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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-25-23-R �- DIDEEN HILLS Approved: October 23, 2023 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS,MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING SEPTEMBER 25,2023 7:00 P.M. - ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS i CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor David Grant called to order the regular City Council meeting at 7:00 p.m. Present: Mayor David Grant, Councilmembers Tom Fabel, Brenda Holden, Tena Monson and Emily Rousseau Absent: None Also present: City Administrator Dave Perrault; Public Works Director/City Engineer David Swearingen; Community Development Director Jessica Jagoe; City Attorney Joel Jamnik; and Assistant to the City Administrator/City Clerk Julie Hanson PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Councilmember Holden requested Item 8C and 8G be pulled from the Consent Agenda for discussion as Items 9A and 9B. MOTION: Councilmember Monson moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to approve the meeting agenda as amended. The motion carried (5-0). 2. TCAAP/RICE CREEK COMMONS UPDATE City Administrator Perrault stated neither the JDA, the Advisory Committee nor the Energy Committee have met since the last Council meeting. He explained the JDA would be meeting next on Wednesday, September 27 where density scenarios will be presented by the developer. He stated the JDA would also be meeting on October 2 where environmental remediation and plans for the thumb property will be discussed. He reported the Energy Committee would be meeting on September 28 and would be receiving a presentation from Xcel Energy on energy options for the site. He commented the Primer Tracer property is still for sale and the last price on the auction was $2.26 million. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL— SEPTEMBER 25, 2023 2 3. PUBLIC INQUIRIESANFORMATIONAL Kathy Sukke, 1286 Karth Lake Circle, reported she moved to Arden Hills from Harlem. She explained she understood what density was. She stated the housing in Arden Hills north of I-694 was currently 938 units, 217 apartments and 280 Arden Manor lots for a total of 1,435 units. She indicated these diverse housing units are on roughly one square mile or 640 acres. She commented on how northern Arden Hills was boxed in by freeways to the south and west. She discussed how 1,460 units were being proposed to be placed on 161 acres or only one quarter of that space. She believed the proposed density would distort the nature of northern Arden Hills and would make the development incongruent with the diverse housing around it. In addition, the population would be multiplied which would impact traffic, services, and an increased tax burden will fall on current residents. She feared how the community would be impacted if the JDA opts to increase the density within the development to 1,960 units. She reported this density would mean there would be 5,100 more people being added to northern Arden Hills which would be a 136% increase in population growth. She stated this level of density was unconscionable. She understood the developer has said density is your friend. She disagreed with this noting many Arden Hills residents moved to this community to get away from a higher density area. She urged the JDA and City Council to allow Arden Hills residents to have a place at the table when it comes to the TCAAP development. Mayor Grant reported Linda Swanson provided a prepared statement to him. He read this statement for the record, noting Ms. Swanson requested all TCAAP summaries from City Administrator Perrault regarding the activities of the JDA and JDA Advisory Committee be added to the JDA Advisory Committee summaries. 4. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC INQUIRIES None. 5. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS None. 6. STAFF COMMENTS A. Transportation Update Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen reported Lexington Avenue was open to traffic and would have intermittent outside lane closures as the contractor finishes the trail and sidewalk construction. He noted this work would continue through the fall until the work is completed. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen stated the roundabout at County Road E and Old Snelling was open to traffic in all directions, but was an active construction site. He indicated the south leg would be paved on Friday, September 29 and the final paving would be completed next week. He urged vehicles passing through the site to pay close attention to the posted signage and moving heavy equipment. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL— SEPTEMBER 25, 2023 3 Mayor Grant reported the trail section between County Road E and the park has the curb and gutter in place. However, he expressed concern that the curb and gutter had been placed too low. He asked that staff investigate this further. Councilmember Holden requested staff post that the roundabout would be receiving another two inches of lift. She indicated the neighbors would appreciate having this information. