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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—APRIL 27, 2026 3 that will work for the City who value the community as it is and noted Arden Hills should not be a mini St. Paul. Chris Hughes, 3515 Snelling Avenue North, stated he appreciated the"slate".He reported the slate has been treated like a four letter word and noted he was appreciative of the slate. He feared where the City would be without them when it comes to taxes and Rice Creek Commons. He explained he was grateful that the Council has found a way to pass legislation that makes sense for Arden Hills. 4. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC INQUIRIES None. 5. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS A. Twin Cities North Chamber of Commerce Mike Dvorak, President of the Twin Cities North Chamber of Commerce, introduced himself to the Council and explained he replaced John Connelly last year as the President of the Chamber. He thanked the City for their continued partnership with the Chamber of Commerce. He reported the goal of the Chamber was to promote business, connect communities and develop leaders. He commented on the board and governance of the Chamber noting the Chamber currently has 300 members. He discussed the programs and events the Chamber sponsored which included Business Connects, engagement and networking events, public policy forums, along with promotional activities for community events, business openings and a career fair. He indicated the Chamber would be promoting the City's 75 h Anniversary celebration which would be held on Friday, July 17 from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Cummings Park. He described how the Chamber would be embracing growth through transformation through new opportunities,creating new revenue streams and programs, by changing the narrative, and creating a Young Professionals Network. He spoke further to the concerns facing Minnesota at this time, commented on how he would be working to grow the Chamber in the coming years, and asked for comments or questions from the Council. Councilmember Holden asked of the Chamber would still be holding the auctions. Mr. Dvorak commented the Chamber will continue holding auctions, noting the spring auction was held last week. He discussed how these events assist with raising money for the Chamber while involving local businesses. Councilmember Holden encouraged the Chamber to reach out to the manufacturing/warehousing businesses Round Lake area. Councilmember Rousseau reported the EDC discussed the last Chamber event and encouraged the Chamber to have more time for networking. She suggested the Chamber consider holding town hall meetings in each sector and consider sponsoring an internship program. She stated one of the EDC members is employed at Bethel University and she might be able to assist in finding possible candidates for the internship program. Mr. Dvorak indicated he was interested in starting an internship program.