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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-11-23-R ARpEN HILLS Approved: January 8, 2024 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 11,2023 7:00 P.M. -ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor David Grant called to order the regular City Council meeting at 7:13 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; Finance Director Joua Yang; City Attorney Amy Schmidt; and Assistant to the City Administrator/City Clerk Julie Hanson PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Councilmember Holden requested Item 8X be pulled from the Consent Agenda for further discussion as Item 9A. Councilmember Rousseau requested Item 8V be pulled from the Consent Agenda for further discussion as Item 9B. Councilmember Rousseau requested an Item be added to the agenda as a follow up conversation regarding the PTRC. Mayor Grant recommended this matter be discussed as Item 12A. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Rousseau seconded a motion to approve the meeting agenda as amended. The motion carried (5-0). ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—DECEMBER 11, 2023 2 2. TCAAP/RICE CREEK COMMONS UPDATE City Administrator Perrault stated since the last City Council meeting, the JDA met on December 4th. The full agenda and supporting information can be found on the online packet on the City's website. Notable items from the meeting include the JDA approving a Preliminary Development Agreement with Alatus, this agreement binds Alatus to come to a development agreement on the project until June 2025. The JDA also passed a term sheet which outlines significant deal points to be worked into the future development agreement, such as, density, affordability, and financing goals. On December 6th, the City of Arden Hills' Planning Commission considered the proposal to increase the allowable density from 1,460 housing units to 1,960 housing units on Rice Creek Commons. The plan was recommended for approval and is set to go to the City Council at their January 8th City Council meeting. The January 8th City Council meeting will also include a public hearing for the public to provide feedback on the proposal. Lastly, the energy committee is still seeking a consultant to help shape energy policies at RCC, the RFP closes on December 13th and the contract start date is anticipated to be January 1st. That concludes my JDA update. Councilmember Monson reported within the JDA term sheet it did specifically address the density, setting the maximum at 1,960 units. She explained as information comes in and finer details are negotiated with the developer, the number of units may be reduced. She stated the survey responses from the open house were reviewed by the JDA. She indicated she was not surprised by many of the comments that were made. She highlighted one comment, suggesting the JDA and City Council consider how TCAAP will be accessed by foot or via bicycle. She reported the Energy Advisory Committee met recently and discussed a recently drafted geothermal memo. Councilmember Holden asked if the JDA would be going around the Army, since the City was told previously and on more than one occasion that geothermal would not be allowed on this site. Councilmember Monson stated the Army has not told the JDA no, which was one of the initial findings from the recent geothermal memo. She reported a formal request would have to go before the Army and in the meantime the Energy Advisory Committee and the JDA would be doing their due diligence. 3. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL Linda Swanson, 1124 Ingerson Road, stated since nothing was listed on the materials provided to the residents, was she to believe that no funding would be expended in 2024 related to TCAAP. She explained if the City expects expenses, why was nothing listed or identified. She hoped that the Council would address this matter within the 2024 budget. Donna Wiemann, 1406 Arden View Drive, reported she asked a question at the last Council meeting that had not been answered. She asked what other cities along Highway 96 built whatever they wanted along this roadway. She requested staff identify these other cities and name the approved developments along Highway 96 that were similar to TCAAP. Carol Moss, Hellmuth & Johnson, 8050 West 78t' Street, Edina, explained she was an attorney representing a client (Arden Hills Tobacco) and she wished to address the City Council regarding ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—DECEMBER 11, 2023 3 the interim tobacco ordinance. She indicated her client was in the process of selling the tobacco shop since mid-November. She reported the purchase of this business was contingent upon the buyer receiving a tobacco license. She indicated Mr. Hussain (the buyer) submitted a tobacco license application on November 22, which was prior to the November 27 City Council meeting where the interim ordinance was passed by the City Council. She asked that Mr. Hussain's application be considered so that her client may sell his business. While she understood the intent of the ordinance, she reported this business has been operating in the community for many years. She requested this application go through the consideration process in order to allow the sale to be completed. 4. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC INQUIRIES City Administrator Perrault provided a response for the Public Inquiries made at the November 27, 2023 City Council meeting. He explained a resident asked JDA members to publicly confirm whether the proposed 1,960 density number would go up or change. He deferred to these Councilmembers to see if they wanted to offer additional comments, but noted this was the number the JDA and developer has agreed upon as a maximum density for the project. He noted decisions made today, do not bind the future elected body. He reported a future Council could propose more or less density. He stated any future changes would be dependent on County approval. He commented on another question raised by the public regarding development along Highway 96. He stated he could not speak definitively to the references that were made, he noted development occurs within each community per their own specific zoning codes and development procedures. He indicated he was not aware of a project along Highway 96 that was the same scope of Rice Creek Commons. He reported the most recent development along Highway 96 was in Vadnais Heights at McMenemy Street which was comprised of 163 units across 13.44 acres which had a density of 12 units per acre. Councilmember Holden stated for the record, the future Council could be made up of existing Councilmembers. Councilmember Monson explained she was the Councilmember that spoke to other developments along Highway 96. She indicated her general comment was that this roadway would continue to develop and more housing or commercial would be added. She understood that no other communities would have the same scale as the Rice Creek Commons project. She reported this Council has an incredible opportunity to make an amazing development in close proximity to large metropolitan areas. 5. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS None. 6. STAFF COMMENTS None. 7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—DECEMBER 11, 2023 4 A. November 13, 2023, Special City Council Work Session B. November 13, 2023, Regular City Council C. November 20, 2023, Special City Council Work Session Mayor Grant noted he made one minor correction to the minutes and discussed this change with the City Clerk. MOTION: Councilmember Monson moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to approve the November 13, 2023, Special City Council Work Session meeting minutes as presented, the November 13, 2023, Regular City Councfl meeting minutes as amended; and November 20, 2023, Special City Council Work Session meeting minutes as presented. The motion carried (5- 8. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Motion to Approve Consent Agenda Item - Claims and Payroll B. Motion To Approve The 2024 Non-Union Employee Compensation Plan C. Motion To Approve Resolution 2023-058 Approving The 2024 City Contribution To Employee Monthly Benefits D. Motion To Approve Earned Sick And Safe Time Personal Policy Update E. Motion To Approve Northeast Youth And Family Services 2024 Agreement F. Motion To Approve Hiring A Permit Technician/Office Support Specialist G. Motion To Acknowledge The Application Of Ducks Unlimited North Suburban Chapter 239 For An Exempt Permit To Conduct A Raffle With The Event Being February 24, 2024, With No Waiting Period H. Motion To Approve Cancellation Of The December 25, 2023 Regular City Council Meeting 1. Motion To Approve Ordinance 2023-016 Amending Chapter 2, Section 210, Subsection 210.03 —Council Meetings J. Motion To Approve Cancellation Of The January 22, February 26 And March 25, 2024 City Council Regular Meetings And Worksessions K. Motion To Approve 2024 Liquor License Renewals L. Motion To Approve Ordinance 2023-017 An Interim Ordinance Prohibiting The Issuance Of New Tobacco Licenses M. Motion To Approve 2024 Tobacco License Renewals N. Motion To Approve Ordinance 2023-018 Approving The 2024 Fee Schedule And Authorizing Publication Of A Summary Ordinance O. Motion To Approve Payment No. 5 (Final Closeout) —T.A. Schifsky & Sons, Inc. —Snelling Avenue North Street And Utility Improvements Project P. Motion To Approve Payment No. 2 (Final Closeout)—Astech Corp. —Arden Oaks Street Improvements Project Q. Motion To Approve Resolution 2023-059 Application For Met Council Environment Services (MCES) 2024 Private Property Inflow And Infiltration (1/I) Grant Program R. Motion To Approve Resolution 2023-060 Authorizing The City To Submit A 2024 Regional Solicitation Safe Routes