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Home My WebLink AboutOctober 2018TCAAP/Rice Creek Commons Redevelopment Public Forum on November 15 Ramsey County Public Works Building, 1425 Paul Kirkwold Drive, Marsden Room, 6-8 p.m. The Official City Newsletter for Arden Hills Residents October 2018 Council Reiterates TCAAP Redevelopment Goals, Schedules Public Forum Election Information After more than two years of work- ing with Ramsey County, the City of Arden Hills is getting closer to making the TCAAP/Rice Creek Commons (RCC) development a reality. In the final phases of negotiating a Master Develop- ment Agreement, the City Council is reiterating the goals for the development and seeking feedback on how the City should proceed. Since the beginning of the development process and reiterated in 2016, the City has maintained a series of prin- ciples and goals to ensure that the TCAAP redevelopment is an enhancement to the City and its existing residents. In January of 2016 the Council adopted the following position on TCAAP: The City in partnership with Ramsey County seeks to redevelop the TCAAP property to achieve the goals identified in the City’s Comprehensive Plan consistent with the adopted and approved Master Plan and TCAAP Redevelopment Code. The City seeks to develop a true mixed- use village consisting of office, manu- facturing, retail space and housing for the area that provides new tax revenues, a diverse blend of land uses, high wage jobs, and the efficient delivery of public and private services that will enhance but remain complementary to existing devel- opment within the City. Diverse Development The City envisions a vibrant blend of housing, office, retail, manufacturing and other commercial and light industrial uses in the area. It is the City’s prerogative to decide what types of residential and business uses can happen on the site, but it is ultimately the developer and County’s decision to decide the specific businesses and residential make-up. High-Wage Jobs Fifty-three percent of the developable acreage of RCC is designated for office, manufacturing and retail purposes. The City seeks the creation of new, high wage, long-term jobs for this area. Sustainable and Efficient Delivery of Public and Private Services The City seeks development that promotes public transit, efficient refuse and recy- cling collection, public recreation oppor- tunities, and that minimizes demands on public safety and transportation funding. Supplemental Goals Since 2016, the City has worked earnestly to achieve these goals and will continue to partner with the County and developers to ensure the goals are met. In addition, we are working to ensure that the final Cooperative agreement protects the City financially. To that end, we have developed the following supplemental goals in the final stages of the negotiation: 1. Add to the existing stable tax base without putting the City’s credit rating at risk. 2. Ensure the costs related to building and maintaining the traditional City services do not jeopardize the City’s financial stability or credit rating. 3. Develop a City Civic Space that is welcoming and utilized by all Arden Hill residents. 4. Create a diverse housing stock to include senior housing, affordable housing and single-family housing. November 15 Public Forum On November 15, the City will hold a public forum to ensure resi- dents can offer feedback on the supplemental goals and to allow the Council and staff to share the final framework for our part- nership with Ramsey County and the developer. Additionally, the public forum will gather feedback about the proposed civic space on the site and its uses. A Civic Site Task Force, including volunteers from the City, has been formed. Site architects and consultants will attend. If you are unable to attend, please send your comments in writing to info@cityo- fardenhills.org or to City Hall, 1245 W. Highway 96, Arden Hills, MN 55112. Election Day is Tuesday, November 6. For more information about absentee and early voting, as well as polling locations, see page 3. For information on the City Council candidates, see pages 2-5. David Grant Arden Hills Service Directory 1245 West Highway 96 Arden Hills, MN 55112-5734 www.cityofardenhills.org 651-792-7800 Office Hours Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sheriff and Fire 911 Water and Sewer Problems (During non-business hours) 651-767-0640 Mayor David Grant 651-538-0747 dgrant@cityofardenhills.org Councilmembers Brenda Holden 651-636-2987 bholden@cityofardenhills.org Fran Holmes 651-631-1866 fholmes@cityofardenhills.org Dave McClung 651-332-0352 davemcclung@cityofardenhills.org Steve Scott 651-604-0919 sscott@cityofardenhills.org City Administrator Dave Perrault 651-792-7824 dperrault@cityofardenhills.org Communications Coordinator Dawn Skelly 651-792-7817 dskelly@cityofardenhills.org Communications Committee Council Liaison Fran Holmes Council meetings are held at City Hall on the second and fourth Mondays of the month at 7:00 p.m. Meetings are televised live on Cable Channel 16. Meetings of the Planning Commis- sion are televised as well. Please visit cityofardenhills.org for information about archived meeting playbacks. Arden Hills Notes is the official news- letter of the City of Arden Hills, an equal-opportunity employer. I currently serve as Mayor of Arden Hills. My fam- ily has lived