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen explained a construction meeting would be held with the contractor tomorrow and once he has better information, he could put an update on the website. Mayor Grant reported he has received complaints about the speed of traffic coming off the roundabout on Snelling Avenue and asked that staff look into this. 7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. August 21, 2023, City Council Work Session B. August 21, 2023, Special City Council C. August 28, 2023, Regular City Council Councilmember Holden reported she provided staff with changes to the August 28 Regular City Council minutes. Councilmember Rousseau reported she also provided staff with changes to the August 28 Regular City Council minutes. MOTION: Councilmember Monson moved and Councilmember Rousseau seconded a motion to approve the August 21, 2023, City Council Work Session meeting minutes and August 21, 2023, Special City Council meeting minutes as presented. The motion carried (5-0). MOTION: Councilmember Monson moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to approve the August 28, 2023, Regular City Council meeting minutes as amended. The motion carried (5-0). 8. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Motion to Approve Consent Agenda Item- Claims and Payroll B. Motion To Approve Interim Policies — Flexible Scheduling And Dress For Your Day Q Metion To Approve Resolution 2023 047 Authorizing Applieation For- PFA GE And Agreement For ram,,, n. y R E And pia Snelling Seun .afy Sewer- n Water- Utility -z o�—you D. Motion To Approve Professional Services Agreement With TKDA For 2024 CIPP Lining Project E. Motion To Approve Esri Small Local Government Cloud-Based Enterprise (GIS) Agreement ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL— SEPTEMBER 25, 2023 4 F. Motion To Approve Change Order No. 1 And Payment No. 3 — Bituminous Roadways, Inc. —City Hall Parking Lot Project G. ivivtiivii To MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Monson seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar as amended and to authorize execution of all necessary documents contained therein. The motion carried (5_0)• 9. PULLED CONSENT ITEMS A. Motion To Approve Resolution 2023-047 Authorizing Application For PFA Grant And Agreement For County Rd E And Old Snelling Sanitary Sewer And Water Utility Improvements Councilmember Holden stated this was a State bond the City received. She thanked Representative Moller and Senator Marty for all of their efforts to receive this funding on behalf of the City. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Rousseau seconded a motion to Adopt Resolution 2023-047 Authorizing Application For PFA Grant And Agreement For County Rd E And Old Snelling Sanitary Sewer And Water Utility Improvements. The motion carried (5-0). B. Motion To Approve City Council Meeting Scheduling Councilmember Holden explained she will have difficulties in attending the two worksessions a month at 5:00 p.m. due to personal reasons. She asked if the meetings could begin at 5:30 p.m. instead of 5:00 p.m. Councilmember Monson explained she could support moving the meeting start time to 5:30 p.m. Mayor Grant stated this was something new the Council was trying. Councilmember Holden requested the November 20 meeting begin at 6:00 p.m. Mayor Grant reported this was a meeting with County and noted City staff would have to speak with County staff to see if this is possible. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Monson seconded a motion to approve City Council Meeting Scheduling having all special worksessions begin at 5:30 p.m. except for the November 20 meeting, which would be contingent upon staff speaking with the County to see if the meeting could begin at 6:00 p.m. The motion carried (5-0). 10. PUBLIC HEARINGS ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL— SEPTEMBER 25, 2023 5 A. Quarterly Special Assessments for Delinquent Utilities City Administrator Perrault stated water customers whose accounts are 90 days past due were informed that the City intends to certify delinquent charges to Ramsey County to be collected with property taxes. These customers have the right to a hearing in front of the City Council to discuss this matter prior to certification. Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 7:26 p.m. With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 7:27 p.m. 11. NEW BUSINESS A. Resolution 2023-048 Adopting And Confirming Quarterly Special Assessments For Delinquent Utilities City Administrator Perrault stated delinquent utility amounts are certified to Ramsey County quarterly. A list of utility accounts with a delinquent balance was compiled and notices dated August 7, 2023 were mailed. These customers were informed of their delinquent status and were asked to make payment of the delinquent balance by September 18, 2023. Utility accounts with an unpaid delinquent balance would be certified to Ramsey County to be added to property taxes payable in 2024. The certification amount is equal to the unpaid delinquent balance plus an eight percent penalty. The City will request that Ramsey County levy the delinquent balances against the respective properties. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Monson seconded a motion to adopt Resolution 2023-048 — Adopting and Confirming Ouarterly Special Assessments for Delinquent Utilities. The motion carried (5-0). B. Resolution 2023-049 — Planning Case 2023-016 Variance At 1945 Edgewater Avenue Community Development Director Jagoe stated the applicant is requesting a variance to decrease the required side yard setback on a corner lot for the Subject Property from 40 feet to 5.8 feet and to decrease the required front yard setback from 40 feet to 39.2 feet as measured from the building line of the proposed garage addition. The existing detached garage is currently located 1.4 feet from the side yard property line. Section 1320.06 of the Arden Hills City Code requires 40-foot front yard setback in R-2 and a side yard setback of 40 feet on corner lots. According to the Applicant's narrative and the Certificate of Survey for the Subject