HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-13-24-R '!Tt
ARPE_N HILLS
Approved: May 28, 2024
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MAY 13,2024
7:00 P.M. -ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor David Grant called to order the regular City
Council meeting at 7:00 p.m.
Present: Mayor David Grant, Councilmembers Tom Fabel, Brenda Holden, Tena
Monson and Emily Rousseau
Absent: None
Also present: City Administrator Dave Perrault; Public Works Director/City Engineer
David Swearingen; Community Development Director Jessica Jagoe; Finance Director
Joua Yang; and Assistant to the City Administrator/City Clerk Julie Hanson
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Mayor Grant requested Item 8C - Motion to Authorize the Execution of a Separation
Agreement,be added to the Consent Agenda.
MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Monson seconded a
motion to approve the meeting agenda as amended. The motion carried (5-0).
2. TCAAP/RICE CREEK COMMONS UPDATE
City Administrator Perrault stated the Joint Development Authority has not met since the last
Council meeting, the May meeting of the JDA was cancelled. The parties are still waiting on
further information from the legislature on any potential State funding for RCC, the legislature is
due to adjourn this week. The energy committee did meet since the last Council meeting, and they
provided an update on their work. They have been creating a Greenhouse Gas Emission model
and are working on recommendations to reduce the site's carbon emissions. Interestingly, the
largest carbon emissions come from using natural gas for heating related purposes. The consultant
also noted the group may want to consider certain certifications, such as, LEED for communities.
Lastly, the County and City Staff and consultants will likely be meeting next week to discuss any
relevant updates.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—MAY 13, 2024 2
Councilmember Holden asked if the PFAS study had been completed on TCAAP.
City Administrator Perrault stated this was not completed. It was his understanding a
preliminary evaluation was completed in 2023. He indicated the PFAS study would be completed
by the Army.
Councilmember Holden explained in the 2015 AUAR, a traffic model was referenced. She
questioned if staff had any information on this traffic model.
City Administrator Perrault indicated the Met`Couricil's comment on the 2015 AUAR was
based on the generation of the traffic manual that was used. The Met Council advised that the
manual from 2014/2015 was for smaller projects. He explained the recommended traffic manual
for larger projects was used for the updated AUAR.
Councilmember Holden reported it was her understanding the Memorandum of Understanding
for the parks had not expired. She inquired how greenspace within the development would be
addressed given the project was now more dense. She asked if the City would be getting a public
works building or a civic area. She stated she was in favor of the City Council beginning to
discuss these matters.
City Administrator Perrault explained because this project was so large, it was being diced up
or put into phases for negotiations. He reported at this time the focus was on the horizontal
infrastructure and then the development agreement would be advanced in other areas.
3. PUBLIC INQUIRIESANFORMATIONAL
Donna Wiemann, 1406 Arden View Drive, stated in all likelihood there would be a big box retail
store within the Rice Creek Commons development. She understood a Councilmember spoke
with Costco and thinks very highly of this employer. She indicated a single.Costco store generates
one million car trips per year. She did not understand why the Ramsey County traffic study did
not include a big box retailer. In addition, she understood the Council would be looking at a draft
AUAR that does not include a big box retailer. She asked that the City Councilmembers who
serve on the JDA to ask the County to update their traffic study to include an additional one
million cars per year, and if this was not done by the County, she wanted to better understand
why.
Ed Dickinson, 3188 Asbury Avenue, stated he understood residents were to address the City
Council respectfully. He commented on how there was absence of respectful and useful
communication from some City Councilmembers and how this holds back the achievement of the
City Council. He noted he watched the April 22 City Council meeting on the webcast. He
indicated he was struck by the negative comments from Councilmember Holden and Mayor
Grant, as well as comments that were directed at staff that were not respectful or helpful. He
reported he respected Mayor Grant and Councilmember Holden's desire for due diligence on
behalf of the interests of Arden Hills residents, but what will best serve the interests of the City
would be a successful development of the TCAAP project. He stated this would be the most
significant project the City has ever taken on. He reviewed comments of concern that were made
by Councilmember Holden. He encouraged Mayor Grant to lead the Council positively and to not
summarize discussions negatively. He anticipated this project, like any other large project, will
present complex issues and tasks. He believed the City needed all of its Councilmembers focused
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—MAY 13, 2024 3
on those issues and tasks, not finding faults. He stated it will take more than a majority of the City
Council to make this project happen, rather it will take all five members of the Arden Hills City
Council.
Gregg Larson, 3377 North Snelling Avenue, explained he has missed some recent Council
meetings and worksessions, but was able to watch the videos last week. Like the previous
speaker, he was dismayed by what he saw during these meetings. He reported that at the April 15
worksession, Councilmember Holden directed sarcastic and critical comments at the City
Administrator and the Public Works Director. He noted these comments were demeaning and
should have been addressed outside of the Council Chambers or in a closed meeting. He stated
City Council meetings were not an appropriate venue for those types of comments. He reported at
the April 22 City Council meeting, Councilmember Holden incorrectly accused City staff of
preparing written comments on housing legislation. He explained had Councilmember Holden
spoken to staff prior to the meeting, she would have learned no written position was
communicated to legislators by staff. However, he feared Councilmember Holden preferred
misleading public attacks to productive consultation. He noted these were recent examples of a
long history of Councilmember Holden's interactions with others, including current and previous
City Councilmembers, staff members, Ramsey County Commissioners and staff, NYFS members
and staff and City contractors. He indicated he has been following City government for a long
time and he has seen this happen over and over again. He was of the opinion the Mayor was
incapable of presiding over a meeting that discourages such behavior. He explained Arden Hills
was a statutory weak mayor/council city. He reported the Mayor has few duties, except presiding
over City meetings. This meant the Mayor was to preserve order and decorum. He expressed
frustration with the fact the Mayor had not ruled comments made by Councilmember Holden out
of order. He stated the worst failure occurred at a January City Council meeting when Zoom
commenters used extremely offensive language during the Public Inquiries portion of the
meeting.
