. In the market rate plan, a three bedroom will bring between $1500 and $1600 per month
in rent.
Councilmember Holden asked what the maximum number of people living in the building will
be.
City Planner Beekman stated that the original project that was approved contained 124
bedrooms, and would more than likely be rented by families who would have children doubling
up in bedrooms. The proposed changes contains fewer bedrooms, but it is difficult to speculate
who will rent.
Councilmember Holden inquired if Maxfield's study recommended any efficiency units.
Mr. Thelen stated that the study found a greater demand for one and two bedroom units;
therefore, no efficiency units are proposed in the new plan.
ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—NOVEMBER 13, 2012 3
Discussion ensued regarding the planting of trees on the site, additional upgrades, and the
proposed parking.
Mayor Grant stated that from what he is hearing from the Council, there is a consensus that
going from 55 to 60 units as discussed was acceptable to the City. However, the Council wants to
review with the applicant the landscaping plan, the parking, and other site-related issues but
nothing of major significance is being raised at this time.
Mayor Grant requested that a copy of the Maxfield study be made part of the application.
Mayor Grant requested that staff schedule a Council meeting or work session with the applicant
once the project plans are more determined.
ADJOURN
Mayor Grant adjourned the Special City Council Work Session meeting at 6:59 p.m.
Patrick Klaers David Grant
City Administrator Mayor
,--S EN HILLS
Request for Special Council Meeting
A special meeting may be called by the Mayor or by any two Council Members.
Reason for meeting: Work Session for Arden Village Discussion
Requested Date: 11/13/12
Requested time: 6:30 PM
Open meeting X Closed meeting
Signature of erson(s) ma ing request:
A", 11/08/12
Mayor or Council Member Date
Council Member Date
-This section to be completed by City staff-
Date received: 11/09/12
Date meeting to be held: 11/13/12
Time of meeting: 6:30 PM
Location: Council Chambers City Hall -
All necessary posting and notices have been completed.
Signature of Depu y Clerk Date
City of Arden Hills + 1245 West Highway 96 * Arden Hills,MN + 55112-5743
Phone 651.792.7800 + Fax 651.634.5137 + www.ei.arden-hills.mn.us