HomeMy WebLinkAbout10 Nov 2023 Arden Hills Notescityofardenhills.org • nov 2023 • 1
The Official City Newsletter for Arden Hills Residents November 2023
2023 North Suburban Holiday Lights Map
New Brighton, Roseville, Columbia Heights, Mounds View, and Arden Hills
Looking for a fun family activity this holiday season? Participate in the annual
Holiday Lights Competition! Sign up by Monday, December 4, and finish
decorating by December 8. This Holiday Lights Competition is a collaboration
between the cities of Arden Hills, New Brighton, Mounds View, Roseville, and Columbia
Heights.
Sign up at https://forms.gle/pzxEemGonR2v8Cv1A or scan the code to the right using your
mobile device.
Don’t want to compete? Take a drive around and check out the neighborhood displays! A
downloadable map will become available on the City's website in mid-December. Take the
tour and vote on your favorite displays. Prizes will be awarded to the top contenders and new
for this year; anyone who votes will be entered in a drawing to win prizes as well!
For more information, visit cityofardenhills.org/1034.
Holiday Lights Recycling
Recycle holiday lights by dropping them off at the City's collection
bin in the lobby at City Hall. You can drop lights from 8 a.m. to
4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Holiday lights will be accepted from
December 4 to January 26. Lights will not be accepted when
City Hall is closed for holidays. Please remember to drop only
lights in the collection bin. Bags, containers, and other storage
devices used for the lights are not accepted. For more information
about recycling other hazardous materials and objects, visit
ramseyrecycles.com/hhw.
Snow Plow Information
Winter is coming, and the Public Works
team is already preparing the plows!
Plowing will occur whenever the City gets
at least two inches of snow accumulation.
Plows will get as close to mailboxes as
possible, but residents must clean in front of
and around mailboxes and fire hydrants for
access. Please ensure trash and recycle cans
are placed behind the curb, as this allows
operators to plow the entire roadway. Only
park vehicles on the streets after they have
been plowed. As a reminder, parking is not
permitted on any City street between 2-6
a.m. year-round.
Holiday Season City Hall Closures
City Hall will be closed on Thursday and Friday, November 23 and
24, during the Thanksgiving holiday. City Hall will also be closed
on Monday, December 25, in observance of the Christmas holiday,
as well as New Year's Day on Monday, January 1, 2024.
The Public Works team members that plow our streets
all season long. We thank them for their commitment
to keeping our streets clean and safe each winter!
Scan code to sign up!
Service Directory
City Hall
1245 West Highway 96
Arden Hills, MN 55112
cityofardenhills.org
651-792-7800
Office Hours
Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
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
Emily Rousseau • 651-792-7856
erousseau@cityofardenhills.org
Tena Monson • 612-758-0695
tmonson@cityofardenhills.org
Thomas Fabel • 651-303-3611
tfabel@cityofardenhills.org
City Administrator
Dave Perrault • 651-792-7824
dperrault@cityofardenhills.org
Sr. Communications Coordinator
Luke Cardona • 651-792-7817
lcardona@cityofardenhills.org
City Council Liaison
Thomas Fabel
Resident Resources
cityofardenhills.org/resident-resources
Council meetings are held at City Hall on
the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month at 7
p.m.. Council meetings, Work Sessions, and
Planning Commission meetings are televised
live on Cable Channel 16. 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 • nov 2023
Truth in Taxation Hearing Scheduled for December 11
The City will hold a Truth-in-Taxation Hearing on Monday, December 11, at 7 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers. The 2024 General Fund expenditure
budget is proposed at $6,098,091. The preliminary tax levy increase is set at 12.55%, which equates to a maximum tax levy of $5,310,950.
This amount may be lowered before the end of the year, but may not be increased.
