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Home My WebLink About10 DECEMBER NL 2022 (PDF)Arden Hills Notes • December 2022 • 1 The Official City Newsletter for Arden Hills Residents December 2022 Made in Arden Hills: Saltbox Grant Awarded for Lexington Avenue Revitalization Saltbox is located at 4440 Round Lake Road in the 113,000 square foot industrial building that was formerly occupied by Deluxe Corporation. Saltbox received Site Plan Review approval from the City Council earlier this year and began construction shortly afterwards to complete the interior remodeling. The buildout will transform the industrial building into an all-inclusive workspace for startup and small digital commerce businesses. Saltbox offers customized suites and collaborative workspaces for entrepreneurs to network amongst a community of small businesses. The site also has important logistical infrastructure available to all tenants, including daily package pickup, loading docks, a photo studio, conference rooms, security, and amenities such as Wi-Fi, a kitchen, air-conditioning, and more. A unique aspect of Saltbox is that they provide staffing to perform behind-the-scenes logistics such as order fulfillment, assistance with shipping and warehouse processes, and other day-to-day operations. The built-in administrative support, workspaces, and storage facilities allow Saltbox’s tenants to more readily focus on their businesses, products, and clients. Saltbox’s newly-remodeled space in Arden Hills has flexible warehouse and office suites ranging in size from 76 square feet up to approximately 2,000 square feet. The interior floor plan has a buildout of 214 flexible suites. Saltbox has multiple locations in the United States, including Arden Hills, which is the first in Minnesota. Saltbox Arden Hills Warehouse Suite Arden Hills Notes • December 2022 • 1 The Twin Cities North Chamber of Commerce (TCN), in partnership with the Cities of Arden Hills and Shoreview, has been awarded a Critical Corridors Grant from Ramsey County. This grant provides funding for a marketing campaign that will promote and encourage shoppers to patronize the many retail establishments along the Lexington Avenue commercial corridor. The goal of this initiative is to provide support and assistance to local businesses who were impacted by the Lexington Avenue construction project. TCN will unveil the campaign, "Welcome Back to Lexington," by the end of December. The campaign’s website will be available soon at www.backtolexington.com. 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 City 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/resident-resources Council meetings are held at City Hall on the second and fourth Mondays of the month at 7 pm. 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 Notes • December '22 Truth in Taxation Hearing was held on December 12 The City Council adopted a 2023 property tax levy of $4,718,680 on December 12, 2022. This sets the City’s property tax levy increase for 2023 at 5.5%, which is less than the preliminary levy increase set in September 2022 of 7.0%. Additional information will be provided in an upcoming newsletter. Residents can visit the City’s website for more information. Tour Local Holiday Light Displays Looking for a fun family activity this holiday season? Take a drive to the best and brightest local light displays! A downloadable Holiday Lights Map is available on the city website at cityofardenhills.org/1034/Community- Events. Visit displays in Arden Hills, St. Anthony, Mounds View, New Brighton, Roseville, and Columbia Heights. Vote on your favorites by December 30th– prizes will be awarded to the top contenders. Holiday Closures of City Buildings City Offices will be closed on Monday, December 26th and Monday, January 2nd. We wish you and yours a very happy and safe holiday season! Speed Limit Change in Effect February '23 The City Council has voted in favor of decreasing the Citywide speed limit to 25mph on City streets. The change will go into effect on February 1, 2023. Roads under the jurisdiction of the City will be posted in accordance with an implementation plan. This Ordinance change does not include state or county roadways. Current signs will be replaced and stored for future use. We Need You! Commission & Committee Openings Learn about proposed City projects and advise the City Council by volunteering! There are currently vacancies in the Planning Commission, Economic Development Commission, and the Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee. Please visit cityofardenhills.org/125/Commissions-Committees for more information about each opportunity and contact the City Clerk at 651-792-7811 to request a mailed paper application. Smart Salting Did you know that one teaspoon of salt permanently pollutes 5 gallons of water? Salt can make sidewalks and roadways safer, but salty run-off settles in lakes, wetlands, and soil, increasing the risk of contamination. So how much salt do you need? A 12 oz. mug is enough salt for 10 sidewalk squares or a 20-foot driveway. Here are a few additional guidelines to keep in mind as you salt your driveway and walkways: 1. Shovel walkways before snow turns to ice and before you apply salt— the more snow you clear manually, the less salt you’ll need. 2. Salt doesn’t melt ice if the pavement is below 15 degrees, so use sand for traction when it’s too cold. 3. Use salt only where it’s critical, spreading granules widely. 