in the city for 29 years. My wife Linda and I own a home and have raised two children, both are Mounds View School District and Univer- sity of Minnesota graduates. I served on the council from 2000 to 2010 as a councilmember and from 2011 to present as your Mayor. Arden Hills is a great place to raise a family in so many ways. We have benefited from great schools, strong neighborhoods where people know and care about each other, low crime, a stable economy and easy access to jobs. I serve as Mayor to give back to the community that has given us so much. Linda and I enjoy using the parks and trails. We are often on the trails walking our dog Shadow. I want to ensure our Parks, Trails and Recreation programs meet the needs of our community. After a retirement from Delta Airlines I returned to work. I currently work for Stauer, Inc. as a Senior Business Intelligence Analyst. I have an M.B.A from Minnesota State University Mankato. I know being Mayor takes a depth of knowledge, historical perspective and experience to lead the city. I enjoy listening to the concerns of all residents to make balanced deci- sions and not ones based on special party interests. Having served the last 18 years on the council and being a resident for 29 years, I have a good idea of what we value and I enjoy hearing from you. I thoroughly understand that businesses are an important thread in the fabric of our com- munity. Businesses provide jobs and opportunity. I am pleased that we were able to retain Land O’Lakes as one of our major employers. Aden Hills now has an S&P AAA bond rating due to years of sound fiscal management. It took strong fiscal policies and adherence to those policies to receive S&P’s highest rating. I believe that it is important to operate a city that has strong financial management. I want to place the focus of the council on the existing community and TCAAP as an important item for our future. The city soon will be approaching 70 years of age at a time when the economy is rebounding. We need now more than ever to place emphasis on maintaining and improving the beautiful city we have and keeping taxes as low as pos- sible while achieving this. I am honored to serve as your Mayor, and I ask for your vote this November. I can be reached at Davidgrant320@gmail.com, or at 651-538-0747. City Council Candidates Outline Their Goals Candidates were asked to respond to the following: 1. Tell us about yourself and your general interest in serving on the Arden Hills City Council. 2. Please provide us with information on what you would like to see happen in Arden Hills, your specific interests as a Council candidate, and relevant background and experience. Candidate profiles begin below and run through page 5. Since 2007, I have had the privilege of repre- senting the residents on the Arden Hills City Council. I reside at 1804 Venus Avenue with my husband Jeff; we have been residents of Arden Hills for 30 years. I have two grown daughters who went through the Mounds View school system; Carolyn, a teacher, lives in Minneapolis; and Corinne, a social worker, lives in Duluth. My philosophy is to make sensible, proactive decisions, which improve our city while still maintaining our safe tree-lined streets and vibrant neighborhoods. I communicate and listen carefully to the views of the residents, which is my most important responsibility. As a 12-year Councilmember, I have been working hard for the residents of Arden Hills. These are my continuing goals: • Keeping City taxes one of the lowest in the metropolitan area. • Supporting the Mounds View School District’s public school community. • Planning fiscally responsible and sustainable goals for TCAAP/Rice Creek Commons. • Enhancing the business climate for new and expanding businesses. • Advocating for a community that serves residents of all ages and backgrounds. • Promoting active lifestyles with a walkable/bike friendly community. • Protecting our community with the Ramsey County Sheriff and Lake Johanna Fire Department. These are recent accomplishments while on City Council: • Business and Retail Growth: Land O’ Lakes expansion, HealthPartners expansion, Lexington Station, Walgreens, Tavern Grill, Dunn Brothers Coffee, Nutmeg Brew- house, Marriott Springhill Suites, Alpine Factory, Goodwill. • Residential Development: Johanna Shores Presbyterian Homes, Fox Ridge, E Street Flats, Arden Flats. • Trail expansion and playground improvements: Trails on County Road E2, County Road E and Old Snelling and to Tony Schmidt Park; Perry Park and Hazelnut Park dog parks; renovations at Johanna Marsh and Valentine Park. • Financial stewardship: The City’s bond rating upgraded to S&P AAA; the City has received Minnesota Government Finance Officers Association awards for fiscal man- agement for nine consecutive years. • Instrumental in the formation of the Arden Hills Foundation to improve the City’s quality of life. As a fiscal conservative, I have always set priorities for City expenditures that are well- planned, cost-effective and wisely spend residents’ tax dollars. I believe in thoughtful long-range planning, developed with citizen input, to address the many issues facing Arden Hills. My goal in the planning process has always been to put the interests of the residents first; I believe that Arden Hills will remain a vibrant and attractive community if my decisions reflect the values