December 2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

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As 2020 comes to a close, I think we can all agree that 2021 will be a much needed reset. The COVID-19 pandemic and associated mitigation measures dramatically altered everyday life not only for Arden Hills residents, but the entire world. The tragic death* of George Floyd brought unwanted attention to Minnesota, and further highlighted deep-seeded racial and cultural issues that have transcended generations. Last, but not least, the country endured a divisive Presidential Election, which will no doubt be talked about for years. Given the chaotic nature of this last year, I wanted to say thank you. Thank you to our residents; every day I am out in the public and I see residents wearing masks, abiding by social distancing requirements, and taking COVID-19 seriously. Many Arden Hills residents, and residents of surrounding communities, participated in the Awaken the Suburbs march from the Shoreview City Hall to the Arden Hills City Hall, a peaceful march organized by local youth pushing for social justice. Lastly, we read stories across the country about families, neighbors, and friendships hurt as the politics of the election boiled over. Arden Hills residents remained civil and neighborly with one and other maintaining the small-town, intimate feeling that keeps people in the community. I also want to take this opportunity to thank the city employees that have been working in-front of and behind the scenes to keep the City running smoothly. While City Hall has been closed to the public since March, normal city services have not stopped. Our Public Works Crews, the most visible component of our city, have been in the field repairing local streets, maintaining our water and sewer infrastructure, and keeping the parks and trails in good working order (many of which saw a higher than normal usage over the warmer months). Employees at City Hall have been working in and out of the office to ensure residents still receive the same level of service as if City Hall were open to the public. For example, inspections for both commercial and residential projects, which are key to life safety, have not stopped; sometimes our inspectors needed to adapt and perform inspections virtually, but the work continued. Permits for building projects were still issued, allowing construction projects to move forward and the jobs that follow. Lastly, I would like to thank the City Council. In the end, they are the ones that have to make the tough decisions, such as closing City Hall to the public or declaring a State of Emergency as neighboring communities experience civil unrest. I have personally felt the City Council’s kindness as they constantly remind me, and the rest of the employees at the City, not to put our jobs in front of our family or well-being. Again, thank you to everyone and I look forward serving the City in 2021. —Dave Perrault, City Administrator Letter from the City Administrator Inside Postal Customer Holiday Light Map Neighborhood Watch Signs Donated New Perspectives and Ecko Estates City Council Benchmarks Arden Hills, MN . 55112-5734 ECR-WSS PRST STD U.S. Postage Paid Twin Cities, MN Permit #1962 *The wording in this sentence has been updated to “death” since the mailing of this newsletter; “murder” is a legal term and has yet to be determined.