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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER NL 2022 (PDF)Arden Hills notes • August/september 2022 • 1 The Official City Newsletter for Arden Hills Residents August/September 2022 Sustainability in Arden Hills Among the City’s values is ecological and environmental sustainability. The City of Arden Hills is a member of the Minnesota GreenStep Cities program, which is a voluntary, challenge-based program meant to help cities achieve sustainability and quality-of-life goals. Cities choose action steps from pre-identified Best Practices that align with their goals and that they have the capacity to implement. Arden Hills demonstrates this commitment in its investment in parks and trails, solid waste prevention and reduction, and design for natural resource conservation. Arden Hills has and will continue to invest in its parks and trails. The new asphalt trail on the west side of Snelling Avenue North was installed in conjunction with road and utility improvements in July 2022. The coordination of the projects enables the existing pavement to be reclaimed and used to construct the base material of the new trail, which saves time, money, and natural resources. This reclamation process is used for construction projects whenever it is feasible. The construction of trails is not a simple task because City leadership considers a number of environmental factors during the planning process. Another priority of the City is the prevention and reduction of solid waste. Through a partnership with Republic Services, residents receive curbside recycling services—they do not need to set up individual contracts with carriers. An organic recycling site is located within Arden Hills at 3530 Hudson Avenue to encourage residents to recycle their food scraps and yard waste. Additionally, the City regularly promotes resources that identify sustainable waste disposal options. To access these resources, begin by visiting cityofardenhills.org/ organic-waste. The City prioritizes the conservation of natural resources in new designs and construction. The City Council encourages commercial developers to add electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to their lots and requires that bike racks are included in development plans. These changes make the city more accessible for bikers and EV drivers. Arden Hills is within the jurisdiction of the Rice Creek Watershed District (RCWD), whose purpose is to conserve and restore "water resources for the beneficial use of current and future generations.” With the collaboration of the RCWD and the assistance of the Karth Lake Improvement District, Arden Hills Public Works completed a run-off control project for Karth Lake in 2021. The project resulted in improving the water quality of the lake by reducing phosphorus intake by 11.33 lbs per year, which is equal to preventing 11 tons of sediment from moving into the lake. From using a brine treatment prior to snowfall to reduce the amount of regular road salt used in the winter (which pollutes lakes and rivers through storm drains) to the recent installation of LED lights around the city and the many rain gardens that have seamlessly been added to the City’s landscape, Arden Hills is committed to creating an environmentally-aware and sustainable future. The rain garden at Valentine Hills Park is pictured above. Rain gardens act as filters for storm water that drains into the Rice Creek Watershed. In this case, it reduces the amount of pollutants in water that flows into Lake Valentine. Service Directory Arden Hills City Hall 1245 West Highway 96 Arden Hills, MN 55112 cityofardenhills.org 651-792-7800 Office Hours Monday–Friday: 8:00 am–4:30 pm Sheriff and Fire 911 - Emergency & Non-Emergency 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 ● 612-599-2457 fholmes@cityofardenhills.org Steve Scott ● 651-604-0919 sscott@cityofardenhills.org David Radziej ● 651-356-5928 dradziej@cityofardenhills.org City Administrator Dave Perrault ● 651-792-7824 dperrault@cityofardenhills.org Communications Coordinator Grace Arel ● 651-792-7817 garel@cityofardenhills.org City Council Liasons Fran Holmes and David Radziej Resident Resources cityofardenhills.org/1091/Resident- Resources Council meetings are held at City Hall on the second and fourth Mondays of the month at 7 p.m. Meetings are televised live on Cable Channel 16. Planning Commission meetings are also televised. Please visit cityofardenhills.org for information about archived meeting playbacks. Arden Hills Notes is the official newsletter of the City of Arden Hills, an equal-opportunity employer. 