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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — JULY 28, 2025 11 multiple streets that were in worse condition. He commented on the organized approach the City was now taking with its street replacement projects. He reported the City has been working through addressing the worst streets first. He apologized that Amble Drive was in its current condition and that the work was delayed as long as it was. He discussed how aging out this road over the past six years has allowed for a more comprehensive street improvement project to be created with the neighboring roadways. Councilmember Monson discussed how the City has been completing well planned street improvement projects noting the entire City was now on a 20 year cycle. She reported these projects were exceptionally expensive and 50% of the project was being paid for by the levy and the remainder was being assessed. She indicated there was a cost constraint to how many roads the City can complete each year without having to raise taxes for all residents. She understood that costs were on the rise, but noted the roads that needed the most work were completed first. Mayor Grant commented on how the City pays half and the residents pay half for the street improvement costs. Councilmember Holden explained many of the neighborhoods in Arden Hills were built in the 1980's and the streets were not properly maintained for some time. She indicated this led the City to let roads go, which then required complete street replacements. She discussed how some areas of the community had sandy soils and others were more clay, noting this greatly impacted the roadway conditions. She commented on how the City Council has been working with staff to create improvement projects that were neighborhood based so equipment didn't have to be brought in repeatedly, which would disrupt and damage streets. She indicated after this project was completed, the City would have 75% of its streets completed. She stated she was extremely proud of the work the City has done to improve its roadways throughout the entire community. Mayor Grant commented in the 1980's Arden Hills was the fastest growing community in the State. He reported this led to a huge expansion of the City's roadways and after 40 years, it was time to replace these streets. Russ Bertsch, 4419 Amble Circle, reported that Amble Drive has to be the poorest roadway in the City. He stated it has been brutal for years. He explained it appears the proposed assessment would be $5,850. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen stated this was an estimate and the actual assessment would be determined after the project was bid. Mr. Bertsch expressed concern with the fact his property value would increase substantially after his road was improved. He explained this would adversely impact all of the homeowners living within the project area because not only would these residents have an assessment to pay, but their property taxes will also increase substantially. Mayor Grant commented on how the assessed value of a home was based on the condition of a house and the land value. Mr. Bertsch stated he anticipated his property taxes would increase dramatically and he believed the residents of Arden Hills have had enough. He discussed how the State of Minnesota would be