The proposed levy increase goes to support the following:
• General inflation
• Increased cost for typical City operations, such as street maintenance and election
services
• Increased Public Safety costs:
- Increased charges for policing services from the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office - Increased costs for fire protection from the Lake Johanna Fire
Department
• Increases for employee costs, such as wage and cost of living adjustments,
health insurance costs, and other benefits
Based on the preliminary values, the City’s share of property taxes would
increase by approximately $100 annually on a median-valued home, which is projected to be valued at $469,000 in 2024.
State of the City to be held on Saturday, February 10
Join Arden Hills City Council and Staff on Saturday, February 10 for the 2024 State of the City meeting. The exact location and start time are yet to be
determined.
The State of the City Address is an opportunity for the City Council to
present goals and projects from the past year. Topics to be covered include development projects, road and construction improvements, Rice Creek Commons (TCAAP), plans for parks and trails, public works responsibilities,
and the City's financial outlook.
Stay tuned to the City’s website for updates.
Rice Creek Commons (TCAAP) Updates
On November 1, a community open house was held for interested community members to learn more about the current project and provide a recap of the
overall vision for the redevelopment site. Brief presentations were given at the top of the hour, and JDA Representatives, City Staff, County Staff, the developer, and consultants manned informational stations set up with visuals
and related materials for attendees to explore, and learn and ask questions about the different components of Rice Creek Commons.
Up-to-date information regarding the Rice Creek Commons (TCAAP) project can be found at ricecreekcommons.com.
Police
$1,595,193
General Government
$1,481,770
Public Works
$847,930
Parks and Recreation
$835,420
Fire
$810,208
Other Public Safety
$477,570 Transfers
$50,000
General Fund Expenditure ($6,068,091)
City News
cityofardenhills .org • nov 2023 • 3 cityofardenhills.org • nov 2023 • 3
City Council Benchmarks
All votes 5-0 unless otherwise noted.
October 9, 2023 City Council
Meeting
• Acknowledged the Application
of Catholic United Financial for
an Exempt Permit to Conduct a
Raffle with the Drawing being
3-7-24 with No Waiting Period
• Approved Agreement for Civil
Legal Services with Campbell
Knutson
• Approved Ideal Services, Inc.,
Invoice for Booster Station
Variable Frequency Drives (VFD)
Replacements ($14,918)
• Approved Services Agreement
with GoodPointe Technology,
LLC for Pavement Condition
Data Collection (not to exceed
$12,000)
• Approved Estoppel Certificate on
Stormwater Facilities Operation
and Maintenance Agreement for
Scannell Properties #486, LLC –
4200 Round Lake Rd
• Approved Appointment of New
Public Works Maintenance
Employee
October 23, 2023 City Council
Meeting
• Approved Resolution 2023-050
Establishing the 2024 Curbside
and Non-Curbside Recycling Fees
one ($60 annually for curbside
residential recycling)
• Approved Recycling Contract
Extension with Republic Services
• Approved Olson Engineering
Proposal for Geophysical
Subsurface Investigation at 3245
New Brighton Road – Hazelnut
Parking Lot Project ($12,852)
• Tabled Resolution 2023-051
Designating City-Owned Property
as Triangle Park for further
consideration by the PTRC
• Approved Resolution 2023-
052 – Planning Case 23-017 for
a Conditional Use Permit for a
home-based tax business located
at 4504 Hamline Avenue North
For a complete listing of recent City
Council actions, visit
cityofardenhills.org and click on
“View Agendas and Minutes.”
Food Donations Accepted at City Hall
City Hall is now accepting food donations to support those in need. Donations
can be dropped off Monday-Friday during City Hall operating hours. A specially
marked bin is located in the lobby of City Hall. City staff will deliver donated
food to the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf in Mounds View.
Your contributions can help feed local families and individuals facing
challenging times. Thank you for helping to make a positive impact on our
community! Learn more at ralphreederfoodshelf.org.