Property submitted as a part of the application, the Subject Property's existing principal structure does not meet the front yard setback requirement and the detached garage does not meet the side yard corner lot setbacks. Community Development Director Jagoe explained the Subject Property was developed in 1952 and today is a legal nonconforming lot for the front yard setback and the side yard setback for corner lots. The 40-foot side yard setback on corner lots for each street frontage was established in the Code in 1980. The requested variance would not encroach further into the existing nonconforming building setbacks on the Subject Property. The Applicant is requesting ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—SEPTEMBER 25, 2023 6 the proposed garage addition as, according to the Applicant, two vehicles cannot be stored and accessed within the existing detached garage. The proposed garage addition would meet applicable building codes and all other regulations in the R-2 District. As a legal nonconforming lot, the existing detached accessory structure is allowed to be maintained through normal maintenance and repairs. The Applicant would not be able to construct the proposed garage addition without a variance. Community Development Director Jagoe reviewed the site data, existing site conditions, along with the Plan Evaluation. She offered the following Findings of Fact: General Findings: 1. City Staff received a land use application for a variance request to the required R-2 Zoning District side yard setback for corner lots and the front yard setback at the Subject Property 1945 Edgewater Avenue. 2. A single-family dwelling is a permitted use within the R-2 Zoning District. 3. The garage addition will not impede sight lines or obstruct the clear vision area from the roadways since the existing building line along Prior Avenue will remain the same. 4. The existing detached garage is legal nonconforming with a side yard setback of 1.4 feet. 5. The proposed garage addition would have a side yard setback for a corner lot of 5.8 feet and does not increase the nonconformity of the lot. 6. The proposed garage addition would decrease the required front yard setback to 39.2 feet. Variance Findings: 1. Variances are only permitted when they are in harmony with the general purposes and intent of the ordinance. 2. The proposed garage addition would not alter the essential character of the neighborhood because the proposed design will fit with the neighborhood and will not encroach further into the existing garage's corner side yard setback. 3. The variance request is not based on economic considerations alone. Community Development Director Jagoe explained the Planning Commission reviewed this application at their September 6, 2023, meeting. At that time, they recommended approval of Planning Case 23-016 to decrease the required front yard setback from 40 feet to 39.2 feet and to decrease the required side yard setback for a corner lot from 40 feet to 5.8 feet at 1945 Edgewater Avenue by a 5-0 vote as amended by the conditions: l. A Building Permit shall be issued prior to commencement of construction. 2. The proposed building shall conform to all other standards and regulations in the City Councilmember Holden indicated she supported the proposed request. She asked if the siding would match the house. Community Development Director Jagoe stated all proposed building materials would match the existing house. j ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—SEPTEMBER 25, 2023 7 MOTION: Councilmember Rousseau moved and Councilmember Monson seconded a motion to adopt Resolution 2023-049 for Planning Case 23-016 for a variance on a nonconforming detached garage due to the existing side yard setback for a corner lot of 1.4 feet to allow an addition on the north and south elevations that would decrease the current required side yard setback for corner lots from the minimum requirement of 40 feet to 5.8 feet and decrease the required front yard setback from the minimum requirement of 40 feet to 39.2 feet as measured from the footprint of the garage addition at 1945 Edgewater Avenue ("Subject Property") as recommended by staff with the two conditions as proposed by the Planning Commission. The motion carried (5- 12. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Resolution 2023-045 Setting Preliminary Levy For Proposed Taxes Payable In 2024 City Administrator Perrault stated this item was previously tabled from the September 11, 2023 City Council meeting, most of the information contained below remains the same with the exception of updated information regarding the Ramsey County Sheriff Office's and the Lake Johanna Fire Department's contracts for public safety services. Following the previous meeting, it was made public that the Lake Johanna Fire Department (LJFD) received a grant for additional positions in 2024, reducing their anticipated budget for Arden Hills by$103,306; and the Sheriff's Office received additional information reducing their anticipated budget for Arden Hills by $13,567. It also reflects an increase of$40,000 to support additional positions for LJFD starting in 2027 and avoid a large levy spike in the future. City Administrator Perrault reported State law requires that cities certify their proposed property tax levies to the county auditor by September 30th. The proposed tax levy that is given preliminary approval may be lowered but cannot be increased. Therefore, it is important that the proposed tax levy provides adequate revenues to finance the 2024 Budget. The City Council needs to decide the maximum levy that it is willing to approve and then adopt the