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Home My WebLink About04 April 2024 Arden Hills Notescityofardenhills.org • April 2024 • 1 The Official City Newsletter for Arden Hills Residents April 2024 2023 Public Safety Data Lake Johanna Fire Department Annual Report The Lake Johanna Fire Department (LJFD) has issued its annual report for 2023. LJFD serves three cities: Arden Hills, North Oaks, and Shoreview. The report outlines the department’s activities and provides reporting metrics for the past year. In 2023, LJFD responded to 1,138 Calls for Service in Arden Hills, which was 178 more calls than the previous year. They assisted neighboring Fire Departments 66 times and received aid 41 times. In Arden Hills, LJFD’s average call response time was 6 minutes and 12 seconds, compared to last year’s 6 minutes and 17 seconds. Calls for Service were spread almost evenly throughout the day, with noon-5 p.m. being the busiest time. The majority of calls were for medical related incidents. Recently, LJFD hired six new full- time Captains and are planning to construct a new station in 2025. You can learn more about their future station project at ljfd.org/stations. Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office Calls for Service The City of Arden Hills contracts with the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) for police protection services. Little Canada, North Oaks, Shoreview, Vadnais Heights, and White Bear Township also contract RCSO for public safety services. The City has received RCSO’s 2023 Calls for Service metrics. In 2023, Arden Hills received 4,468 calls for Service. RCSO defines Calls for Service (CFS) as issues responded to by deputies initiated by citizens by calling 9-1-1 or deputy initiation while on patrol. Calls for Service are not ‘crimes’ until they are determined after the incident is investigated. The top five call categories for RCSO are assisting medical agencies, traffic stops, proactive police visits, investigating 911 hang-ups, and alarms sounding. To view the LJFD annual report and RCSO 2023 data sheet, please visit cityofardenhills.org/211/ Emergency- Fire-Police. The Arden Hills City Council and staff extends its gratitude to the LJFD and RCSO for keeping Arden Hills a safe place for residents. City Council Proclaims April as Fair Housing Month At their April 8 meeting, the City Council unanimously passed a fair housing proclamation, officially recognizing April 2024 as Fair Housing Month. The proclamation serves as a reminder of the City’s commitment to the mission and intent of Congress to provide fair and equal housing opportunities for all, echoing the principles set forth in the Fair Housing Act of 1968. Arden Hills is an inclusive community committed to fair housing and promoting appropriate activities through private and public entities to provide and advocate for equal housing opportunities for all residents and prospective residents of Arden Hills. LJFD Incident Types in Arden Hills Top 5 RCSO Calls for Service in Arden Hills 2 • Arden Hills Notes • April 2024 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 • April 2024 City Council Benchmarks March 11, 2024 City Council Meeting All votes 5-0 unless otherwise noted. • Approved Claims and Payroll • Approved 60-day Extension until June 24, 2024, for PC 23-006 – Site Plan Review, Mark and Tracy Lindemer (Lindey’s parking lot improvements) • Approved Payment No. 1 – Arden Manor and Floral Park Improvements Project – Peterson Companies, Inc. ($655,503) • Approved 2024 Purchase of 2025 Ford F450 Truck and Plow ($129,273) • Approved Resolution 2024- 012 Declaring Costs to be Assessed, Ordering Preparation of the Proposed Assessments and Calling for a Public Hearing on Proposed Assessments, and Accepting Bid – 2024 PMP Street and Utility Improvements Project • Approved 2024 Institution/ Community Work Crew (ICWC) Program Contract • Approved Development Agreement for Mister Car Wash (CWP West, LLC) – Planning Case 23- 024 (3751 Lexington Avenue N) • Approved Resolution 2024- 014 Arden Manor Park Hardcourt – DNR Outdoor Recreation Grant • Accepted Resignation of Building Official • Approved Recruitment for Applicants for Future Building Inspector • Held Public Hearing and Approved Resolution 2024- 013 – Vacation of Drainage and Utility Easement – 1594 Lake Johanna Boulevard – Planning Case 24-004 For a complete listing of recent City Council actions, visit cityofardenhills.org and click on “View Agendas and Minutes.” The warm months are almost here, which means the return of City construction projects. We want to make you aware of some notable projects that are underway. PMP Street and Utility Improvements On February 12, 2024, the Arden Hills City Council approved plans and specifications for the 2024 PMP Street and Utility Improvements project affecting the following areas: Keithson Drive from Highway 96 W to the south 800-feet, Royal Hills Drive from Snelling Avenue N to Arden View Drive, Arden Vista Court, McClung Drive, Colleen Avenue, Colleen Circle, Briarknoll Circle, Briarknoll Drive, Norma Avenue from Dawn Circle to Colleen Avenue, James Avenue, and Royal Lane. The City is working with engineering consultant, Bolton & Menk, to make improvements such as repairing street and trail pavement, water main, sanitary sewers, and drainage infrastructure. Construction is anticipated to begin Spring/Summer of 2024 with substantial completion within the same year. The City is planning to host a preconstruction open- house at City Hall for residents within the construction area to join and ask specific questions to staff related to the project. 