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Postal Customer ECR-WSS PRST STD U.S. Postage Paid St. Paul, MN Permit #1962 I n s i d e Arden Hills, MN . 55112-5734 State of the City Update BUILD program at Bethel Arden Manor Park The Tavern Grill construction News from the City Council Remembering Woody As many of you know, Council- member Robert Woodburn passed away on October 2 due to complications from an auto accident on September 20. Woody, as he is known by his friends, did a lot for the City of Arden Hills. I would like to share some about Woody, City leader and Arden Hills resi- dent of 53 years. He served as Mayor for seven years in the early eighties and more recently as Councilmember starting in 2015. During his term as Mayor, Arden Hills was one of the fastest growing cities in Minnesota. It was through his leadership that many of our neighborhoods and parks were built. Back in those days, we were known as The Village of Arden Hills. As he returned to council in 2015, he would on occasion refer to the City as the Village. In part I think it was habit, and perhaps it was also to remind us of our earlier humble begin- nings. I first met Woody in 2000 when I joined the City Council. He came to State of the City and other meetings and would share his thoughts. I was surprised in 2014 to learn that he filed for a City Councilmem- ber seat. I remember thinking, “What would it be like for me as your Mayor, serving with a former Mayor?” It didn’t take long to realize that Woody was serv- ing because he loved the City of Arden Hills. That’s it, pure and simple. You may not have known Woody, but I can tell you that he cared deeply about each and every resident and business. Woody was always well-prepared for meetings, often doing his own research on topics. Woody also had the gift of humor. I recall one of our last worksessions where we were discussing a topic and he spoke up saying, “I used to think I was indecisive,” there was a dramatic pause and he contin- ued, “but now that I think about it some more, I am not so sure.” He smiled. We all laughed and then returned to consider- ation of the question, with a renewed focus. Woody enjoyed humor, serving others, and brightening people’s lives. Woody was a pathologist, hardware store owner, woodworker, world traveler, pilot, skier, dog owner, motorcyclist, home re- pairman, and avid Internet user. He would often ride his motorcycle to City Council meetings. Years ago he twice piloted his twin-engine airplane from Minneapolis to France. Woody enjoyed life and felt it should be enjoyed to the fullest. I think there is a lesson there that Woody would want us all to remember. One of Woody’s favor- ite parting comments was, “Ok, go have more fun.” Arden Hills truly lost one of its founding fathers and a person with deep commitment to public service. The City is looking to fill the vacant City Council seat. Applications will be avail- able at City Hall and on the City website from December 1 through December 15. The deadline for applications is December 15. Interviews will be held January 11 and 13, 2016. The appointment will run from January 2016 through December 2016, with the seat up for re-election in Novem- ber 2016 for a special two-year term. Regards, David Grant Mayor