To School Grant Application— Old Highway 10 Trail Project ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—DECEMBER 11, 2023 5 S. Motion To Approve Resolution 2023-061 Authorizing The City To Submit A 2024 MnDOT Safe Routes To School Grant Application—Old Highway 10 Trail Project T. Motion To Approve SRF Professional Services Agreement Amendment No. 1 — Funding Application Support—Old Highway 10 Trail Improvements Project U. Motion To Acknowledge The Application Of Midwest Gymnastics For An Exempt Permit To Conduct A Raffle With The Event Being March 24, 2024, With No Waiting Period Motion� T n i � ao Resignation of Ge ,ni#ee Mo. ber4r,u;u, Marie Hinton And Geamnittee Member Kaisfine Peelzer- From The Trails Reer-eafi— f W. Motion To Approve Moving Planning Case 23-018 Work Session Review Date X. Motion To Approve Resolution 2023 064 Aeoepting Donation From Af-den Hills 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 !LL 9. PULLED CONSENT ITEMS A. Motion To Approve Resolution 2023-064 Accepting Donation From Arden Hills Foundation For Annual Flashlight Pumpkin Hunt Councilmember Holden thanked the Arden Hills Foundation for making a donation to the City for the Flashlight Pumpkin Hunt. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Monson seconded a motion to adopt Resolution 2023-064 Accepting Donation From Arden Hills Foundation For Annual Flashlight Pumpkin Hunt. The motion carried (5-0). B. Motion To Acknowledge Resignation Of Committee Member/Chair Marie Hinton And Committee Member Kristine Poelzer From The Parks, Trails And Recreation Committee (PTRC) Councilmember Rousseau stated the PTRC would hold their last meeting of the year on December 12, 2023. She explained Chair Hinton and Committee Member Poelzer would like to continue serving on the PTRC through the end of this year. She suggested action on this item be tabled or that the item be amended to state the resignation action would be effective December 31, 2023. MOTION: Councilmember Rousseau moved and Councilmember Monson seconded a motion to Acknowledge Resignation Of Committee Member/Chair Marie Hinton And Committee Member Kristine Poelzer From The Parks, Trails And Recreation Committee (PTRC) effective December 31,2023. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—DECEMBER 11, 2023 6 Councilmember Holden thanked these individuals for their dedicated service to the community on the PTRC. The motion carried (5-0). 10. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Truth In Taxation Hearing City Administrator Perrault stated this meeting served as the annual Truth In Taxation Hearing. He discussed why tax bills changed, commented on how property taxes are developed in Minnesota, provided a summary on the 2024 general fund budget, the proposed 2024 tax levy, the City-wide budget, the Capital Improvements Plan, and discussed resources that were available for property tax relief. It was noted the City Council adopted a maximum tax levy increase of 12.55% on September 25, 2023. Staff described how tax dollars were allocated by the City for essential services. He commented on how the median value homeowner would be impacted by the proposed tax levy and then opened the meeting for public comments. Councilmember Holden commented on Consent Agenda Items 80 and 8P stating both of these items came in under budget ($132,000). She asked how much of this funding was included in the 2023 budget. City Administrator Perrault reported the surplus from these items would affect the capital funds. Councilmember Holden discussed how this surplus could be added to the PIR fund at the end of the year. Mayor Grant asked what the value of a home had to be to qualify for the homestead credit. City Administrator Perrault explained the homestead credit was applied to homes that were valued at $415,000 or less. Councilmember Monson requested further comment on the surplus the City would have at the end of the year. City Administrator Perrault stated this was a complicated question. He reported the savings on Items 80 and 8P created a surplus of $132,000 and noted this surplus would not impact the General Fund Budget. He explained surpluses in the General Fund were transferred to the PIR Fund. Mayor Grant asked if the surplus was enterprise funds or capital funds. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen stated the surplus was from various items within the street projects related to the construction contract itself. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—DECEMBER 11, 2023 7 Councilmember Fabel commented on the Council line item increase, which was within the General Fund. He requested staff speak further to these increases. City Administrator Perrault explained the most significant increase for the Mayor and Council budget line item was the City reentering the North East Youth and Family Services contract, which totaled $23,000. Councilmember Monson asked that staff speak to why the TCAAP budget looks the way it does. City Administrator Perrault stated the JDA was a separate entity and they approve their own budget. He explained the City was responsible for funding its respective consultants and staff time. He noted the City's JDA budget increased by$20,000 which would assist in offsetting costs for the AUAR which would be completed in 2024. Councilmember Holden questioned if the City's attorneys' fees should increase for 2024 to ensure all JDA documents could be reviewed and considered by the City Attorney. City Administrator Perrault explained staff had $10,000 in the budget for City attorneys' fees. Mayor Grant opened the Truth In Taxation Hearing at 8:04 p.m. Linda Swanson, 1124 Ingerson Road, stated she could not understand what staff was saying regarding the JDA. City Administrator Perrault reported the City funded staff and consultant time for the JDA. He noted the City added $20,000 to the budget for 2024 to offset costs for the AUAR. Russ Bertsch, 4419 Amber Circle, stated he was surprised there was not more residents in attendance. He discussed how the value of his home had increased and explained his property taxes were set to go up over 12%. He commented on how these increases were impacting taxpayers and potential future buyers. He stated a future homebuyer would now be paying over $3,200 per month for his home given the value the County has put on his home and with the current interest rates. On top of this, the property taxes for his home would be increasing by $70 per month. While he appreciated living in Ramsey County and in Arden Hills, he questioned where people were supposed to come up with this type of money. He believed residents were being taxed out of the State of Minnesota and encouraged the City Council to reconsider the increase. Mayor Grant clarified for the record, the City of Arden Hills does not set the value of homes. He explained this was done by the Ramsey County Assessor. Donna Wiemann, 1406 Arden View Drive, reported St. Anthony is another suburb that was located in Hennepin and Ramsey County. She recommended the slideshow presented by staff to the City Council reflect this information. Mayor Grant closed the Truth In Taxation Hearing at 8:11 p.m. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—DECEMBER 11. 2023 8 11. NEW BUSINESS A. Adoption Of The 2024 Budget And Tax Levy • Resolution 2023-062 Setting the Final Tax Levy for Taxes Payable in 2024 • Resolution 2023-063 Adopting the Proposed 2024 Budget City Administrator Perrault stated budget discussions were held with the Council in August and September. He reported the Council adopted a maximum tax levy increase of 12.55% on September 25, 2023. Another budget workshop was held with the Council on November 13, 2023. The General Fund is the primary operating fund of the City and its main source of revenue is property taxes. The 2024 revenue budget is projected to increase by $569,780 over 2023 to $5,939,200. The main reason for this increase is a proposed property tax increase of$592,270. Expenditures are projected to increase by $591,090 over 2023 to $6,121,270. The increase is mainly due to public safety and personnel costs. Staff reviewed the proposed budget and tax levy in further detail with the Council and recommended approval. Councilmember Rousseau stated the median value homeowner would be see a $100 increase for the year in overall taxes in 2024 from the proposed tax levy increase. City Administrator Perrault reported this was the case, noting this was for the City's portion of taxes only. Councilmember Holden explained for the past 15 years the City has underfunded its budget and there has always been a $100,000+ surplus at the end of the year. She stated the school district was looking to have a 4.56% increase, Met Council would have a 2% increase and she understood rent was going up $30 per month at the trailer park. She believed fully funding the budget would be nice, but she supported bringing the levy down because the middle class was being taxed out of Arden Hills. She reported she lived in a neighborhood near County Road D and New Brighton Road in a 1950's home with two bedrooms and a one-car garage. She commented on how young people were having trouble buying homes given the price of homes and the debt they are carrying from student loans. She stated school district and City taxes were further compounded by the numerous taxes from Ramsey County. She suggested the levy be decreased to 10%or 11%. Councilmember Fabel stated when the preliminary levy was considered it was understood a 16% levy increase would be required to fully fund the budget. He explained at this time the levy was proposed to be 12.55%which would be underfunding the budget. City Administrator Perrault explained this was the case, noting the budget would have a deficit of approximately$130,000. Councilmember Fabel reported Arden Hills has the lowest tax rate of any of the 18 municipalities in Ramsey County, with the exception of North Oaks. City Administrator Perrault stated this was the case, based on the preliminary estimate information staff had, with the exception of North Oaks. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—DECEMBER 11, 2023 9 Mayor Grant commented on how North Oaks was run differently than Arden Hills, in that they received revenues from homeowner association fees. He explained he tended to agree with Councilmember Holden that at 12.55% the budget was underfunded by $130,000. He reported these funds could be carried over from 2023 and not transferred to the PIR Fund. He supported moving the levy down to 10% or 11% as well. He indicated staff s presentation did not discuss how the City has underfunded the budget in previous years. He stated the City does not overspend its budget,but rather there are savings across the budget each year. Councilmember Rousseau stated it was her understanding$1 million that was not anticipated for Old Highway 10 was not in the budget. City Administrator Perrault explained this additional expense was not included in the budget. Councilmember Rousseau questioned how much the City would owe in fire department expenditures in the coming years. City Administrator Perrault stated the most recent estimates put this at $19 to $20 million. He explained the City received $6.6 million in State funding, which meant the remaining share of $13.3 million and the City's portion would be 25% of this or $3.3 million. He indicated the City would bond for this expenditure, which was proposed to occur in 2026. Councilmember Rousseau said that when the Council was looking at setting the preliminary levy, was it also Staff s recommendation that a $40,000 bump be included so as to not to shock people for the fire department employees that were coming in prior to the grant? City Administrator Perrault replied that was correct. Councilmember Monson indicated the fire department would be hiring six new captains, noting the costs were covered for the next three years. She indicated the City was putting funds aside to cover these costs in the future. She reported she has not had clarity on how much money the City will have at the end of the year. She commented on the pattern in the past, noting surpluses typically came from a project that came in that was larger than anticipated or from staffing vacancies. She believed the City has been reliant on additional revenues that were foreseen or lucky. She stated if the levy were reduced to 11%, this would mean the City was operating at a $200,000 deficit. She reported staff does not anticipate any large projects coming up in 2024 and noted she did not want to bank on any staffing vacancies. For this reason, she recommended the levy remain at 12.55%. Councilmember Holden stated there were a lot of projects that the City had done in the past that came in under budget. She indicated this was another way budget surpluses were created. She reiterated that $130,000 in surplus was seen just from tonight's meeting. She commented further on how the City typically had additional projects that they were able to fund from surplus dollars in the budget. City Administrator Perrault explained the City did not have any anticipated projects in 2024, but noted there were development projects in the hopper. He noted that for example, the Army project in 2025 was a big project coming down. He reported there were no additional development ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—DECEMBER 11, 2023 10 projects in 2023 and so the City would be short on the revenue side by $120,000. He also noted that previous Finance Director Bauman made the assertion that regarding the potential for overages for 2023, she was not anticipating there would be any. He said he is not sure this is an accurate statement as we would not know until Quarter 1 of 2024, but that was her latest projection. Mayor Grant clarified for the record, there would be development projects occurring in Arden Hills in 2024. He noted they could not say specifically which ones but if you listen to the Planning Commission there are cases coming through, though not as large as some of the other projects, and to say there won't be any would be a bit of a stretch. He said the projects may not be as large as New Perspective or Arden Senior Living or something of that nature, though it is possible that it may happen. He stated he did not know that he wanted to bet the budget on it necessarily. Councilmember Holden asked if there was a party interested in the PACE building on Lexington. Community Development Director Jagoe reported this was the case noting the City Council would be reviewing this project at their January 8, 2024 meeting. Councilmember Holden indicated the Arby's building also had a project in the works. She asked if staff had an update on the North Heights project. Community Development Director Jagoe