2024 City Construction Updates cityofardenhills.org • April 2024 • 3 cityofardenhills.org • April 2024 • 3 2024 City Construction Updates cont’d Once the date and time of the open-house is determined, notices will be mailed directly to the properties within the project. Learn more and stay up-to-date at cityofardenhills.org/1201/2024-PMP-Street-and-Utility-Improvements. CIPP Lining Project Cured-in-Place-Pipe Lining (CIPP) involves inserting a flexible liner inside the existing pipe, inflating the liner, and exposing it to heat or ultraviolet light to dry and harden the liner inside the pipe. The liner forms a smooth surface inside the existing pipe, restoring it to near-new condition. The City’s total sewer system is 49.6 miles and consists of various pipe materials. Currently, 16 miles of pipe have been lined by CIPP, with 15.5 miles that are candidates for lining in the future. The remaining 18.1 miles are made of plastic (PVC), so the lining is unnecessary. The City is planning a CIPP lining project within the Arden View Drive neighborhood off Hamline Avenue. The lining of the existing 8-inch VCP pipe is expected to be roughly 5,700 feet. This process is a much more efficient and cost- effective way of rehabilitating the sanitary sewer mains underneath the streets without major impacts or trenching operations. Before any work occurs in the sanitary mains that your home may be connected to, the contractor will place door hangers a couple of days ahead of the work with more information. Some of the information it will include are the dates that the work will be performed, coordination with the building residents with their sanitary sewer service traps (which you will need to be sure have sufficient water), an explanation of their process, plus more useful information to review. The pipe lining process includes an epoxy resin that adheres the new liner to the existing sanitary main. The new liner will emit a glue-like smell while it is being installed, so it is important to follow all of their instructions when filling up water into your sanitary sewer service trap. Otherwise, the smell can inject itself into your home through your sanitary service. Impacts outside your home typically last 1-2 days. Some large trucks will be parked in the middle of the streets to access manholes for cleaning, prep work, and lining, but for the most part, this will be fairly unimpactful. Contact information for the project will be shared as we get closer to the start of the project. Learn more at cityofardenhills.org/1212/2024-CIPP-Lining-Project. 2024 PMP Street and Utility Improvements2024 CIPP Lining Projects 4 • Arden Hills Notes • April 2024 Inflow and Infiltration (I/I) Resident Grant Program In last November’s edition of the Arden Hills Notes, we shared what Inflow and Infiltration (I/I) is, including what you need to know and what you can do as a resident. I/I is clear water (stormwater and groundwater) that enters the wastewater system. Inflow is when clear water from illegal connections of sump pumps, downspouts, and foundation drains is channeled directly into sanitary sewer pipes. Infiltration is when groundwater seeps into sewer pipes via cracks or leaky joints. The excess clear water from inflow and infiltration problems takes up pipe and treatment plant capacity needed for wastewater. The result is sewer backups and increased costs for needlessly putting clear water through the wastewater treatment process. Introducing the 2024 Private Property I/I Grant Program The Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) has launched a private property I/I grant program. The goal of the program is to assist private property owners with financial assistance in removing I/I from the regional interceptor system through repairs of the sewer lateral or foundation drain on the property. Arden Hills is participating in this MCES Private I/I grant program to help you with the costs of repairing those pipes and other infrastructure that may be contributing clear water to the wastewater system. The City has been awarded $45,000 in grant funding to be used by residents in 2024. Eligibility and Eligible Projects Grant awards may be 50% of eligible costs up to $5,000. Grants to private property owners shall be for a percentage of actual, reasonable, and verifiable I/I mitigation costs. No costs of studies, engineering, or planning shall be eligible. Qualified spending on eligible work must occur between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024. Examples