2 • Arden Hills n otes • August/september 2022 City News Annual Commissions & Committees Appreciation Picnic Recognizes the Hard Work of Volunteers On Tuesday, July 19, Commission and Committee members and their families enjoyed a picnic dinner at Cummings Park hosted by the Arden Hills City Council and staff. This annual picnic is held to show gratitude to the many volunteers who devote their time and expertise to the community. Currently there are vacancies in the Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee; if you’d like to get involved, please contact City Clerk Julie Hanson for more information at jhanson@cityofardenhills.org or 651-792-7811. Regular Office Hours Resume at City Hall Summer hours are over and regular office hours resumed at City Hall on Tuesday, September 6. City Hall is open to the public Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For assistance with water or sewer problems during non- business hours, please call 651-767-0640. Register Now for Fall Parks & Recreation Programs! Registration is now open for Fall 2022 Parks and Recreation classes, sports, and activities, with the exception of Fall Soccer Leagues. Details about all other activities can be found at cityofardenhills.org/ParksandRecGuide. Register online, by mail, or in person by completing the registration form and returning it to City Hall at 1245 West Highway 96. THC Moratorium On August 22, 2022, the City Council passed a one-year moratorium that prohibits the sale, testing, and manufacturing of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products in the City of Arden Hills. This does not apply to products containing THC related to the Medical Cannabis Program. The one-year mortarium will allow the city to study the recent law changes from the State Legislature regarding THC products and smartly decide what, if any, further regulations are needed at the local level. Businesses with questions regarding the one-year moratorium should contact City Hall at (651) 792-7800. cityofArdenH ills.org • August/s eptember 2022 • 3 2022 Election Information Absentee and Early Voting The City of Arden Hills contracts with Ramsey County to administer elections. For more information about absentee voting by mail or in person, visit Ramsey County Elections www.ramseycounty.us/residents/ elections-voting/voters/vote-election-day/vote-mail-or- return-your-ballot. The early voting period begins on Friday, September 23. Tuesday, November 1 through Monday, November 7 marks the period in which voters can go in-person to designated locations, complete an application for an absentee ballot, receive and mark their ballot, and then place the ballot directly into the ballot machine. Voting locations are open to all Ramsey County residents regardless of where you live in the county. For more information about locations and hours of operation for this voting option, please visit www.ramseycounty.us/ residents/elections-voting/voters/vote-election-day/ vote-person. Precinct Information For those voting on election day, November 8, you must vote at your local precinct. Poll hours are from 7 am to 8 pm. Arden Hills has three precincts (City Hall is not a polling place): • Precinct 1: Presbyterian Church of the Way, 3382 Lexington Avenue N 55126 • Precinct 2: Anderson Center (Bethel University Satellite Campus), 2 Pine Tree Drive 55112 • Precinct 3: North Heights Lutheran Church, 1700 West Highway 96 If you are unsure of your polling place location, visit the Office of the Secretary of State’s Polling Place Finder at pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us City Council Election Information There are four seats up for election this fall. Voters will elect a Mayor and two Councilmembers for four- year terms (2023-2026) and one Councilmember for a special, two-year term (2023-2024). All candidates who filed for the November 2022 election can be found at cityofardenhills.org/2022-candidates. Each candidate's personal statement is included in the following pages. The profiles are listed by seat, alphabetically. A Mayor and City Council Candidate Forum hosted by the League of Women Voters (LWV) will take place on Wednesday, September 21st beginning at 6:30 pm. This is a virtual event that will be livestreamed on NineNorth's website and on local cable channels HD859 and SD 15. The public is invited to submit questions in advance to the League of Women Voters. Send your questions by Sunday, September 18th via email to lwvrosevillearea@lwvmn.org and include on the subject line: Arden Hills Visit the city website at cityofardenhills.org/134/Elections- and-Voting to find additional election-related information. General election Day is tuesDay, november 8th CANDIDATE PROFILES listed by seat, alphabetically Mayoral Election David Grant Gregg Larson Four-Year City Council Seats Fran Holmes Tena Monson Emily Rousseau Steve Scott Two-Year City Council Seat Tom Fabel David Radziej 4 • Arden Hills notes • August/september 2022 Businesses are an important part of our community. Businesses provide jobs, opportunity and add to our tax base. The City retained Land O’Lakes as one of our major employers, completed Lexington Station, a Marriot Hotel, Bethel expansion, Boston Scientific expansion, and added many other businesses to CoRdE/ Lexington. Our City now has solid financial management. Arden Hills has the highest rating S&P gives, an AAA. It took strong fiscal policies, infrastructure and equipment maintenance practices and adherence to those policies to achieve this rating. At a time when the