Most Wanted List
4 • arden hills notes • nov 2023
Inflow and Infiltration – What you need to know and what you can do
Inflow and infiltration (I/I) is clear water – such as groundwater and surface water - that enters the wastewater system from sources such as defective sewer service laterals, poor pipe connections, sump pumps, gutters/downspouts, building drains, and aged or broken sewer main and maintenance hole covers. When clear water enters the wastewater
system it needs to be treated at a wastewater treatment plant. During rain events, I/I adds significant amounts of clear water to the wastewater system that it was not intended to accommodate or treat.
The clear water in the sewer system reduces the capacity of City sewer pipes, regional interceptors, and treatment facilities. In the end, this requires additional funding to enlarge existing facilities or construct new facilities at the local and regional level. Reducing I/I will lessen future costs for additional infrastructure and keep utility rates and fees at
some of the lowest rates in the nation.
Excessive I/I in the wastewater system can impact your health and decrease the value of your property. A wastewater
system that is over capacity due to I/I can lead to sewage backups into basements and sewage overflows into lakes, streams, wetlands or other environmentally sensitive areas. Additionally, the resale value of a property can be reduced if problems exist.
Property owners can reduce I/I to the sewer system by:
• Properly connecting sump pumps and gutters/downspouts
• Having a plumber inspect the sewer service lateral from your building to the City sewer main for cracks,
deterioration, or tree root intrusions
• Making repairs to your sewer service lateral
In 2024, the City is planning a Cured in-Place Pipe (CIPP) lining project within the Arden View Drive neighborhood.
Through the Public Works’ sanitary sewer maintenance program, inspections identified the proposed segments of sewer needing repairs due to significant cracks or voids, root
intrusion and also aging clay pipe (VCP) that indicated a need for rehabilitation.
Through the CIPP process, I/I is eliminated at the joints and cracks of the existing pipe and the new lining is known to extend the life of the pipe by at least 50 years. This project
will be eligible for partial reimbursement of construction costs through the Metropolitan Council’s Inflow & Infiltration (I/I) grant program.
To learn more about reducing inflow and infiltration (I/I), visit metrocouncil.org/Wastewater-Water/Planning/Wastewater/Inflow-and-Infiltration.aspx.
InfiltrationInflow
Cured in Place Pipe Illustration
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Parks and Recreation
Hiring Ice Rink and Warming House Attendants
Are you looking for a fun, seasonal job? Consider being an ice rink/warming house
attendant in Arden Hills!
Duties include maintaining the warming house building and outdoor ice rinks safely and
orderly and providing an enjoyable atmosphere for people to skate. This position will report to the Recreation Supervisor.
Learn more and apply online at cityofardenhills.org/425/Employment-Opportunities.
Register for Recreation Programming
To register for classes and activities, visit cityofardenhills.org/recreation, stop by City Hall, or call at 651-792-7800.
Programs like dance, yoga, after school programs, and special holiday-themed are just among of the few options you can choose from!
Interested in signing up for an Arden Hills Parks and Recreation Program but limited by finances? The City of Arden Hills and the Arden Hills Foundation have developed a scholarship program for families who may need financial assistance to participate in City programs. To learn more about the scholarships offered, please contact Matt Johnson,
Recreation Supervisor, at mjohnson@cityofardenhills.org or 651-792-7848.
Ice Rinks Hours and Locations
Warming House hours are tentative and subject to staffing availability and weather conditions.
WARMING HOUSE HOLIDAY HOURS
Dec 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29 12-8:30 P.M.
Christmas Eve Closed
Christmas Day Closed
New Year’s Eve 12-5 P.M.
New Year’s Day 12-5 P.M.
Martin Luther King Day (Jan 15)12-8:30 P.M.
President’s Day (Feb 19)12-8:30 P.M.
Four City parks have seasonal ice rinks and warming houses. Outdoor rinks are projected to be open from December 9 through February 20, dependent on weather conditions. Rinks will be closed if the temperature is -20 degrees Fahrenheit and/or the wind chill is -20 degrees Fahrenheit.
