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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — JANUARY 12, 2026 4 Councilmember Monson asked for confirmation that they also have an assessment this year between $3,000-$6,000. Then next year they would have anywhere from $650 to $1,400 that would be due 2027, 2028 and 2029. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen confirmed. He said Council can choose the length. It has been spread out over two or three years before. Councilmember Monson said that whatever is assessed, will be cut in half or into thirds for repayment. Staff confirmed. Mayor Grant asked if Councilmember Monson had a preference on the options. Councilmember Monson is still considering it. Councilmember Weber said he is meeting with the board and he can get their input on what their preferred terms would be. Mayor Grant outlined that there are three councilmembers in favor of option one, with one member still considering it. He said the general consensus is option one, scenario one is favored. He said Staff can proceed with that direction. C. North Suburban Communications Commission Broadband Franchise Discussion City Administrator Jagoe said this item follows the discussion from the December meeting. The board of the North Suburban Communications Commission (NSCC) met and there was a presentation from the Commission Attorney, Mike Bradley, on the availability of the Cities to work with the Commission on cable communication franchising. The board recommended each of the cities within the commission to bring this discussion to their respective City Councils. The information in the packet outlines what franchising of cable communication systems is. She shared that Woodbury is the first city within the South Washington County Telecommunications Commission that has implemented cable communication franchising. She shared how they structured their franchising. City Administrator Jagoe said Staff is seeking direction on if applicants of future right-of-way (ROW) permits for fiber installation should be directed back to NSCC to get a franchising agreement for broadband. She said we have not issued any permits for fiber installation but there have been some inquiries. The ROW permit application would be updated with a check box that indicates if they are looking to install telecommunications cable vs. fiber. That would identify when we should give them the letter that directs them to the process they need to go through. She reached out to the cities in the NSCC and there is one moving forward with requiring the franchise agreement before issuing a ROW permit. Four other cities are considering it in the month of January. Mayor Grant clarified that the franchise fees would be paid to the City not NSCC. City Administrator Jagoe confirmed. The revenue from the franchise fee would go to the City.