compliance inspection be requested, and require a structural engineering analysis.
During the first hearing, the attorney said that one was anticipated within the next two
weeks, which would have been two weeks ago. I got it in my email this morning and will
share it with the City's structural engineer. I'm not 100% confident in it. If the cover
letter is addressed to the wrong person, you don't necessarily trust the facts that
follow. This particular report speaks to the City of Arden Hills, so that does not make
me feel confident about the attention to detail that one looks for from an engineer.
That said, all 3 things have been done by the owner. I did not commit to make a
recommendation one way or another, based on those things being done. I am not
confident that the current owner has control of the site. I have briefed Councilmember
Yang. There is no code compliance report yet. It was requested last week. The
Department of Safety and Inspections is expediting it, and I expect it will be here next
week. Based on that, along with the engineering analysis, I think I can give you a
better report. I think the bank may have better information, also. I don't think
prospects are good, but I wouldn't rule it out. There are testifiers today as well as a
good amount of testimony in the record.
Council President Brendmoen: It sounds like there are lots of concerns here, but you
did get some stuff in your inbox today. I know Councilmember Yang also wants to be
present for this final vote and has concerns. Maybe a one week layover would give that
time to review the new materials and for Yang to be here.
Kristina Kaluza: I am agreement with what was just said. I heard from the building
inspector that he is hoping to get there on Monday. Hopefully the report will be ready by
next Wednesday. The owner has put down the performance deposit. Since this is
bank-owned, there are financial resources available for demolition or repair, once we
review the two reports. The bank is also soliciting bids to make a determination on
that.
Brendmoen: We are looking at a one week layover and it sounds like you are in
support of that.
Kaluza: Yes. Once a recommendation is made, will we have a chance to respond to
that?
Brendmoen: We will keep the public hearing open so you can get a chance to speak
next week.
Hanna Getachew-Kreusser: Darius Husain and I have a number of concerns and some
possible solutions. We would like to potentially use this space.
Darius Husain: We just wanted the Council to be aware that there is a grades 9-12
charter school on the other side of the fence from this property. We have been dealing
with this nuisance for a long time. Having this right next to our students has been
difficult. Right next to the property is a garden space with crops, an outdoor classroom,
and a memorial space. It is our hope that the Council continues the pressure to ensure
a positive outcome for this space. In the last week, we are encouraged by activity the
bank has done since they became aware of everything happening. We know this is
privately owned, but we would like to help develop the land if the property is to be
demolished. We would like to use it to expand the school and/or the health clinic if it is
not rehabilitated.
Brendmoen: It sounds like this could go one way or the other.
Councilmember Prince moved to continue the public hearing for one week.
Public hearing continued to August 9, 2023