stated she has not received an update on this project, but noted the church still has a purchase agreement in place with the developer. She noted it was her understanding this purchase agreement would be in place through mid-2024. Councilmember Fabel stated based on his understanding the Council went through a very careful budgeting process and based on his confidence in staff, in addition to his inherent dislike of unbalanced budgets, he recommended the City Council keep the tax levy at 12.55%. MOTION: Councilmember Fabel moved and Councilmember Rousseau seconded a motion to adopt Resolution 2023-062 Setting the Final Tax Lew (12.55%) for Taxes Payable in 2024. Councilmember Rousseau stated she was not willing to bet the budget on two carwashes going into Arby's and the Pace site at this time. Councilmember Holden stated what Councilmember Fabel said was true, that staff provides the Council with their best estimates and they do a wonderful job. However, she did not see how 2024 would be different from any other year, in that the City would end the year with a surplus. Councilmember Monson explained she was concerned with how interest rates were rising and how this would impact or slow development in the coming year. She stated she did not want to kick the can down the road when it comes to the budget. She referenced conversations at the work sessions where Council talked about doing a franchise fee because Staff said the City will be short $400,000 and we need to have that coming in starting in 2025. She noted that (a franchise fee) is a fee on everybody, so there are advantages and disadvantages to that. She stated it also concerns ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—DECEMBER 11, 2023 11 her that Council is worried about a $100,000 deficit essentially between 12.55% and 11% and then having conversations to find another form of revenue. She reported she would be supporting the 12.55% tax levy. She indicated that after understanding the additional information Administrator Perrault shared about having lower revenue than we anticipated this year, she was not comfortable to go down to 11%. Mayor Grant indicated the budget was looked at very carefully every year. He was of the opinion the budget could easily accommodate a reduction down to 11%. He commented on how he did not want to overtax the residents or businesses in the community. He understood this levy would not be in line with past levies due to inflation, which was driving up costs. He believed that with the levy at 12.55% there was room to provide some relief to the residents of Arden Hills and he would like to do that. Councilmember Monson stated passing a levy that has a deficit was in line with what the Council has done previously. She indicated this was what has been done and was being proposed for 2024. Mayor Grant was of the opinion the Council could go deeper. MOTION: Councilmember Fabel moved and Councilmember Monson seconded a motion to call the question. The motion carried 3-2 (Councilmember Holden and Mayor Grant opposed). The motion to adopt Resolution 2023-062 Setting the Final Tax Levy(12.55%) for Taxes Payable in 2024 carried 3-2 (Councilmember Holden and Mavor Grant opposed). MOTION: Councilmember Monson moved and Councilmember Rousseau seconded a motion to adopt Resolution 2023-063 Adopting the Proposed 2024 Budut. The motion carried 3-2 (Councilmember Holden and Mayor Grant opposed). 12. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Follow Up Conversation Regarding the PTRC Councilmember Rousseau apologized for the manner in which this issue was brought up at the November 13 City Council meeting. She explained there was an issue brought to the meeting. She explained the Committee and Commission appointments are a gray area and there are no codes of conducts or procedures in place to address alleged misconduct. She indicated there was clearly an opportunity to do better and to improve professionalism. She stated it appears there was Council consensus that a code of conduct needs to be created and she recommended procedures for complaints be included in this document. She apologized for the timing of bringing this item forward, noting the information she received did not come in a manner where an item could have been added to the November 13 agenda in time. She indicated the bench motion was one of the few solutions to the situation. She thanked Mr. Kelliher for his many contributions to the City. 13. COUNCIL COMMENTS ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—DECEMBER 11, 2023 12 Councilmember Monson welcomed Finance Director Joua Yang to the City of Arden Hills. Councilmember Monson stated she took a tour with several other Councilmembers and JDA members of two different Alatus developments. She explained one of the developments was 116 units at-50% AMI with several of the units being set aside at 30% AMI. She commented further on how quickly these units