of the residents. I am committed to a Rice Creek Commons/TCAAP development that will be first class and a true asset for Arden Hills. With the rest of the City Council, I am working hard to keep expenses for the development and on-going maintenance low to minimize any tax impact for Arden Hills’ residents. I am honored to represent the residents of Arden Hills. I look forward to the next four years on City Council and ask for your vote. I welcome you to contact me at 612-599- 2457 or franh116@aol.com. Fran Holmes General Election Day Tuesday, November 6 Absentee & Early Voting Now through November 5 The City of Arden Hills contracts with Ramsey County to administer elections. For more information about voting be- fore Election Day by either absentee bal- lot (envelope voting) open now through November 5, or during the early voting period of October 30 through November 5 (where you place your ballot directly in the ballot counter), visit cityofarden- hills.org/electionsandvoting. Arden Hills City Hall is no longer an early voting location, but you can vote absentee or early voting at the Ramsey County Public Works building at 1425 Paul Kirkwold Drive (Hamline Ave. and Hwy 96). Election Day Tuesday, November 6 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. There are three precincts in Arden Hills. Precinct 1: Presbyterian Church of the way, 3382 Lexington Avenue N Precinct 2: Valentine Hills Elementary School, 1770 County Road E2 Precinct 3: Ramsey County Public Works, 1425 Paul Kirkwold Drive If you do not know your polling place, visit the Office of the Minnesota Sec- retary of State’s Polling Place Finder at https://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us/. You may also visit the City’s website at www.cityofardenhills.org/electionsand- voting or call 651-792-7800, if you have questions. What Can You Do for Water This Fall? It may not feel like it, but fall will be here soon. Temperatures will start to drop, and everyone will break out their favorite sweatshirts and comfy clothes. The Vikings will play on Sun- days and pumpkins will make their yearly appearance. Most importantly, leaves will fall from the trees and scatter across the ground. While this is happening, pollutants may be entering your water. Tree leaves contain key nutrients used for plant growth. If these leaves flow into our lakes and streams, they will break apart and nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen will be re- leased. This is when nutrients become pollutants! These nutrients help algae grow and reproduce. Algae is natural, but it will start to turn the lake green in large quantities. What can you do for water this fall? Rake your leaves! Taking away this source of nutrients will cut off the algae’s fuel for growth. If algae can’t grow, our lakes will be clearer. Grass clippings contain nutrients as well. So, if you are still mowing your lawn, you can catch or mulch those clippings. Leaves and clippings should be com- posted or bagged and given to a waste disposal organization. Don’t forget to check street sewer grates and remove leaves and other debris that could lead to increased nutrients in our lakes and streams. Article and photo courtesy of Rice Creek Watershed District. I was born in the Bronx, raised in the Long Island suburbs and attended New York public schools. My parents were both raised in a working-class family of immigrants. From a young age, I learned the value of hard work, a good education and financial responsibility. I met my wife Marlys while working at First Bank Sys- tem (now US Bank). I’ve been married 12 years and have four grown children Danielle, Jaime, Zachary and Benjamin. I came to Minnesota in 1995 to work as the Divi- sion CIO for FBS Mortgage and moved to Arden Hills in 2006. Throughout my career, I’ve been a coffee shop owner, an independent business owner and an IT consultant, as well as a senior executive for several large corporations such as US Bank, Wells Fargo, Fiserv, Meritain Health and First Boston, where I managed large budgets and complex multi-million-dollar projects. I hope to bring my planning, risk management, financial expertise and project management skills to help the city keep its commitment to its core values. As a father and Arden Hills resident, I understand the priorities of our neighborhoods. It is important to me that our city gives everyone the opportunity to enjoy a high quality of life, and I will ensure that our friends and neighbors have a city that works for them every day. I am a fiscal conservative and a proponent of responsible spending. As your Council member, I will use my experience in planning, budgeting, project and risk management to help shape a better future for Arden Hills. To accomplish this, I believe all of our neigh- bors deserve a seat at the table to solve our complex problems. Families looking at Arden Hills are not just buying or renting a home — they’re also buy- ing into and becoming a part of our great neighborhoods. I believe that the way to create a great community is by ensuring that Arden Hills continues to offer the highest quality “top of mind” things that make our neighborhoods truly great. • Pride in ownership • Low crime rate • Great schools • Outdoor activities abound • Family friendly • Business friendly • Nearby shopping, restaurants and entertainment As a councilmember, it will be my goal to push