of eligible I/I repair: • Private sewer service lateral repair and/or replacement • Foundation drain disconnections and new sump pump, if associated with the foundation drain disconnect • Sewer service lateral inspection and cleaning costs if televising and cleaning result in the repair or replacement of sewer lateral To learn more about this new program and to apply, visit cityofardenhills.org/1216/Inflow-and-Infiltration. Grants will be distributed at a first-come first-serve basis. If you have any questions or concerns throughout any part of this process, please contact Assistant Public Works Director Lucas Miller at lmiller@cityofardenhills.org. Are you passionate about shaping the future of our community? Join the Planning Commission as an Alternate Commissioner! The City is currently seeking to fill two alternate positions. As an alternate member of this commission, on an as-needed basis, you’ll help review and make recommendations concerning all land use applications, hear requests for Zoning Code interpretations, consider and recommend changes to the City’s Zoning Code, and more! The Planning Commission meets on the first Wednesday after the first Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. To learn more and apply, visit cityofardenhills.org/127/Planning-Commission. Planning Commission Seeks Alternate Commissioners cityofardenhills.org • April 2024 • 5 cityofardenhills.org • April 2024 • 5 2024 Property Taxes What does the City’s budget mean for a resident? There are several components to calculating a resident’s property taxes due: • A property’s Estimated Market Value • The City’s Tax Capacity (this is the maximum tax amount the City can place on its residents) • The City’s Tax Rate (this is derived from the City’s Gross Tax Levy or the amount needed to fund city services and operations) For example, in 2024, a $469,000 home in Arden Hills pays $95.67 of monthly City property taxes, which, in turn, funds services like Public Safety, Park facilities and programs, maintenance and repair of the City’s roadways, and general Government items (i.e., personnel costs, planning and zoning, maintenance of government buildings) Arden Hills continues to maintain one of the lowest property tax rates compared to other Ramsey County cities. Learn more about property tax rates at cityofardenhills.org/178/Property-Taxes. 2024 City Property Taxes 2024 City Tax Rate Calculation How it Impacts You The City’s property tax rate is calculated first by calculating a property’s Taxable Market Value. For example, the Taxable Market Value takes the Estimated Market Value of a Median Household in Arden Hills ($469,000) and subtracts out any homestead exclusion ($0). The Taxable Market Value is then multiplied by the Property’s Class Rate (1%) to get to the Tax Capacity ($4,690). Then, by multiplying the City Tax Rate (24.49%) against the Tax Capacity ($4,690), this determines the property’s annual City taxes payable ($1,148). 6 • Arden Hills Notes • April 2024 Parks & Recreation Exciting Park Enhancements in Arden Hills! We’re thrilled to announce some major improvements to Arden Manor Park and Floral Park. Thanks in part to grant funds, Arden Manor Park has unveiled new amenities for everyone. A new picnic table and shade structure have been erected, providing a perfect spot for gatherings and relaxation. Plus, a new playground was added! The City is actively pursuing further funding to enhance the basketball court, with construction anticipated for this fall. Meanwhile, Floral Park has seen a transformation with a range of new features. A newly paved trail invites walkers, joggers, and cyclists to explore the park’s beauty in comfort. Sports enthusiasts will love the new sports courts, which provide spaces for friendly matchups. Visitors can now enjoy picnics under the shade of a new structure while kids take advantage of the newly upgraded playground. Whether seeking recreation, relaxation, or fresh air, we invite you to explore these enhanced parks and experiences in Arden Hills. Visit the New South Point Park The City’s newest park, South Point Park, is now open and ready to welcome visitors! Located at 3151 Lake Johanna Boulevard, this 0.30-acre park was previously undeveloped but now serves as a “pocket park” for City recreation programs and resident use. South Point Park is especially accessible to pedestrians but some street parking is available. This park’s featured attraction is a large game table with a checkerboard, so bring your checkers or chess pieces and start a fun game with your friends! cityofardenhills.org • April 2024 • 7 cityofardenhills.org • April 2024 • 7 Parks & Recreation Spring Egg Hunt The Parks and Recreation Department’s March 23rd Spring Egg Hunt was an overwhelming success, drawing in over 120 eager kids participating from the community. Kids scoured the grounds in search of colorful eggs, including the shiny golden eggs! Adding to the festive-themed day, kids and families snagged selfies and photos with the Spring Bunny. This