have leased. She appreciated how well this building was done, noting it would have market rate units next to it in Hopkins. Councilmember Monson explained the fire department held an open house on the building of a new station where design information was presented to the public. She discussed how training space would be built into this facility. She indicated she spoke to the architect about the sustainability measures that were being incorporated into this building. Councilmember Fabel stated he was truly impressed by the Alatus development he visited this morning in Hopkins. He explained the project has a size and density that was almost identical to the Town Center project within Rice Creek Commons. He encouraged the public to visit this project in order to better understand the proposed density. He stated he was impressed by how positive the work relationship was between Alatus and the cities of Hopkins and Columbia Heights. He indicated he came away from these tours very enthused regarding the relationship the City has with Alatus and where the planning process was for Rice Creek Commons. Councilmember Holden reported she was not able to attend the tour this morning. She stated it was curious that Alatus had not toured a 10 or 15 year old apartment complex with the Council and JDA members. She understood Mr. Lux would not be managing the apartment buildings he constructs. She commented on how the apartments in Hopkins were located on a bus line, which would differ from the apartments that were being built on Rice Creek Commons. Councilmember Holden requested the fire department provide the City with more timely information on their publicly hosted events. She questioned what work was being done to pursue additional funding for the fire station. Councilmember Monson stated she could report back with this information at a future City Council meeting. Councilmember Rousseau reported at the last Planning Commission meeting, the Rice Creek Commons density was approved on a 4-2 vote. She indicated six of the Commissioners expressed concern regarding air and noise pollution and strongly advised that the Council study these matters in order to mitigate these factors, particularly around the areas surrounding Highway 10/ Highway 96. In addition, the Commission was concerned with the fact an updated traffic study had not been completed. The Commission recommended the proposed North Heights project be included within the traffic study. She stated a Commissioner spoke to her regarding the importance of having owner occupied units on Rice Creek Commons versus rental/AirBNB units. Councilmember Rousseau explained she had a meeting with a resident last week where they provided glowing feedback after their interactions with Community Development Director Jagoe. She thanked Director Jagoe for caring for the City's residents. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—DECEMBER 11, 2023 13 Councilmember Rousseau reported the City had four student committee/commission representatives. She thanked these representatives for being brilliant, noting one of these students recently received a 36 on her ACT and another was a 4.0 student. Mayor Grant stated in a previous comment he made about TCAAP, he noted the development was to have 4,000 jobs. He explained he went back to the January 10a' edition of the Star Tribune noting in this article the Arden Hills Council promised to spur development at ammunition site. In a paragraph at the end of this article, it says while campaigning new Councilmembers were eager to see the benefits of Rice Creek Commons, including $700 million in new development and 4,000 jobs. He stated since that time, the Council seems to have moved away from its commitment to jobs after removing 32 acres of commercial property from the TCAAP project. He renewed his comments on how important jobs were to the community and this development. He urged the Council to strongly look at the commercial developments within this project to ensure there were good paying jobs on this site. Mayor Grant indicated he attended the Alatus tour this morning. He explained it was easy to tour a facility and see one building. He commented on how TCAAP would have 427 acres of buildings, which would look greatly different than a single building. He reiterated that the Council and JDA members were taken to new buildings and not buildings that have been around for 10+ years. He stated he was impressed by the heating and cooling systems that were within the buildings. Mayor Grant reported this was the City Council's last meeting of the year. He wished everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year. ADJOURN MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Rousseau seconded a motion to adiourn. The motion carried (5-0). Mayor Grant adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 8:57 p.m. CL 1.19 A A A )LAII AIJ 1--a 31"o Julie banson David Grant City Vlerk Mayor