forward policies that will not only build on what the city has already accomplished, but to use my extensive business experience to take it to the next level. Arden Hills has been fortunate to have a history of strong leadership. I will honor the legacy of those who have come before me by standing up for our core values and working tirelessly to improve public safety, reinvigorate our city’s infrastructure, innovate and streamline city government and fight for neighborhood services. I can be reached at greg@greg4ardenhills.com, or at 952-334-3241. Please visit my web- site at www.Greg4ArdenHills.com. Greg Rubenstein I am 66 years old and have been an Arden Hills resident since 1996, with my wife Eileen and our now adult children Kelly and Alex. My sister and I were raised as military dependents and grew up through- out the United States as well as having lived briefly in the Philippines. Education: MBA – Western New England University, Springfield, MA; BBA – Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, WA; AFROTC gradu- ate, University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA; AA and AT (Technology) degrees – Pierce College, Tacoma, WA Occupation: IT Project Manager, U.S. Dept. of Veteran Affairs (2009-current). I have 20 years of experience in the public sector including K-12 public education and active duty military (USAF). Private sector experience includes the Minneapolis Federal Reserve, commercial banking, credit union service providers and U.S. IT Manager for Europe’s largest product certification/quality management body. I’ve also worked as an indepen- dent IT consultant. Relevant Civic Experience: Arden Hills City Councilmember (2017-current); Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee 2008-2016 (chair in 2011); Head and Assistant Head Election Judge since 2004; ISD 621 Facilities and Technology Committees. Council Liai- son for Communications Committee and Planning Commission. Current Board Member of Ramsey County League of Local Governments and representative on Beyond the Yel- low Ribbon Suburban Ramsey County steering group. I am seeking reelection to the Council and my first full four-year term. I was deeply hon- ored to be elected as the candidate to complete the final two years of Dr. Robert Wood- burn’s term following his tragic death after an automobile accident in 2015. His spirit of community service continues to motivate me. The overwhelming challenge before this Council continues to be the redevelopment of the 427-acre former TCAAP property. With a vision of dramatically expanding and trans- forming our city, I and the other members of the current council are committed to the project’s success, but as a federally certified Program/Project Manager with decades of experience managing large-scale programs in the public and private sectors, I have deep concerns about certain financial and project risks for this development that are not being adequately addressed or mitigated by the County and our master developer Alatus. The City’s cost for this project is a projected $8.1 million. That equates to roughly $2,500 for each of the city’s 3,200 households with a vague promise of those costs being re- couped in 10, 15 or more years by future revenues generated from a fully developed Rice Creek Commons. As we have seen countless times before, these large publicly-funded projects, notably Ramsey Town Center and New Brighton’s Northwest Quadrant, rarely achieve initial projected economic goals. The County’s purchase of the property forces the taxpayers of the county and city into a role of “investors of the last resort.” Investors deserve full disclosure, transparency and a voice as stakeholders as well as a process which honors prior agreements. It is understandable the developer wants to fast track the project before the next inevitable economic downturn occurs, but we cannot afford to circumvent proper due diligence and public input. I welcome you to contact me at 651-604-0919, or by email at slsecom@comcast.net. Steve Scott Halloween BOO Bash Saturday, October 27 5:30-7:00 p.m. Arden Hills City Hall What could be more fun and a little spooky than winning prizes at a car- nival, playing Ghost Bingo, creating Halloween crafts, carving/decorating your own pumpkin and eating a pizza dinner? Special prizes will be given out to participants in costume! Ages 2-10; $10 per person (child or adult) Registration Deadline: Wednesday, October 24 To register, visit cityofardenhills.org/ recregistration. Parents’ Night Out, Kids’ Night In Friday, October 5 and Friday, November 9 6:30-9:00 p.m. Arden Hills City Hall Community Room Parents, it is time for you to enjoy a Friday night to yourselves! Bring your kids to Arden Hills City Hall as we create fun crafts, play games, enjoy a nut free snack and watch a G-rated movie. Registration Deadline: Wednesday the week before. Ages 5-12; $15 Resident, $25 Non- Resident To register, visit cityofardenhills.org/ recregistration. Nicholas Roberts, president and owner of Roberts Management Group, is well-known in Arden Hills for his retail and commercial ventures and philanthropic activities. He succeeds his father, Scott Roberts, and his grandfa- ther who founded Roberts Development Company in 1955. Nicholas recently reflected on the family business, the legacy that brought him to where he is today and his hopes and plans for the future. The