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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — APRIL 14, 2025 17 Mayor Grant asked Council, in the event we can't use money this year for the 75th, would we be interested in a split between Rib Fest, ice swim and Norwegian Foot March. Councilmember Weber asked if the Norwegian Foot March has solicited for funds this year? Mayor Grant said they haven't. It's an annual event. Councilmember Weber asked if we are just going to go to them and ask if they want it. Mayor Grant said they would have to tell us how they are using the money in order to generate heads in beds. Groups travel from all over the United States to come here for the Norwegian Foot March. City Administrator Jagoe said this year's event is scheduled for April 19a' Council agreed it is too late to reserve funds for the Norwegian Foot March in 2025. They could be considered for 2026. Councilmember Holden said Flaherty's has a Regional Corn Hole Championship. That is a big draw and we could possibly use the funds for that. She asked if the high schools requested anything this year. She said the Rotary has their tasting in the fall, as well. Mayor Grant said that event is in Shoreview. Councilmember Holden said it's the Arden Hills/Shoreview Rotary. We have hotels in Arden Hills where visitors may stay for that event. Mayor Grant believes the event needs to be held in your community. He will check the guidelines. City Administrator Jagoe read from the guidelines that is states "...for the purpose of marketing and promoting the City as a tourist or convention center." Councilmember Rousseau said the ice swim is in January and the Norwegian Foot March is in April. She wondered if we can give them the money this year. City Administrator Jagoe said there was a little bit carried over this year. She isn't sure if there is a maximum amount that can be carried over. Mayor Grant thinks there has to be some flexibility to use the funds for a January event. He will talk to Mr. Stauffacher. Councilmember Weber thought you could argue that most of the advertising expenditures would be spent toward the end of this year even though the event is happening in early 2026. Councilmember Holden wondered if the Norwegian March is facilitated by the National Guard and the Army. She said they can't take our money, unless it's organized by a different organization.