economy is uncertain, we need to place emphasis on maintaining and improving our beautiful city. I am honored to serve as your Mayor. I ask for your vote November 8th. ReelectMayorDavidGrant.com 2022 Election: Mayoral Candidates DAVID GRANT I have served as Mayor of Arden Hills for the past 12 years. My focus has been to maintain and enhance neighborhoods, parks, add trails, and ensure responsive police, fire and city services. I have done this while keeping your taxes one of the lowest in the county, through careful spending and sound fiscal policy. I believe the city should only bond (debt) for opportunities and unexpected expenses. Let’s not needlessly mortgage our future. I enjoy listening to the input of all residents through public and informational meetings, and thousands of individual conversations over the years. From listening to you, being a 33 year resident, and father of two, I have a good idea of our vision and values. Rice Creek Commons (TCAAP), is an important development for our future. TCAAP should reflect our resident created vision, be environmentally friendly and add amenities. We need to limit financial risk to protect our city. We should not be forced to accept a county vision that does not reflect our values. Through my leadership, the city has created 7.2 miles of trails, secured our city financially, kept taxes low, maintained our unique neighborhood character, revitalized Lexington Ave by adding businesses and restaurants, obtained $1.7 million in state and local funding to improve our city, upgraded the city website and social media for increased communication and enhanced our quality of life through new amenities. GREGG LARSON I grew up in St. Paul, attended Macalester College and the UofMN, and served in the US Army. My early career included public and private environmental, wastewater treatment, and energy planning in North Dakota, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. Later, shifting gears, I joined the UofMN’s School of Public Health to lead operations for a clinical trial network conducting infectious disease research in 35 countries. Now semi-retired, I still assist with research endeavors. We moved to Arden Hills in 1993. Our community’s lakes, woods, and wetlands, proximity to Twin City sporting and cultural attractions and the airport, and highly-ranked school district enhance its attractiveness and property values. Wanting to contribute, I served four years on the Planning Commission, and nine years on the City Council, choosing in 2006 not to run again. I’ve also led numerous public and non- profit boards, and volunteer with Ramsey County’s Medical Reserve Corps, as does my partner of 45 years, Rob Carlson, a Mounds View HS graduate and Physician Assistant. Our “Advance Arden Hills” team of candidates wants to move our City forward with a revitalized Council. Three current Council members have been there 15 years or more, two of those, including the Mayor, 20 years or more. We need change, fresh ideas, and new leadership. What’s our vision? A Council that: • Recognizes that the vacant, 427-acre TCAAP site is crucial to our future. We’re a built-out community with aging housing. TCAAP promises an expanded tax base, new businesses, market-rate and affordable housing, and employment. After 27 years and millions of our taxes spent, we’re tired of waiting. The current Council can’t reach agreement with the landowner, Ramsey County, on housing numbers. We will, and we’ll boost our fiscal well- being. • Completes safe trail connections without waiting decades. • Listens and encourages, rather than discourages, public participation and transparency. Our team - Tena, Emily, Tom, and myself - won’t always speak with one voice, but we all share the same goal. A Council majority that looks to the future, not the past. Please support us! Let’s make it happen together. Visit advanceardenhills.com or contact me: larsonforardenhills@gmail.com or 651-895-2064. cityofArden Hills.org • August/september 2022 • 5 development Council members, and that’s why Gregg Larson, Emily Rousseau, Tom Fabel and I are running as a slate. This redevelopment can be the growth engine for Arden Hills. It will provide more housing options, more jobs, more businesses, and a much-needed expansion in our City’s tax base. Development is only successful if it is economic and sustainable for everyone, and I know we are the right leaders to make it happen and to lead Arden Hills into its next phase of growth. With your vote for all four of us on November 8th, we can Advance Arden Hills. I am also passionate about safe, connected walking trails, especially as many are working from home. A walkable, bike friendly, and safe way to cross from neighborhood to neighborhood or to work is important to many in our community. Creating a plan to move that vision forward is an important effort in which residents will participate and not have to wait decades to see fulfilled. Finally, I whole-heartedly support resident-led efforts, from chicken coops and food trucks, to removing barriers for residents to add value to their homes. Learn more about our vision at www.advanceardenhills.com or reach out at tenaforardenhills@gmail.com or 320.223.9660. 