attached resolution. The City will hold its Truth and Taxation Hearing and set the final tax levy at the December 11, 2023 City Council meeting. A budget workshop was held with the Council on August 21, 2023. Staff was directed to provide proposed maximum levy increase options from 0% to 16% (the amount needed to balance the General Fund). There will be another budget workshop in either October or November, prior to the final levy and budget adoption meeting in December. Staff commented further on the proposed budget and tax levy and recommended approval of the preliminary levy for taxes payable in 2024. Councilmember Monson asked if in order to balance the budget, a 14.7% levy increase would be needed. City Administrator Perrault reported this was the case. Councilmember Holden asked how much of a budget surplus the City would have at the end of 2023. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL— SEPTEMBER 25, 2023 8 City Administrator Perrault noted the previous Finance Director estimated this to be somewhere between $100,000 and $200,000. Councilmember Holden commented on the budget to actual for 2023 and noted the City has had a budget surplus every year since 2013. She did not believe the City should be pursuing a 14.7% tax levy but rather should reduce this amount taking into consideration the budget surplus from 2023. She stated she would like to see the tax levy somewhere around 10%. Councilmember Fabel indicated the proposed tax levy was to provide adequate revenues to finance the 2024 budget. He stated in order to fully fund the budget staff recommends a levy of 12.55%. He questioned what portions of the budget does staff not fully fund. City Administrator Perrault reported staff was recommending the levy be at least 12.55% and that the budget be fully funded. He explained he was not anticipating permits would be as high in 2024 as 2023. He noted to Councilmember Holden's point, the City would have budget excess that would assist with balancing the budget. Councilmember Fabel stated he believed it was common sense to set the preliminary levy at an amount that meets the preliminary budget. Mayor Grant explained he went through over the past 10 years of budgets and noted the City was $750,000 under budget during this time period. He indicated the City never spends all of the budget. He reiterated that all of the expenditures within the budget were estimates, along with the fact all revenues were estimates. He commented further on how he believed a 10% levy increase would be sufficient for 2024. Councilmember Monson asked what the outstanding items were within the budget. City Administrator Perrault stated this included union negotiations, final insurance rates, final rates from the LMC, and City Hall staff wage/benefits. Councilmember Monson questioned if the $200,000 surplus for 2023 was due to the loss of the Finance Director. City Administrator Perrault reported this estimate was done prior to Finance Director Bauman leaving. He indicated this number could be higher than earlier estimated. Councilmember Monson indicated she rewatched the City Council budget meetings from last year. She commented on how the tax levy was not just for 2024, but rather had impacts on the health of funds in future years. She believed it would be prudent to set a higher levy for the preliminary levy. She stated she did not want the Council to kick the can down the road and that asking for franchise fees wasn't fair or very clear to the public. She supported the preliminary levy being set at 14.7% just for the clean line that the budget has been balanced, with the understanding this number could come down by December. Councilmember Rousseau questioned if the City was considering how the budget surplus would be used in 2024. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL— SEPTEMBER 25, 2023 9 City Administrator Perrault reported this surplus was typically placed in the PIR Fund. Councilmember Rousseau stated she supported the preliminary levy being set at 12.55%. Councilmember Fabel commented on how labor movement has become more active in recent days. He believed this current state should be considered when going into union negotiations. Because of the uncertainties surrounding the union negotiations, he recommended the preliminary levy be set at 14.7%. Councilmember Holden indicated the union negotiations were not just about money, but rather the City offered other benefits such as having every Friday afternoon off in the summer. She commented on how City staff appreciated having summer hours and ample vacation hours earned. Councilmember Monson stated she could support going down to the 12.55% levy increase with the assumed budget surplus money from 2023. She indicated she was concerned with the union negotiations and where those numbers would end up. Mayor Grant commented the Personnel Committee met regarding making Arden Hills a bit more flexible and enjoyable for employees. He discussed how Consent Agenda Item B offered employees more flexibility when it came to scheduling and how employees dress for their day. He believed this set Arden Hills apart and made it more enjoyable for working. He reported he has been on the City Council for the past 23 years and he has seen surpluses occurring for 23 years. He commented on how the City did not spend 100% of the budget for 100% of the budgeted items. He stated he believed in levying an amount of dollars that closely reflected the amount that would be spent. Councilmember Monson asked if when the City budgeted over all these years and hadn't spent the money, was it because the City didn't have people to exercise the goals and visions for the