4. Sweep up leftover salt, sand, and de-icer to save and reuse as needed. City News cityofardenhills.org • December 2022 • 3 cityofardenhills.org • December 2022 • 3 City News Continued City Council Benchmarks November 7, 2022 Special City Council Meeting • Approved Appointment of Matt Johnson to the position of Recreational Supervisor, approved on a 3-0 vote (Holmes and Scott excused absence) November 14, 2022 City Council Meeting All items were approved unanimously by a 3–0 vote unless indicated otherwise. Holmes and Scott excused absence. • Approved Payment to Springbrook Holding Company LLC For 2023 Software Maintenance Fees • Approved Resolution 2022-050 Certifying 2022 Municipal Election Canvass Results • Approved Authorized Contract For Medical Insurance For Non-Union Employees for 2023 • Approved Update to Personnel Policy Benefit Language • Approved Professional Services Agreement Amendment For Right-Of-Way Acquisition and Temporary Easements with SRF Consulting Group, Inc – Mounds View High School Trail Improvements November 28, 2022 City Council Meeting All items were approved unanimously by a 4–0 vote unless indicated otherwise. Scott excused absence. • Approved Resolution 2022-051, Accepting Liability Coverage Limits from the League of MN Cities Insurance Trust for 2023 • Approved Ordinance 2022-007, Amending Chapter 13, Section 1325, Subsection 1325.5 and 1325.055, and Authorizing Publication of Summary Ordinance – Planning Case 22-021 • Approved Ordinance 2022-008, Amending Chapter 2, Section 210, Subsection 210.03, Subd. 5 regarding Initial Meeting of 2023 • Approved Resolution 2022-052, Decertifying Tax Increment Financing Renewal and Renovation District No. 1-4, Presbyterian Homes • Approved Payment No. 4 – T.A. Schifsky & Sons – Snelling Ave N Street and Utility Improvements • Approved Resolution 2022-053, Adopting and cityofardenhills.org • December 2022 • 3 Confirming Quarterly Special Assessments for Delinquent Utilities • Approved Resolution 2022-054 – Planning Case 22-019-Variance-3588 Ridgewood Road December 12, 2022 City Council Meeting All items were approved unanimously by a 5–0 vote unless indicated otherwise. • Approved Ordinance 2022-009 approving the 2023 Fee Schedule, which included the following (among others): changes to the method of calculation for commercial electrical permits, and an increase to the sanitary sewer rate of 4.0%, with no increase to water or surface (storm) water. • Approved cancellation of the December 26, 2022, January 23, February 27 and March 27, 2023 regular City Council meetings since it is anticipated that all necessary items that require action and/or discussion will have been addressed either at prior regular meetings or work sessions. • Approved the 2023 tobacco license renewals, and the 2023 liquor license renewals and a new license for Siam Thai restaurant (located at 3547 Lexington Avenue). • Approved Ordinance 2022-010 Amending Chapter 5, Section 500, Subsection 500.3 regarding temporary liquor licenses to allow small brewers and micro distilleries to qualify for a temporary liquor license in connection with a social event within the City. • Approved Ordinance 2022-011 amending Chapter 8, Section 800, Subsection 800.04 to comply with State Statue which is required due to the City is adopting a lower speed limit, 25 MPH, that is lower than what is specified in State Statute. • Approved extension of the terms in office for Joint Development Authority (JDA) Chair Brian Holmes and Commissioner David Grant through December 31, 2024; the remaining seat on the JDA will be appointed by the City Council at its first meeting in 2023. • Held the Truth-In-Taxation Public Hearing and: • Set the Final Tax Levy for Taxes Payable in 2023 at $4,718,680, a 5.5% increase over the prior year. • Adopted the 2023 Budget, with total revenues of $15,026,350. For a complete listing of recent City Council actions, visit cityofardenhills.org and click on “View Agendas & Minutes.” Inside Arden Hills, MN . 55112-5734 ECR-WSS PRST STD U.S. Postage Paid TWIN CITIES, MN Permit #1710 4 • Arden Hills Notes • December '22 Truth in Taxation Hearing Results Grant Awarded for Lexington Avenue Revitalization Speed Limit Decrease in Effect on 2/1/23 Tips for Sidewalk Salting Postal Customer Don’t Trash It – Fix It! Ramsey County Fix-It Clinics are Back Have broken stuff lying around? Don’t trash it – fix it! Every month, Ramsey County holds a free Fix-it Clinic at a Ramsey County Library location. Fix-it Clinics are community-based events where you can bring in broken items, like small household appliances or clothing, for repairs. Volunteer “Fixers” will work with you to disassemble, troubleshoot, and repair your items for free. To make the most of your visit, keep these tips in mind: • Bring easy-to-carry items; oversized items not allowed! • Bring any parts, tools, or owner’s manuals you think may be helpful to repair your item. • Learn from your Fixer! Ask questions and be an City News Continued photo from Ramsey Countyactive participant in the repair process. • Be patient. Clinics can get busy, with some repairs taking longer than expected. Visit ramseyrecycles.com/FixItClinics for a list of upcoming clinics and locations. Recycle Old Holiday String Lights Do you have strings of holiday lights that no longer work? Perhaps you’re switching to energy efficient LED lights this year. Recycle these unwanted holiday lights by dropping them off at our collection bin located in the lobby of City Hall, located at 1245 Highway 96 West in Arden Hills from 8 am–4:30 pm Monday through Friday. String lights will be accepted from December 5 to January 27. Lights will not be accepted when City Hall is closed for holidays. For more information about recycling other hazardous materials and objects, visit RamseyRecycles.com/hhw.