2022 Election: Four-Year City Council Candidates TENA MONSON My husband and I moved to Arden Hills to raise our two children, Levi, 3.5, and Marina, 1.5, in this wonderful community. We have enjoyed all the things that Arden Hills has to offer; however, I have found that City leadership needs new ideas, needs to do more to provide safe walking trails and needs to capitalize on growth opportunities for the city and its citizens. My background in development and clean energy provides a solid foundation to navigate the challenges that large scale developments, like TCAAP, can bring. I’m running for office to break the deadlock currently happening with the TCAAP/Rice Creek Commons development. In order to do this, we need several pro- FRAN HOLMES Since 2007, I have had the privilege of representing the residents on the Arden Hills City Council. For over thirty years, I have resided at 1804 Venus Ave. with my husband Jeff. Our grown daughters, Carolyn and Corinne, went through the Mounds View school system. Transparency and community involvement are key to understanding residents and their concerns. My years of experience on the Council have resulted in proactive planning decisions that have led to dynamic retail corridors along Lexington and County Road E, while still maintaining our safe tree-lined streets and vibrant neighborhoods. As a 16-year Council Member, my continuing goals are: keeping City taxes one of the lowest in the metropolitan area, promoting active lifestyles with a walkable/bike-friendly community, advancing business development, protecting our community with the Ramsey County Sheriff and Lake Johanna Fire Department, and focusing on environmentally sound practices with City participation in the Minnesota GreenStep Program. I am truly committed to sustainable development and a business retention and expansion program to grow our tax base. As a fiscal conservative, I support City expenditures that are well- planned and cost-effective. By wisely spending federal Covid funds on costly but much-needed infrastructure improvements, the City avoided tax increases for these projects. The 427-acre Rice Creek Commons/TCAAP development must be a valued addition to Arden Hills. With substantial community input, the City and Ramsey County agreed to a sustainable Plan for Rice Creek Commons, which the County now wants to change, especially with regard to density and affordability. I continue to advocate for a development that is diverse and inclusive, but cannot support the County’s recent proposals which place an increased property tax burden on the residents of Arden Hills. My extensive experience with the TCAAP planning allows me to understand the goals and priorities of the parties involved and with skillful negotiation, this project should move forward. 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 on November 8. I welcome you to contact me at: 612-599- 2457 or franh116@aol.com. 6 • Arden Hills notes • August/september 2022 2022 Election: Four-Year City Council Candidates STEVE SCOTT I ask the citizens of Arden Hills to consider ‘rehiring’ me for a 2nd full term as councilmember. It has been an absolute honor to represent and serve you for these past 6 years and I sincerely hope I’ve earned your trust by demonstrating a willingness to listen respectfully, analyze a wide range of information and pragmatically arrive at solutions which best enhance public safety, economic development and quality of life issues for all. The hours can be long and the criticism can get a bit on edge at times but I truly enjoy the job. Raised as a military ‘brat’ and later, serving in uniform myself (USAF), I’ve experienced an exceptionally diverse range of cultures, social norms and lifestyles while moving from one geographic region to the other, including an overseas assignment where I learned what it was like to live as a minority demographic. After moving my young family to Minnesota 26 years ago, we chose Arden Hills as our forever home for its quality schools, close proximity to the Twin Cities, safe, friendly wooded neighborhoods and a convenient system of parks and trails. We enjoy being routinely visited by local wildlife while exploring the community on foot or just plain relaxing. When not relaxing, you’ll often find me voluntarily clearing buckthorn, weeds and trash from our parks, grabbing a paintbrush to spruce up some hockey rink boards or working in one of our precincts as an elections judge. These past 4 years have been like none other with civil unrest, rising violent crime rates and a global pandemic which required us to implement emergency actions to keep the relative peace and to ensure the continuity of essential city services. Our city staff, first responders, educators and local businesses deserve the highest praise for making personal sacrifices to keep our infrastructure operating. My highest priorities are continuing to advocate for transparency, honesty and responsiveness in local government, the