budget? She questioned why the City regularly has not hit its budget. Councilmember Holden stated every time Council set the levy, it was set lower than what the budget asked for. She noted that of course being a Director, she would always ask for more money than was needed and that you pad your budget some because you don't know. She said that at the same time, these are estimates. She went on to say that the maintenance schedule is a maintenance schedule, it's not a for-sure. She gave the example that Public Works may have a truck that has had no issues except for a little rust on the bottom, and they want to replace it. The Council can say no and schedule the replacement out another year or two. She noted the Council has the prerogative to say yes or no to everything that comes before them. Councilmember Holden stated that many times the City has been fully staffed but sometimes revenue does come from not funding a salary in the case of a staff vacancy. She noted she believes an approximately $10 million dollar National Guard field house would be built. Mayor Grant discussed how the City has a policy in place that requires the City to have 50% of its budget on hand. He commented on how this assists the City in covering expenditures in between receiving property tax payments, noting these were only made to the City two times a ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL— SEPTEMBER 25, 2023 10 year. He noted the City has been pretty conservative and that the budget is a plan, it doesn't mean that everything is necessarily going to happen. Councilmember Monson thanked the Mayor and Councilmember Holden for answering her questions. She stated she heard from residents during the election campaign that they want more for the taxes they pay, or were willing to pay more to get more, such as more park amenities, trails and playgrounds. She believed she was elected because she has a vision for what she wants to see. She wanted to see the City moving to meet the needs of the residents that live in this community. She supported the City working to complete a climate action plan or to become more sustainable. She struggled with how the City continually has a pattern of not meeting the budget. She hoped the Council could further discussion what its strategic goals and visions were for the City and how it should be spending its funds on behalf of the community. Councilmember Holden commented in past budgets the Council has added items (such as I&I) when grants are received. She explained the City put money into projects for trails that were not in the budget. She noted if there was additional grant money available, the Council jumped at the chance to save the citizens money. She said people will always say they are willing to pay more to get more, and that asking them how much more they want to pay is the question that is never asked, yet should be. She stated she worries about how the 40% of residents living in affordable housing in Arden Hills would be impacted by a 14.7% levy increase such as those in the manufactured home community or townhomes. She worried that people were struggling as it is as some are living only on social security. She commented further on how the County would be having tax increases as well that would impact all Arden Hills residents and this all adds up She also referenced the residents in the Glenpaul project area, many of which let the assessment amount go to their property taxes because they could not afford to pay the full amount up front. She stated she could support the Council continuing conversations about the City's vision, but she urged the Council to consider how the elderly and those less fortunate would be impacted by the levy increase. She said this is not just about the people that want a trail in the community but also about those that want a home in the community. Councilmember Fabel said it is hard to find people who are willing to pay more taxes. However, he said it important to remember that Arden Hills has the lowest tax rate in Ramsey by a significant amount. He noted that whatever additional tax burden the City imposes upon people, Arden Hills is still the lowest in all of Ramsey County. Councilmember Fabel stated he thinks he heard Councilmember Holden suggest that the reason there are budget surpluses is because staff is asking for more money than they think they really need. He said he has not seen that but feels staff is very careful and responsible with budgeting. He noted to vote for a maximum levy at the amount that has been budgeted shows a vote of confidence in staff and thanks them for the role that they do. Councilmember Holden said she does not believe she said that. She asked if they were in junior high school again and needed to insult people over the budget. She commented that she did not say staff deliberately does anything. She said she made the point that she thinks staff does a good job watching the budget and what they spend. She didn't like having words put into her mouth and felt Councilmember Fabel likes to belittle people and said she does not accept Councilmember's comment. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—SEPTEMBER 25, 2023 11 Mayor Grant commented on how the estimate for the budget surplus was around $100,000 to $200,000 from an overall budget of$5 million. He stated Arden Hills did have the lowest tax rate in Ramsey County. He explained he was not in charge of other cities in Ramsey County, he was only in charge of Arden Hills and how this City spent its tax dollars. Councilmember Rousseau stated the 12.55% levy increase would cost taxpayers $3.40 for homes valued between $180,000 and $190,000 or $8.33 for homes valued between $443,000 and $469,000. She recommended the levy be set at 12.55% and that the Council work to lower this amount by December. Councilmember Monson indicated she was not opposed to a final levy increase of 10%, but recommended the preliminary levy be set at 12.55% or 14.7% with the understanding this amount could be lowered in December. MOTION: Councilmember Rousseau moved and Councilmember Monson seconded a motion to adopt Resolution 2023-045 — Setting the Preliminary Lew at 12.55% for Taxes Payable in 2024. Mayor Grant commented he still believed the preliminary levy should be set closer to 10%. The motion carried 3-2 (Councilmember Holden and Mayor Grant opposed). 13. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Monson commented the Fire Board met last week to discuss the fire district and the governance model. Councilmember Monson reported she was looking forward to attending the JDA Worksession on Wednesday, September 27 where density scenarios will be presented by the developer. Councilmember Monson asked if the Council had ever decided to set a date for a workshop date for TCAAP visioning. City Administrator Perrault reported he did not have a date for this meeting. Councilmember Monson indicated she was looking forward to attending the flashlight pumpkin hunt. Councilmember Fabel stated the Council held interviews for a new City Attorney this evening. He commented on the role of the City Attorney and stated the City has been very well served by City Attorney Jamnik. Councilmember Holden reported Boston Scientific held their annual event where all employees are brought into Arden Hills for presentations. She indicated this event was a huge success again this year. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—SEPTEMBER 25, 2023 12 Councilmember Holden requested staff provide the Council with an update on Round Lake at a future meeting. Councilmember Holden questioned what the hurry was with the Fire District. She was pleased the Fire Board received the safer grant and urged the Fire District to take their time when considering the new operating model. Councilmember Holden requested Public Works provide enough wagons for the flashlight pumpkin hunt. Councilmember Rousseau explained she attended Ribfest and was able to speak with the organizers. She urged the organizers to speak with the City Council about this event at a future worksession meeting. Councilmember Rousseau noted she spoke with the Governor while at Ribfest about how appropriate it was for the trades to be in Arden Hills supporting the military and National Guard. She commented on how the City had a 427 acres development opportunity would provide tradespeople 15 years of projects. Councilmember Rousseau thanked Boston Scientific for inviting the City Council and staff to their"Everyone Makes an Impact" event. She stated Boston Scientific was a great employer in the community and was very generous in donating the funds for the agility course at Perry Park. She also thanked the Boston Scientific employees and facilities' engineering staff that helped build it Councilmember Rousseau reported she attended Northeast Youth and Family Services strategic launch meeting. Councilmember Rousseau commented on the Chamber of Commerce meeting she attended last week. She supported the City working with the County in order to share what economic development resources were available to the EDC. Mayor Grant reported he attended Ribfest and noted he enjoyed speaking with the Governor. He appreciated how high on the list the fieldhouse was for the governor. He stated he enjoyed serving as a judge for this event and he hoped this event would continue going forward. City Administrator Perrault explained $17 million has been appropriated for the fieldhouse. Mayor Grant stated he and City Administrator Perrault met with the local group of mayors and administrators where levies and THC was discussed. Mayor Grant indicated he attended a meeting where a number of environmental organizations discussed the remediation of Round Lake. He reported if plans continue as discussed, the cleanup would occur in 2026. Mayor Grant commented he attended a Twin Cities Gateway Visitors Bureau meeting and was pleased to report revenues had increased slightly in 2023. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL— SEPTEMBER 25, 2023 13 Mayor Grant asked where the 1,960 density number came from for TCAAP. City Administrator Perrault stated this question was answered at the September 11`" meeting in response to the resident inquiry. He stated number was borne out of a closer look at the staff level, of the density scenarios. He reported the staff met with the developer, financial consultants and County staff members and discussed the different scenarios and based on the developer's previous fit test, the developer still believes 1,960 is the appropriate density ceiling. He indicated the JDA Advisory Committee affirmed this number and recommended this number be presented to the JDA by the developer. Mayor Grant questioned who was the original driver of this number. City Administrator Perrault explained the developer is bringing the 1,960 number forward, the original driver of the number was all parties involved, but the specific number of 1,960 was honed in by the developer. Mayor Grant commented on how the proposed 1,960 units would be like building a miniature St. Paul in Arden Hills. ADJOURN MOTION: Councilmember Hoiden moved and Councilmember Rousseau seconded a motion to adiourn. The motion carried (5-0). Mayor Grant adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 8:51 p.m. Hanson David Grant J i Clerk Mayor