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Arden Hills' trails--something for us all to enjoy! s Arden Hills residents,we are If you would like to know more about this you are ever meandering along the trail be- very fortunate to have access to a opportunity,please call Michelle Olson tween Venus Avenue and County Road E, wonderful network of trails. (651-792-7848)or my wife and I would be very visit the City website privileged if you would have All told,there are over 15 miles of trails for more information a seat on"Julie's"bench and that allow us to walk and bike throughout about the park bench take in the incredible sense of the area.They are a great asset for provid- donation program. She serenity in that spot. ing unique access to the nature that is re- can also tell you about markably close to our homes and provides other ways in which This story contributed by a safe alternative from hiking along the you can help the Arden _ Chuck Michaelson, member busy shoulders.In fact,the City has long- Hills park trails. - of the Parks, Trails, and Rec- term plans to continue to add trails and reation Committee.) walkways—including along Old Highway In the meantime,I 10—which will be greatly appreciated. encourage you to con- tinue to take advantage Through the course of exploring these of these wonderful trails we learned that there are a number of trails that so enhance ways to personally contribute to the trail our community.And if system. For our family,we took advan- tage of a program to donate a park bench. A note about special assessments These benches are a great asset for the park system and are placed in picturesque The interest-free period for special assessments ended on July 26.In order to locations for folks to rest and take in the 1 ensure that you're paying the full amount due,including interest,please contact natural beauty.From a personal level,it City Hall at 651-792-7800. was extremely rewarding for us to be able to place this bench in a location that was If you make a payment without including the interest charges,there will be an ad- certainly close to our family and came to ditional amount due. symbolize tranquility and peace. City earns awards for finance reporting At the July 11 City Council meeting, and understandable financial reports, im- of accuracy and transparency is viewed Darin Nelson,Minnesota State Rep- portant tools for government transparency favorably by the credit rating agencies. resentative of the Government Finance and accountability.To win these awards Officers Association(GFOA),presented the staff The City's accounting staff,—Sue the City with all three of its annual report- must prepare The Iverson,Director of Finance and Ad- ing awards. reports that -winnin ministrative Services;Ashley Bertrand, meet the award-wig Accounting Analyst;Kyle Howard, The City received the Certificate of GFOA's financial report Finance Analyst;and Pang Silseth,Ac- Achievement for Excellence in Financial demanding is inserted in this counting Clerk,—is to be commended Reporting(CAFR)for the fourth year; standards, newsletter. for again achieving these awards. the Award for Outstanding Achievement which far in Popular Annual Financial Reporting exceed the Generally Accepted Account- (PAFR)for the fourth year,and the Dis- ing Principles.A commitment to this level tinguished Budget Presentation Award for the second year.This is the second year that the City has won all three awards. Only 96 cities in Minnesota received the CAFR Award,three received the PAFR Pictured here are(left to right) Award,and 20 received the Budget Award Pang Silseth,Ashley Bertrand,Kyle from the GFOA this year. Arden Hills is " ' Howard,and Darin Nelson. one of only three that have received all three awards this year.The other cities are Bloomington and Eden Prairie. The GFOA encourages and assists state and local governments to produce accurate