safety of our residents and businesses and the delivery of reliable, cost-efficient public services. For an in-depth statement of my background and positions, please visit my website at www.scottforardenhills.com. to privacy and to have our personal information protected. I analyze state and federal privacy laws and develop policies to protect our clients’ personal data. I also value government openness. Previously, I was the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s Data Practices Compliance Officer, responsible for ensuring our 2200 employees faithfully complied with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. My MBA is from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. My husband Matt is a 13-year employee at Boston Scientific. Our daughter Kaya graduated from MVHS in 2021; our daughter Jacquelyn, a devoted park and playground patron, is starting at Snail Lake. I look forward to connecting with you, please contact me at emilyforardenhills@gmail.com or 612-781-2869; or visit www. AdvanceArdenHills.com to learn more about Advance Arden Hills’ vision for the city. EMILY ROUSSEAU A vibrant community like Arden Hills has much to gain from a new generation of leaders. During the eight years that our family has lived here, we’ve been blessed by good neighbors who cherish this community that we call “home.” While running for the city council, I’ve talked with scores of long-time residents and new arrivals. I’ve learned a lot about what makes Arden Hills work, and heard great ideas about what we can do together to make it work even better. From families with young children to our senior citizens, we share a common goal: To make Arden Hills a healthy, safe, and prosperous place to live. If elected, I promise to continue listening to you. Among your ideas I plan to champion: • transforming the Rice Creek Commons/Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant (TCAAP) into an incredible opportunity for economic development and healthy homes; • improving our zoning laws, so homeowners can make modest updates to aging homes without requesting a variance from the City Council; • completing our trail systems to ensure our walkers, bikers, and the Bethel cross county teams can safely navigate Lake Johanna Boulevard; • reinforcing our committees with people who bring real subject-matter expertise. I currently work as the Data Privacy Manager for Terminix, a publicly-traded corporation. I believe all of us have a right cityofArden Hills.org • August/september 2022 • 7 2022 Election: Two-Year City Council Candidates TOM FABEL Born on the 137th birthday of our greatest president, I was rewarded with his as my middle name: Thomas Lincoln Fabel. Like Honest Abe, I received my legal education in the State of Illinois; like him, I spent my career in public service and private law; and like him, I even topped out at 6 feet 4 inches in height! Also, I always have found inspiration in Lincoln’s wisdom, his courage, his compassion, and his resolution always to do the right thing. Such inspiration is what now motivates me to seek a 2 year term on the Arden Hills City Council on a slate with three other remarkable candidates running with me under the banner “Advance Arden Hills”. My wife Jean and I have resided in Arden Hills for 38 years, here raising our four children (Jessica, Anne, Leah and Ted), all graduates of Mounds View public schools. Here also we have relished the wonderful lifestyle afforded by great neighbors, beautiful lakes and parks, lively college campuses, engaged religious communities, and of course incredible public and private schools. We now are committed to extending these privileges to many others through a successful development of the former TCAAP property in northern Arden Hills, now known as Rice Creek Commons. My public service included 16 years as a Deputy Attorney General; several years as a criminal prosecutor with the DAVID RADZIEJ My wife, Kathy, and I have lived in the Arden Hills area for the last 31 years. Waldon Place is our current location near the Crepeau Nature Preserve in the southeast corner of Arden Hills. We have raised our four kids here, sending them through St. Odilia grade school and Mounds View High school. In January 2022, I was honored to be chosen to fill the open seat on the City Council. I am asking for your support for the two-year position this election. Being no stranger to challenging work, I have volunteered my time to the city since 2012, serving on the Economic Development Council, the Finance Council and various ad-hoc planning groups for TCAAP (Rice Creek Commons) development. Hennepin County Attorney; and other years as an appellate judge for two Native American communities, and as a Deputy Mayor for the City of St. Paul, working for creative development and fiscal responsibility under Mayor Norm Coleman. My 20 years in private practice at Lindquist & Vennum included a lengthy battle to achieve equal educational opportunity throughout Minnesota under the Minnesota Constitution. If elected along with our Advance Arden Hills slate of candidates, we