HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptember-October 1977Published by the Arden Association
No. 111 September-Ootober 1977
" 'Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam,
Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home."
T-- John Howard Payne, 1792-1852
Note from the Arden Hills Human Rights Commission-- This group wants to know how it can
be of service to the physically handicapped in Arden Hills. Would a listing of buildings in
AH that are accessible to the handicapped (close parking, rest rooms, wide doorways, ramps,
etc.) be of value? Or does anyone involved with wheelchairs or braces already know where
these things exist? Hour about the other buildings in our North Suburban areas Shoreview,
Roseville, New Brighton? Our Human Rights Commission would be more than happy to do such a
survey of buildings, but only if it were really needed. Please write or phone the Village
Hall (633-5676) if you have any feelings about this. The Commission is truly concerned, but
they need to know what is wanted.
Also, if there are any businessmen in Arden Hills that have questions concerning the
accessibility of their property to the handicapped, the Human Rights Commission is willing to
help out with facts and figures. If a small businessman is interested in improving his store
its some way for the handicapped, and wants to know what to do and how much it will cost, just
call the Village Hall. Remember, the Human Rights people are here to serve the residents of
Arden Hills, so tell them what you want:
Correction to last month's issue-- Velda at the Village Hall did not finish addressing
the Town Criers on JULY 29; it was JUNE 29. She really teased me about the error. She said
she knew she had been a little slow that time, but not to the tune of a whole month. I can't
even blame someone also for the typographical error --I do the typing)
And Arden Hills sure looked good and green to my
O
family when we returned from California the and of
August: Our Minnesota car was definitely not ready
wfor
the Mo 'ave Desert (1070) or for the altitudes
(9,000 £t.�. It's funny toot whenever I drive any -
CN
where around here in the winter, I make sure there's
sand and shovel in the car, and that I have boots,
Rscarf,
gloves, and plenty of gas. But when the weather
is nice, as it was when we started across the desert,
II
have no qualms at all. It was a real lesson for me,
E
Minnesota born and bred, of the real danger that
exists in the desert. Thank goodness California has
R
the foresight to put barrels of water along the road-
side for car radiators. And the tiro company made
good on the new tire that went out -of -round due to the
•
extreme heat.
But returning home, as we approached Arden Hills
on 694 through New Brighton, I was appalled to see
how much farther the
sound barriers along the freeway have progressed. We weren't sure if
we were coming in to
Arden Hills or East Berlin. All those gorgeous lakes are fast disap-
pearing from view.
There were also
some good changes thought new street signs: Dark brown ones for the
east west streets and
green for the north -south. Arden Hills is doing the entire village
this way, a bit at a
time. They certainly are easier to read.
Note from the Arden Hills Human Rights Commission-- This group wants to know how it can
be of service to the physically handicapped in Arden Hills. Would a listing of buildings in
AH that are accessible to the handicapped (close parking, rest rooms, wide doorways, ramps,
etc.) be of value? Or does anyone involved with wheelchairs or braces already know where
these things exist? Hour about the other buildings in our North Suburban areas Shoreview,
Roseville, New Brighton? Our Human Rights Commission would be more than happy to do such a
survey of buildings, but only if it were really needed. Please write or phone the Village
Hall (633-5676) if you have any feelings about this. The Commission is truly concerned, but
they need to know what is wanted.
Also, if there are any businessmen in Arden Hills that have questions concerning the
accessibility of their property to the handicapped, the Human Rights Commission is willing to
help out with facts and figures. If a small businessman is interested in improving his store
its some way for the handicapped, and wants to know what to do and how much it will cost, just
call the Village Hall. Remember, the Human Rights people are here to serve the residents of
Arden Hills, so tell them what you want:
Correction to last month's issue-- Velda at the Village Hall did not finish addressing
the Town Criers on JULY 29; it was JUNE 29. She really teased me about the error. She said
she knew she had been a little slow that time, but not to the tune of a whole month. I can't
even blame someone also for the typographical error --I do the typing)
11
Should Arden Hills switch from having its own independent Police Department to con-
tracting for police protection from the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department? That is the
question currently being pondered by our Council. Early this year, Arden Hills was left
without a Police Chief when Pat Sexton became medically disabled. At the March 28 Council
meeting, representatives from the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office explained the services they ,
could provide on a contract basis. At that same meeting, a petition recommending that Arden
Hills retain its own Police Department was presented, and the Public Safety Committee went
on record as supporting our own Department and agreeing that a new chief should be found.
Since this is now budget time for Arden Hills, and a new Chief has not yet been seleotedj
it would be a good time to switch our form of police protection if we are going to do it at
all. The Council is trying; to compare the estimated Arden Hills' police budget for 1978 with
the estimated cost of contracting with Ramsey County for 1978. (It's very difficult com-
paring two estimates, either or both of which could change.)
At first glance, it appears that the contract with Ramsey County would save Arden Hills
some money. In addition, the County can provide full-time experts in juvenile and detective '
services. On the other hand, in the County's estimate, there was no mention of overtime ex-
penses, radio repair, etc., so the Council is still working on the true meaning of the numbers=
Although our current policemen would be hired as officers by Ramsey County, all but one would I prefer to stay with the Arden dills Police Department.
So what should we do? The final decision on this will be made by the Council, but they'd
sure like to know what the residents of AH think. Councilman Crichton has the estimates
from both systems, so if you have more questions, give him a call (636-2999). Then please '
write the Arden Hills City Council, 1450 W. Highway 96, 55112, with your opinion.
