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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—OCTOBER 14, 2013 9 <br /> community felt they were receiving a good value from their investment in the public schools, with <br /> 91% of residents stating the quality of the education was excellent or good. In addition, 91% of <br /> the residents were proud and would recommend the Mounds View schools to others. <br /> Mr. Helgeson stated that the 2006 levy will expire in 2014. If voters do not renew the proposed <br /> levy, the local schools will stop receiving $11.5 million each year. He explained that the district <br /> was not asking for an increase, but was simply hoping to renew the current levels being paid to <br /> schools. This would assure that class sizes could be maintained and current programming would <br /> remain in place. <br /> Mr. Helgeson reviewed several measures that have been taken by the district to contain costs. He <br /> indicated administrative costs for the district were low when compared to districts of similar size, <br /> while the investment made in each student was the highest when compared to districts of similar <br /> size. He played a video for the Council regarding the proposed levy and encouraged all Arden <br /> Hills residents to support the levy on November 5th <br /> Mayor Grant thanked Mr. Helgeson for his presentation. He questioned when the proposed levy <br /> would expire. <br /> Mr. Helgeson explained that the proposed levy would serve the district for eight years. <br /> Mayor Grant requested further information on the early college program in the Mounds View <br /> School District. <br /> Mr. Hoverman discussed the numerous benefits of this program at length with the Council. He <br /> commented that there are approximately 585 students participating in this program. He noted that <br /> the program was extremely attractive due to the tuition savings offered to parents. <br /> Mayor Grant commended the school district on their achievements and wished them all the best <br /> with the upcoming levy vote. <br /> 9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS <br /> A. Gateway Sign at County Road E-2/35W <br /> Public Works Director Maurer stated that since the September 16, 2013, work session, staff has <br /> been working with Jay Higgins of Fourth Dimensions, LLC, and Nick Tamble of LLG Gardens on <br /> a gateway sign installation at County Road E-2 and 35W. Based on discussion at a previous work <br /> session, staff has focused on the north side of County Road E-2 because of increased visibility to <br /> all traffic near that intersection. <br /> Public Works Director Maurer explained that the first issue staff worked on with Mr. Higgins <br /> and Mr. Tamble was the size of the sign. On the north side, the sign will be slightly set back from <br /> the roadway and slightly elevated on the natural ground level. He explained that Mr. Higgins <br /> fabricated an aluminum frame the size of the triangle parcel sign and took photos of it in the <br /> general area being considered for installation. Based on this process, it is recommended that the <br />