will promptly achieve a sensible and equitable agreement with Ramsey County on the TCAAP development, which has been blocked for years by our current city officers. Much more information is available on our website, www. advanceardenhills.com. I am excited to serve the citizens and proud of the work that I have done so far. I voted for the ‘worst first’ pavement maintenance plan to rebuild the 30 miles of roadway in our city over the next 10 years. I know that many residents supported the idea of building a roundabout at Country Road E and Old Snelling Ave North (Hwy 76). I voted against it for cost reasons. Even though our city maintains a AAA bond rating, the highest for a city of our size, I just could not justify the extra cost over other systems that are available. Kathy and I are big supporters of the military and their families, in particular the MN National Guard. Kathy works for the Adjutant General and has worked with the MN National Guard for the last 40 years. Our son served in the Navy and other family members are still active in the military. If I was asked to sum up in one word what my approach to serving on the Arden Hills City Council, it would be HOPE- -Helping Other People Every-day. Thanks for your vote of support. I genuinely appreciate it. All the best and stay healthy. 8 • Arden Hills notes • August/september 2022 Benchmarks: A Review of Recent Council Action July 11, 2022 City Council Meeting All items were approved unanimously by a 5–0 vote unless indicated otherwise. • Approved Resolution 2022-038 regarding application of Trident Development for Comprehensive Plan Amendments at 1700 West Highway 96 – Planning Case 22-009. • Approved payment No. 1 for City Hall parking lot project to Bituminous Roadways. July 25, 2022 City Council Meeting All items were approved unanimously by a 5–0 vote unless indicated otherwise. • Approved Quote for Replacement of Control Panel – Lift Station No. 14. • Approved Payment No. 2 – T.A. Schifsky & Sons, Inc. – Snelling Avenue North Street and Utility Improvements Project. • Approved Payment of Invoice for Watermain Break on Parkshore Drive – St. Paul Utilities. • Approved Appointment of Community Development Director. • Approved Planning Case 2022-012 – Preliminary Plat, Final Plat, Master Planned Unit Development, Final Planned Unit Development, Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan Review – 3737 Lexington Avenue N and 1133 Grey Fox Road – Launch Properties. August 8, 2022 City Council Meeting All items were approved unanimously by a 5–0 vote unless indicated otherwise. • Approved Capital Equipment Expenditure – Lake Johanna Fire Department. • Approved Purchase Agreement for City-Owned Property Located at 3588 Ridgewood Road. • Approved payment to Klein Underground, LLC for Watermain Repair at 1230 Highway 96. • Approved Final Payment – Insituform Technologies USA, LLC – 2021 CIPP Lining Project. August 22, 2022 City Council Meeting All items were approved unanimously by a 5–0 vote unless indicated otherwise. • Approved Ordinance 2022-005 Amending Chapter 9, Subsection 910.11 Regarding Swimming Pools, Construction Standards now allowing for a 4-foot fence securing the pool area. • Approved Ordinance 2022-006 An Interim Ordinance Prohibiting the Sale, Testing, Manufacturing and Distribution of produces containing THC and authorization to publish a Summary Ordinance. • Approved Issuance of temporary Liquor License to Non- Profit (Matter) for event at Boston Scientific on September 27, 2022. • Approved payment No.3 to T.A. Schifsky & Sons, Inc. for Snelling Avenue North Street and utility improvements project. • Approved Braun Intertec Invoice for materials testing for Snelling Avenue Street and utility improvement project. • Approved authorization to award a contract to Margolis Company for 2022 Tree plan. • Approved planning case 22-014 Planned Unit Development (PUD) 4200 Round Lake Road for Delkor Systems and Colder Products Company. For a complete listing of recent City Council actions, visit cityofardenhills.org and click on “View Agendas and Minutes.” City Regulations Are for the Protection of Residents Arden Hills has a number of regulations to protect both the beauty of our city and the safety of our residents. The City regulates businesses by requiring that they acquire licenses and that some carry permits on their person during all operations. Some home remodeling projects also require permits and inspections to ensure that City standards are being upheld. Solicitors and tree trimmers are required to be licensed by the City. Solicitors must pass a criminal background check before they are granted licensure. Tree Trimmers are required to carry valid and specialized insurance. The City encourages residents to utilize business referrals and check in with the Better Business Bureau. Food trucks are required to be licensed by the City. Food trucks are inspected by the Fire Marshal and are required to park in the driveway or property of the resident; street parking and parking in the right of way is not allowed. This has been set in place to decrease