Past: Building on three generations of success Roberts Management Group is a third-gener- ation fam- ily business. Nicholas’ grandfather Donald Rob- erts started out develop- ing single family homes and then moved to developing apartment buildings in the Shoreview, Arden Hills and Roseville areas of the Twin Cities. Soon after, he built an industrial building for the Twin Cities Candy Company. He also decided to diversify into developing and leasing industrial buildings in the Twin Cities. Nicholas’ father Scott Roberts went on to develop more than $100 million worth of commercial real estate in the Twin Cities. Nicholas began his real estate career in high school working over the summers do- ing demolition, construction, landscaping and even parking lot repairs. He worked his way up the ladder in the family busi- ness as a construction manager, later join- ing the leasing team and eventually mak- ing his way to president of the company. Nicholas’ more notable projects include: Red Fox Business Center, located down Red Fox Road, south of the I-694 and Lexington Avenue interchange; and Lexington Station, adjacent to the busi- ness center. In 2013, he purchased and tore down the Blue Fox restaurant and built a new building, which represented his first venture in retail. The building is anchored by Starbucks and Noodles & Company. The Present: Lexington Station Phase II tenants announced This past May, the company broke ground on Phase II of Lexington Station and recently welcomed the following tenants, whose businesses are scheduled to open in December and January: Jimmy’s Old Southern Barbecue, a concept started by Dave Anderson, previous owner of Famous Dave’s; Club Pilates fitness studio; Orchid Vietnamese Restaurant, which is a second location, with the first being located off of I-35E and County Road J in White Bear Township; Pet Evolution, a pet grooming, food and supply store; Pancheros Mexican Grill; Dan Reichert, State Farm Insurance; and Jimmy John’s. “It’s fun to meet different business owners and hear their stories,” Nicholas said. “I enjoy having a vision for a piece of land and getting that on paper with an architect, building it and seeing how it improves the quality of people’s lives that live in, work in or shop in any of our developments. It’s what I love about what I do!” The Future: Lexington Station Phases III and IV and Traverse Business Center Plans to develop a third and fourth phase of Lexington Station are currently underway and will include a 3rd multi-tenant building that will be a sister building to Phase I & II and a fourth building that will most likely be a small box retail store. “As the project becomes a hub for both work and local shopping, we strongly be- lieve that phase three and four will solidify the Lexington Station development as a local and regional destination,” he said. In addition, Nicholas acquired a large 26.5- acre piece of land on the northeast corner of I-35W and I-694 for what will become Traverse Business Center. “This site is one of the last remaining large sites located on the I-694 loop,” Nicholas said, “and will provide exceptional visibil- ity and accessibility for those occupying the site.” Building a Legacy: Partnership and philanthropy Nicholas is aware that he is not just building and leasing buildings. “We have always been long-term owners and it has been ingrained in my head since I was a kid. Long-term, I know that I too will pass down this business to my kids,” he said. “I didn’t want to build something trendy,” he said of Lexington Station. “I like to develop and own assets that have a time- less appearance that reflects high-quality building and design principles, and serves as a showpiece for business owners and for retaining employees. I consider each of our tenants a business partner more so than a customer. We have tenants in our portfo- lio that have leased from us for 30-plus years.” Nicholas also continues his father’s tradi- tion of building partnerships with the greater community. Roberts Management Group sponsors the City of Arden Hills an- nual Egg Hunt and Bark & Rec Day events and offers scholarships to families for Parks & Recreation classes. Additionally, Nicholas and his employees are active with the Arden Hills Foundation, Ralph Reeder Food Shelf, and Toys for Tots programs. Roberts Management Group Builds a Legacy in Arden Hills and Beyond A family day event and ribbon-cutting ceremony were held in mid-September to recognize the recent expansion of the HealthPartners Arden Hills Clinic at 3930 Northwoods Drive. The expansion adds some 8,500 square feet to the clinic and allows for more patient rooms, onsite ultrasound and expanded specialty services like OB/Gyn, Adult and Pediatric Dermatology and Pediatric Endocri- nology. Additional parking spots also were added. “A true community is not just about being geographically close,” said Clinic Manager Michelle Tennant. “It is about being connected and responsible for what happens. We are delighted to be able to expand our services for our community and to continue with the HealthPartners mission to improve health and well-being in partnership with our mem- bers, patients and community. We look forward to serving you and your families.” “There are many types of businesses and organizations in Arden Hills, and healthcare is one of the most important,” said Mayor David Grant. “The