WARMING HOUSE HOURS
Monday-Friday 4:30-8:30PM
Saturday 12:00-8:30PM
Sunday 1:00-7:00PM
*Cummings Park will be open Friday-Sunday
ONLY, in addition to the listed Holiday Hours. Use
the push-light system to turn on the rink lights.
ICE RINK LOCATIONS
Cummings Park*
1219 Cummings Park
Dr Pleasure Rink Only
Hazelnut Park
3301 New Brighton Rd
Freeway Park
1370 West County Rd E
Perry Park
3700 New Brighton Rd
*Please note that during the winter months, only Perry Park has a dedicated off leash dog area.
6 • arden hills notes • nov 2023
Inside
Arden Hills, MN . 55112-5734
Holiday Information
Truth in Taxation Hearing Date
Food Donations at City Hall
Inflow & Infiltration
Winter Recreation
Garbage and Recycling Cans
As we all strive to continually make our community a safe and beautiful place,
we must work together to keep our streets clean and organized. We can do this by properly storing our trash and recycling bins and retrieving them promptly after your garbage and recycling collection day.
Trash and Recycling Bin Guidelines:
1. Keep bins in approved designated areas: Within an enclosed building or in the side or rear yard adjacent to a structure. Containers should not be stored in the front yard forward of the structure. For properties adjacent to more than one
public street, the side of the property with driveway access to the public street shall be deemed the front yard.
2. Day to put out bins: Trash collection is on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, depending on your property location.
Properties located south of Interstate 694 will receive collection services on Tuesdays, and properties located north of Interstate 694 will receive collection services on Wednesdays.
3. Time to put out bins: Containers from single-family dwellings can be placed at the end of your drive-way after 6 p.m. the night before or anytime on the collection day. Waste containers should not be placed in the street, and they must be removed after pickup on the scheduled collection day. Bins left out for extended periods can create
obstacles for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles and may be damaged or stolen.
4. Secure lids: Ensure that the covers on your bins are securely closed to prevent animals from getting into them. This
also helps to avoid litter blowing around the neighborhood on windy days.
More information on garbage collection, including a full list of City licensed waste haulers can be found at
cityofardenhills.org/1144/Garbage-Collection. For Recycling, the City uses Republic Services (republicservices.com). To learn more about garbage and recycling containers and placement, please visit https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/ardenhills/latest/ardenhills_mn/0-0-0-1613.
Garbage Collection Info Republic Services City Code
Online at cityofardenhills.org/320/Watch-City-Meetings
Zoom (instructions and link can be found on the meeting agenda once it is posted online)
Broadcast on Cable Channel 16
The Planning Commission is set to hear a proposal to increase the density at Rice Creek Commons (TCAAP)
at their December 6, 2023 Planning Commission meeting. The proposal follows a presentation to the Joint
Development Authority (JDA) by Alatus and a public open house hosted by the JDA. The proposal amends
the City’s Zoning Code and Comprehensive Plan allowing for an increase in the density from 1,460 units to
1,960 units.
The below rendering on the left shows the 2016 approved plan, and the rendering on the right shows the 2023
proposed plan. The red boxes indicate where the proposed additional density would be placed.
Prior to the Planning Commission meeting, informational packets will be posted on the City’s website the
Friday before the meeting at cityofardenhills.org/agendacenter. The public is encouraged to attend the
meeting either in person or virtually to provide their feedback on the changes. The meeting will be held at
City Hall (1245 Highway 96 West, Arden Hills, MN 55112) at 6:30 p.m. The meeting can also be viewed in the
following ways:
Written comments can also be mailed to City Hall or emailed to planning@cityofardenhills.org and must be
received by 4 p.m. on December 6 to be presented as part of the public hearing.
2016 Approved Plan Rendering
(1,460 Units)
2023 Developer Proposed Plan Rendering
(1,960 Units)
Planning Commission to Hear Increased Density Proposal
at Rice Creek Commons (TCAAP) on December 6