pedestrian congestion and obscured street site lines. Safe neighborhoods allow residents to enjoy outdoor gatherings that build community. Many residential construction projects require permits, including additions, decks, fireplaces, furnaces, remodeling, and more. Projects must be inspected by the City when completed to make sure that the minimum standards are met. To find a list of projects that require permits, please visit cityofardenhills.org/154/ or call 651-792-7800. Please visit cityofardenhills.org/1091/resident-resources or call City Hall at 651-792-7800 for more information. cityofArden Hills.org • August/september 2022 • 9 Allocation of the CARES Act and ARPA Funding Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act The City received $745,040 in CARES money from the State of Minnesota. Arden Hills leadership prioritized public safety, small businesses, and public health when considering allocation of the funding. In response to the COVID-19 crisis, the City Council took numerous steps to assist residents and local businesses by providing updated information and resources, granting flexibility to restaurants to expand operations outside, and provided small business grants via the CARES Act. Companies who were negatively impacted by COVID-19 received direct assistance with this funding, helping them stay afloat. The City also allocated its CARES funding towards public safety costs, public health expenses, and PPE. American Rescue Plan (ARPA) Funds The City received $1,123,531 in ARPA Funding between 2021 and 2022. The City Council directed City Staff to develop a list of water and sewer projects that met the eligibility requirements of the funding and could be completed prior to December 31, 2024. In 2021, ARPA funding was used for the replacement of aging cast-iron piping in streets that were already under construction around Hazelnut Park. The funding will also be allocated towards the utilities in the recently completed Snelling Ave North Street and Utility Improvements project and will likely be used in next year’s Snelling Ave North and County Road E Intersection Improvements project. Staff and Councilmembers determined that using ARPA funds on utility projects will alleviate the need to issue debt for future improvements and can keep utility costs down. Investment in critical infrastructure is a particularly well-suited use of ARPA funds because it is a non-recurring expense that can be used to invest in long- term assets that will benefit Arden Hills for many years. State of the City Address on September 15 Arden Hills City Council has scheduled its annual State of the City meeting for residents and businesses of Arden Hills. Please join City Council and Staff on Thursday, September 15 at 7:30 am on the Boston Scientific campus in Arden Hills. A map has been included for your reference. The State of the City Address is an opportunity for the Mayor and City Council to present goals and projects from the past year. This includes development projects, road and construction improvements, plans for parks and trails, public works responsibilities, and the City’s financial outlook, among other topics. The State of the City Address will be recorded and available on the City’s website at cityofardenhills.org/320/watch- city-meetings after filming. Inside Arden Hills, MN . 55112-5734 Arden Hills n otes • A ugust/september 2022 • 10 City Hall moves back to Regular Hours 2022 Election: Candidate Profiles State of the City Event on September 15 Allocation of CARES and ARPA Funding The annual Fall Clean-up Day will be held on Saturday, October 1 at Recycling Technologies (formerly Green Lights Recycling) located at 1525 99th Lane NE in Blaine. Arden Hills residents (ID required) are able to drop off refuse and electronics for a fee. A coupon to recycle two free items is available below and on the City website at cityofardenhills. org/1148/. Be sure to bring a form of ID that confirms your residence in Arden Hills along with your coupon! Ramsey County has partnered with Repowered to provide free electronics recycling for residents; this is a separate service from Clean-up Day. We recommend utilizing Repowered for recycling any unwanted electronics and using the Clean-up Day coupon to recycle other non-electronic items. Repowered is located at 860 Vandalia Street in St. Paul. Accepted Items: • Electronics (TVs, computers, printers, etc.) • Computer hard drives (for shredding) • Appliances • Tires • Water softeners • BBQ grills • Batteries • Fluorescent lamps • Mattresses • Lawnmowers* • Snow blowers* • Scrap metal • Paper shredding • Carpeting • Vacuum cleaners • Bicycles Items NOT Accepted: • No brush/yard waste • No railroad ties • No plastic, cardboard, Styrofoam, or wood • No oversized items such as hot tubs, boats, or sheds • No engines containing gasoline or oil *If an item contains oil or gasoline, it must be drained or it will not be accepted. Used oil and gasoline can be disposed at the Ramsey County Household Hazardous Waste site at 5 Empire Drive in Saint Paul. Fall Clean-up Day is Saturday October 1st