event wouldn’t have been possible without the many incredible volunteers. A big thanks go out to the Shoreview/Arden Hills Lions Club, Mounds View National Honor Society, and the City’s PTRC members for generously giving their time and effort to ensure the event ran smoothly. Park and Pavilion Rentals The City of Arden Hills has 16 beautiful parks that cover over 102 acres. City parks offer a wide range of facilities and activities. Picnic shelter facilities are available on weekends in May and daily from Memorial Day through October 31. Cummings Park and Perry Park have larger pavilions and are the only facilities meant for larger parties. Reservations for park facilities are made on a first-come, first-serve basis. A fee is charged for reserving picnic facilities. A Facilities Rental Application can be completed and submitted online. Please visit cityofardenhills.org/933/Picnic-Shelter-and-Park-Pavilion-Rental to view the availability calendar or call 651-792-7848 during business hours. Hiring Temporary Recreation Positions Work in the great (mostly) outdoors this summer in Arden Hills! The recreation department is hiring multiple seasonal positions. Recreation Intern The Recreation Intern will gain valuable experience administrating and implementing parks and recreation programs, events, and facilities. The paid internship will be from May through August (approximately 11-13 weeks - negotiable), and the intern will work 40 hours per week on average. Temporary Recreation Assistant This position will perform intermediate-level support to the Recreation Supervisor, including recreation program development, staff recruitment, training, event planning, oversight of Seasonal Recreation Staff, league development, administrative duties, and related work as apparent or assigned. This work is performed under the close supervision of the Recreation Supervisor. Other positions available: tennis instructor and youth soccer official. Learn more about these positions and apply at cityofardenhills.org/425/Employment-Opportunities. Public Works Seasonal Positions If you enjoy working outdoors, being part of a team, and want to be involved in the important functions of city operations, then apply for a seasonal Public Works maintenance position! Seasonal maintenance team members work at least three days per week, up to five, perform intermediate manual work, and operate light equipment in the maintenance of city parks, and streets and utilities. They also have related duties as apparent or assigned. Learn more and apply at cityofardenhills.org/425/Employment-Opportunities. 8 • Arden Hills Notes • April 2024 Inside Arden Hills, MN . 55112-5734 ECR-WSS PRST STD U.S. Postage Paid TWIN CITIES, MN Permit #1710 2023 Public Safety Data Fair Housing Month 2024 City Construction Inflow and Infiltration (I/I) Grant Program 2024 Property Tax Info Parks & Recreation Postal Customer Welcome Matthew Brisson The City recently welcomed Matthew Brisson, the newest Public Works Maintenance Employee. With a knack for operating heavy machinery, Matthew brings with him a wealth of experience. Matthew’s journey into public service began at a young age when he enjoyed watching the plow trucks rumble through the snow-covered streets of West St. Paul. This early fascination sparked his desire to earn and use his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in a positive way, ultimately leading him to a career dedicated to serving the public. He attended Dakota County Technical College and Metropolitan State University before earning his equipment background/CDL from Associated Training Services (ATS) and local 49 Apprenticeship Program. With an impressive 17.5 years under his belt as a Highway Maintenance Operator for Hennepin County, Matthew’s expertise in maintaining roadways and operating specialized equipment is second to none. Matthew is a devoted family man who lives in Athens Township with his lovely wife, Vanessa. They have five children, three goats, 34 chickens, and one dog. Family is at the heart of everything he does, and you’ll often find him BBQing, enjoying the great outdoors, or nurturing his spiritual side. Mow Less May On April 8, the City Council voted to approve Mow Less May for Arden Hills’ residents and businesses. May is around the start of the growing season, and it’s a critical time for hungry, newly emerging native bees. Floral resources may be hard to find, especially in urban and suburban landscapes, so by allowing lawns to grow longer, and not applying pesticides to flowering plants to your lawn, you can provide nectar and pollen to help your bee neighbors thrive. Mowing less is just one thing we can do to protect pollinators. Mow Less May is optional, and no registration is required. City Code enforcement regarding long grass will temporarily be suspended for the program, which will run from May 1 through May 31. Participants are expected to have their properties back into compliance by June 9. Code enforcement will start taking action on any properties not in compliance after June 9.