There will be an informal Open House at the Village Hall on Thursday, October 27, at
8100 p.m., for everyone to come and see how things are done in our town. Our elected officials
will be there, as well as the office staff and committee chairmen as available. You can ■
even get a cup of coffee and maybe climb on a snowplow. This event "is spoasored'by-£Fie
League of Women Voters, and apparently last year everyone had a ball. My 12 -year-old wants
to see the aerial map of Arden Hills so that he can find our house. Do try to come.
Does anyone in Arden
like to find such a group
one herself. Apparently
So if you have any ideas,
*
Bills play in a local instrumental string group? Dee
and join, or, if worst comes to worst, she is willing
Community Education in the local areas offer Band but
give Dee a call at 633-2860.
*
Bedford would ' 1
to organize
no Strings.
■ I
Here is a letter from Larry Squires, Arden Hills' Building Inspector= "Just a note ■
to you, thinking perhaps that along with the warning to potential home builders on variance
requests, that an additional warning should be sounded on the increasing nmber of marginal '
lots on the market today. These lots could not be sold in years past because supply was
great. Now with exploding land values and a severe shortage of good buildable lots, I'm
finding an increasing number of permit applicants who have bought one of these marginal lots
and, not knowing the history of that lot, are faced with large expenses to make the let build-
able.
uild-able. Maybe a call to the building inspector or a soils test would prevent a lot of expense
and grief."
This bit of advice probably holds good for a nyono purchasing property anywhere, so keep '
it in mind for friends and relatives too, even if they're not in Arden Hills.
Press release-- Rehabilitation grants for low-income howmeowners are now available in.
the Village of Arden Hills. These rehabilitation funds have been appropriated to the Minn-
esota Housing Finance Agency and are being cooperatively administered by the Metropolitan
7
I
Council HRA and the Village of Arden Hills.
Eligible homeowners must have an annual adjusted gross income less than $5,000 and
occupy the property to be improved.
The maximun amount of the grant is $5,000 with priority for handicapped homeowners and
for energy-saving improvements such as insulation, weather-stripping, and caulking.
A total of $3630.00 in rehabilitation grant funds have been reserved for Arden Hills
residents.
For more information about the program, and to apply for a rehabilitation grant, call
633-5676.
At the Council meeting of October 11, bids will be taken for $1.75 million of general
improvement bonds that Arden Hills wants to sell. The City needs the money to put in streets
and utilities in the new housing developments of Chatham, Karth Lake, Edgewater South, and
' heights of Johanna Lake. When the homeowners move in, they will be assessed the cost of these
improvements, and the bond -buyers will get their money back plus_ the interest. So, if you
have a few hundred thousand that you want to invest ($5,000 chunks only though), remember
' that municipal bonds are tax exempt.
Editor's note-- If some of my terminology herais a little odd, you must understand this
is my first experience with such high finance. I laughed when it was suggested that my hus-
band might buy some of these bonds, but I was told that there are plenty of people in gH that
' are -interested in this type of tax situation.
-' Tip from the Planning Commission-- If you have a building request of any sort, it would
greatly help the Commission if you could present photographs as well as diagrams. Some of
' the garage variance requests would be much easier to visualize with some snapshots of the
property (as it is now) included. If you want the Planning Commissioners to personally visit
the site, you must submit three photos.
Also, toave a request considered by the Planning Commission, you must apply to the
'Village Hall at least ten (10) days before the P.C. meeting. This is to allow plenty of time
to get your request on the agenda. The Planning Commission generally meets the first Tuesday
of each month.
Another interesting note about freeway noises a developer wants to build three homes
at the south end of Gale Circle ( just northwest of Hamlin and 694); the back of these homes
will directly face 694. There was some discussion at both the Planning Commission and Council
meetings whether or not these homes should be allowed because of the freeway noise. The
' developer wants to go ahead with the project regardless because he lives in the next house up
on Gale Circle and wants to be sure what kind of dwellings go in next door to him. Both the
P.C. and Council OK!d the project with the understanding that these houses would never be
able to claim noise abatement moneys from the government.
' Editor's notes Nosy as I am, I drove out to Gale Circle one noontime, parked my car,
got out and listened. Since I live one block from Snelling and one block from Lexington
myself, it didn't seem particularly noisy to me. Of course, other homes are there already and
' accept whatever noise there is. And are they some housesJ Eat your heart out, North Oaks.
s * * * e *
' Only two letters in the mail this times one from Lois Nest on hoping my school board
comments and return criticisms will bring out more voters; and one from Evie Kiene wondering
if the Town Crier would accept advertising. (I was absolutely thrilled with that idea, but
' the Counci sa-i -"No". )
I also have four more fantastically clever articles that I have written on various AH
affairs, but it seems there's no more space. My in-depth analysis of the Twin City Christian
' Home affair is really marvelous, but since the Council has voted to deny the Special Use
Permit, it's all obsolete any -way.
* * * e #46
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OCTOBER CALENDAR
11
11
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Since there is a holiday this month, some of the regularly scheduled meetings have
been switched around. Additional meetings might also be added. Please check with
the Village Hall (633-5676) if you have questions.
October 3 Public Safety 7130 October 12 Rice Creek Watershed 700
4 Planning Commission 7130
5 Public Works 730
6 Human Rights 7 s 30
13 Finance
7130
18 Parks and Recreation 8s00
26 Rios Creek Watershed 7:30
11
u
10 Holiday 27 League of Women Voters '
Open House 8100
11 City Council 700 '
31 City Council -700
The Arden Association is a non-profit organization existing for the purpose of in- '
forming residents of Arden Hills of Village activities and business. The Town Crier
expresses opinions of the editor on these matters and attempts to make its contenfe—
infermative and interesting. Readers' cement on aryrthing is wncouraged. Deadline for
the next issues October 14. Seoretary-Editors Diane McAllister 484-0773 '
1200 ingerson Road 55112