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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION – MARCH 21, 2022 6 explained she also reviewed the traffic engineering report and noted she would now be in support of the roundabout project. Councilmember Holden explained her biggest concern with this project was how pedestrians would get to the County park. In addition, she was concerned with the fact that only 5% of the public provided comment on this project. Mayor Grant stated he would want the center of the roundabout to be clear so people could see across it. He understood this intersection needed improvement. He reported in looking at the three proposed solutions, be believed the roundabout was the best solution. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen discussed the next steps for this project noting he would be working on a cooperative agreement with the County. Ms. Lundquist indicated she would be posting more “how to” videos on the County’s site to inform the public how to properly navigate through a roundabout. C. American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds Discussion Finance Director Bauman stated Arden Hills is expected to receive just over $1,100,00; 50% was received last year with the remaining funds coming this year. Eligible uses of the funds are to support public health expenditures, address negative economic impacts, replace lost public sector revenue and provide premium pay for essential workers. The cost must have been incurred after March 3, 2021 and before December 31, 2024, with the end of the performance period on December 31, 2026. These funds should be directed toward one-time priorities and not programs or policies that will continue to need funding into the future. Finance Director Bauman explained that she met with Mayor Grant and Councilmember Holden in July 2021, to start developing a list of items that meet the eligibility requirements and bring the greatest benefit to the City. The discussion centered on utility projects like Sewer Lining, Storm Water and Water Meters and other capital projects in Streets and Parks, trying to focus on items not currently included in the CIP (i.e., dog park shelter). Based on an article published in the Star Tribune on 03/13/2022, an informal survey of four dozen Twin Cities suburbs shows that many are using ARPA funds on sewer and water infrastructure projects, fire department updates, community and sport center projects, and technology and software needs. One city noted that using ARPA funds on water and sewer projects means the city won’t have to bond for future improvements and can keep utility costs down – which affects all property owners. Another city noted that the council wanted to focus on projects that would not have been able to be done but for the ARPA funds. Staff is looking for preliminary direction on how Council would like to prioritize spending the funds. Following direction from the City Council, Staff will bring back a formalized plan for Council to consider and approve. Mayor Grant asked if the City had a loss in its utility funds during the pandemic. Finance Director Bauman reported this did occur. She reported ARP funds could not be placed directing into the utility funds but could be used on water or other utility improvements. Councilmember Holden explained she had reached out to the mobile home community multiple times to see if they were in need of assistance, and noted many people have been referred to the County for assistance. She discussed how the new water treatment plant would increase the City’s