health and wellbeing of our community contribute to our quality of life and HealthPartners has been providing high-quality healthcare and services to our families, seniors and community members for decades.” July 23, 2018 All items approved unanimously by 5-0 vote. • Accepted recognition to Arden Hills by the Government Finance Officers Association for three award programs which promote the best practices for budget and financial reporting: 1) Certificate of Achievement for Excel- lence in Financial Reporting (CAFR) 2) Award for Outstanding Achieve- ment in Popular Financial Reporting (PAFR) and 3) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. • Accepted recognition by the Minneso- ta GreenStep Cities program for Arden Hills advancing to a Step 2 GreenStep City resulting in the achievement of sustainability and quality of life goals measured by completing actions and performance metrics. • Accepted the resignation of City Plan- ner Matthew Bachler as of August 9, 2018, and authorized staff to advertise seeking candidates to fill the position. August 13, 2018 Councilmember McClung, excused. All items approved unanimously by 4-0 vote. • Appointed Joe Vaughn to the position of Recreation Programmer. • Accepted the resignation of Roberta Thompson as Chair of the Planning Commission. • Approved plans and specifications and ordered advertisement for bids for the Old Snelling bridge replacement project. The funding sources for this project are State Bridge Grant funds and Municipal State Aid funds. August 27, 2018 All items approved unanimously by 5-0 vote. • Appointed David Swearingen to the position of Senior Engineering Techni- cian. • Accepted a donation from the Arden Hills Foundation for a park bench at Johanna Marsh Park donated by Michael and Mary Remmers. • Approved rezoning of the property at 3243 New Brighton Road from R-2 - single and two family residential dis- trict to R-1 - single family residential district. Zoning change will not affect the continued use of the property, which is zoned as a house of worship. • Conducted a public hearing and or- dered accelerated nuisance abatement at 3246 New Brighton Road (former Lake Johanna Fire Station now owed by Journey Home Minnesota) for excessive vegetation growth and the accumulation of debris not in compli- ance with City regulations. For a complete and detailed listing of recent City Council action, please visit cityofardenhills.org and click on Agendas & Minutes. Benchmarks: A review of recent City Council action HealthPartners Celebrates Completed Clinic Expansion with Arden Hills’ Families Night to Unite The early August Night to Unite event brought together neighbors from many City neighbor- hoods to get to know one another, local law enforcement and to share safety tips and information. Thanks to all who participated. Army National Guard Open House The Arden Hills Army Training Site was open to the public in early September. Visitors were able to view train- ing vehicles, a drone and talk with staff. Have a safe and enjoyable fall season. Sincerely, Dave Perrault City Administrator Inside Postal Customer From the City Administrator TCAAP Update and Public Forum City Council Candidate Profiles Lexington Station & Nicholas Roberts HealthPartners Expansion The safety of our residents is the focus of my column this month. By becoming more aware of the events and activities in our city, you can help prevent, deter and even solve crimes. Hazelnut Park Warming House You may have heard that on Sep- tember 1, the Hazelnut Park Warming House burned down. The Lake Johanna Fire Department extinguished the fire, and the warming house was deemed a loss. The City is working through different options for potential replacement. If you have information regarding the fire, please contact the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Of- fice. The fire is being investigated as arson. Theft from Autos There has been an increased number of thefts from autos in the Arden Hills area, and the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office offers the following information: Unlocked vehicles parked on the street, in driveways, and even inside of open garag- es have been entered, rummaged through, and have had items removed. Most of this criminal activity has taken place during the late evening or overnight hours. Items commonly stolen from autos include: audio systems, change, navigation devices, portable media players, mobile phones, laptop computers, and purses/wallets. If your purse or wallet is stolen, you could become a victim of fraud or identity theft. Prevention Tips • The “best tip” is not to leave valuables in your vehicle and to lock vehicle doors. • Lock vehicle doors & close windows. • If possible, park your car in the garage - close and lock the garage door. • Do not leave your garage door opener in your car when it is parked outside of the garage. • When traveling or running errands, put valuables in the trunk before you reach your destination. • If you leave personal property in your vehicle make certain it is out of view. • Use your alarm if you have one. When you see suspicious activities or persons - call 911. Timely reporting leads to timely response. You are not bothering your Deputies when you call 911 - responding to your concerns and needs is why they are here. ECR-WSS PRST STD U.S. Postage Paid Twin Cities, MN Permit #1962