07 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER NL 2022 (PDF)

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cityofArden Hills.org • August/september 2022 • 9 Allocation of the CARES Act and ARPA Funding Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act The City received $745,040 in CARES money from the State of Minnesota. Arden Hills leadership prioritized public safety, small businesses, and public health when considering allocation of the funding. In response to the COVID-19 crisis, the City Council took numerous steps to assist residents and local businesses by providing updated information and resources, granting flexibility to restaurants to expand operations outside, and provided small business grants via the CARES Act. Companies who were negatively impacted by COVID-19 received direct assistance with this funding, helping them stay afloat. The City also allocated its CARES funding towards public safety costs, public health expenses, and PPE. American Rescue Plan (ARPA) Funds The City received $1,123,531 in ARPA Funding between 2021 and 2022. The City Council directed City Staff to develop a list of water and sewer projects that met the eligibility requirements of the funding and could be completed prior to December 31, 2024. In 2021, ARPA funding was used for the replacement of aging cast-iron piping in streets that were already under construction around Hazelnut Park. The funding will also be allocated towards the utilities in the recently completed Snelling Ave North Street and Utility Improvements project and will likely be used in next year’s Snelling Ave North and County Road E Intersection Improvements project. Staff and Councilmembers determined that using ARPA funds on utility projects will alleviate the need to issue debt for future improvements and can keep utility costs down. Investment in critical infrastructure is a particularly well-suited use of ARPA funds because it is a non-recurring expense that can be used to invest in long- term assets that will benefit Arden Hills for many years. State of the City Address on September 15 Arden Hills City Council has scheduled its annual State of the City meeting for residents and businesses of Arden Hills. Please join City Council and Staff on Thursday, September 15 at 7:30 am on the Boston Scientific campus in Arden Hills. A map has been included for your reference. The State of the City Address is an opportunity for the Mayor and City Council to present goals and projects from the past year. This includes development projects, road and construction improvements, plans for parks and trails, public works responsibilities, and the City’s financial outlook, among other topics. The State of the City Address will be recorded and available on the City’s website at cityofardenhills.org/320/watch- city-meetings after filming.