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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL – DECEMBER 14, 2020 4 Finance Director Bauman provided the Council with a presentation on the City’s 2021 Tax Levy and Budget. She discussed how property taxes work in Minnesota and noted County assessors determine property values in the year prior to taxes being paid. She explained the City sets the preliminary levy in September of each year and holds a Truth In Taxation Hearing in December. She described how property taxes are calculated and reported Arden Hills would have a 4.25% increase in its levy. She provided the Council with a summary on the General Fund and discussed proposed revenues and expenditures in further detail. She reviewed the proposed tax rate for 2021. She discussed how the proposed tax levy and tax rate compared to other jurisdictions in Ramsey County. She commented further on how the proposed levy would impact the median value homeowner and asked for comments or questions on the levy. Mayor Grant questioned what the increase was for health insurance in 2021. Finance Director Bauman stated health insurance was increasing 9.5% or $19,500. Mayor Grant inquired how cost of living and step increases would impact the budget. Finance Director Bauman explained the total wages and benefits increases for 2021 was $152,000. Mayor Grant opened the Truth In Taxation hearing at 7:32 p.m. Gregg Larson stated he would like to address the Council regarding the budget under Item 9C. Mayor Grant explained the Council would be taking comments regarding the budget and tax levy during the Truth In Taxation Hearing. He encouraged Mr. Larson to address his budget concerns at this time. Mr. Larson discussed Attachment A which addresses the reconstruction of Snelling Avenue. He reported this project has been kicked down the road despite the road being in poor condition. He understood this project was slated for 2022 and questioned why a trail was not being completed. He requested the Council reconsider this decision for the safety of the pedestrians that use this roadway. He questioned when the Parks and Trails Committee recommended the trail be removed. He asked when the City held a public hearing to weigh in on striking the trail from the project and inquired when residents were surveyed. He explained he cared about the trail and he would have liked to have been consulted regarding this matter. He reported a trail was needed along Snelling Avenue. He recommended the City bond for this project in order to have a trail completed. Mayor Grant closed the Truth In Taxation hearing at 7:45 p.m. D. Planning Case 19-002 – Drainage and Utility Easement Vacation at 1740 Parkshore Drive (Summit Development) Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla stated at its July 22, 2019 meeting, Summit Development received required approvals from the Council to construct a three (3) story, 120-unit senior housing building which will include independent living, assisted living, memory