Mayor Grant stated Mr. Larson has gone beyond disrespectful.
Mr. Larson explained he was speaking directly to the Mayor's performance. He indicated he was
reading directly from City Code.
Councilmember Holden reported when people called with racist comments, it didn't happen
how Mr. Larson was implying.
Mr. Larson stated the Mayor failed to cut them off.
Mayor Grant reported he did cut them off.
Mr. Larson was of the opinion the Mayor waited too long to cut the speakers off. He explained
he previously referred the Mayor to the League of Minnesota Cities Mayor's Handbook which
includes useful information on meeting management, traits of successful mayors, inspirational
leadership, successful team building and good relationships with Council and staff. He wants to
see Mayor Grant succeed, but he has not seen any sign that the Mayor has taken the handbook's
advice to heart. He encouraged the Mayor to take advantage of this resource.
4. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC INQUIRIES
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—MAY 13, 2024 4
None.
5. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS
A. Proclamation Recognizing May 12-18 as National Police Week
Mayor Grant read a proclamation in full for the record declaring May 12-18, 2024 as National
Police Week in the City of Arden Hills.
MOTION: Mayor Grant moved and Councilmember Monson seconded a motion to
approve the Proclamation recognizing May 12-18, 2024 as National Police
Week. The motion carried (5-0).
B. Proclamation Recognizing May 19-25 as National Public Works Week
Mayor Grant read a proclamation in full for the record declaring May 19-25, 2024 as National
Public Works Week in the City of Arden Hills.
MOTION: Mayor Grant moved and Councilmember Monson seconded a motion to
approve the Proclamation recognizing May 19-25, 2024 as National Public
Works Week. The motion carried (5-0).
6. STAFF COMMENTS
A. Transportation Update
Public Works Director Swearingen reported there was congestion on James Avenue and
Colleen Avenue, which was due to the City's water main replacement as part of the 2024 Street
Improvement Project.
7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. April 15, 2024, Special City Council Work Session
B. April 22, 2024, City Council Work Session
C. April 22, 2024, Regular City Council
MOTION: Councilmember Monson moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a
motion to approve the April 15, 2024, Special City Council Worksession
meeting minutes as amended, the April 22, 2024, City Council Work Session
meeting minutes as amended; and the April 22, 2024, Regular City Council
meeting minutes as amended. The motion carried (5-0).
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Motion to Approve Consent Agenda Item - Claims and Payroll
B. Motion To Approve Resolution 2024-027 Accepting Donation From The Spring
Lake Park Lions Club
C. Motion to Authorize the Execution of a Separation Agreement
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—MAY 13, 2024 5
MOTION: Councilmember Monson moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a
motion to approve the Consent Calendar as presented and to authorize
execution of all necessary documents contained therein. The motion carried
(5_0).
9. PULLED CONSENT ITEMS
None.
10. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Special Assessment Hearing — 1570 McClung Drive — 2024 PMP Street And
Utility Improvements Project
Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen stated on February 12, 2024, the City
Council adopted Resolution 2024-008 Approving the Plans and Specifications and Ordering the
Advertisement for Bids for the 2024 PMP Street & Utility Improvement Project. Bids were
solicited and opened on March 6, 2024. A portion of the costs for the 2024 PMP Street & Utility
Improvement Project are proposed to be assessed against the benefitting properties, according to
the City's Assessment Policy. In order to assess these costs, the City must follow the process
outlined in State Statute 429. On March 11, 2024, after the bids were opened, the City Council
adopted Resolution 2024-012 Declaring Costs to be Assessed and the Assessment Hearing was
held on April 8, 2024.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen reported the Assessment Roll related to
Resolution 2024-012 was then amended to remove the property at 1570 McClung Drive. City
staff was notified of an error with the property owner information from the Ramsey County
recorder's office. Per advice from the City Attorney, the assessment process must be redone for
the actual property owner. On April 8, 2024 City Council adopted Resolution 2024-023 Declaring
Costs to be Assessed and Ordering the Preparation of the Proposed Assessments and Calling for a
Public Hearing on the Proposed Assessments for the 2024 PMP Street & Utility Improvement
Project related to 1570 McClung Dr. A public hearing prior to adopting the assessments is a
requirement of State Statute 429.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen explained the project is proposed to be
assessed consistent with the City's Assessment Policy and past practices, which states that 50% of
the costs for roadway improvements will be assessed in residential areas, with the remaining
portion financed by City funds. Financing for the project is consistent with City policy and past
practice and is summarized below. The current assessment policy states that the typical overhead
rate for a public improvement project is 37% of the construction costs. Staff believes this
percentage is higher than necessary and recommends that approximately 27% of the construction
costs be used as overhead when calculating the assessment rates. Staff has made this
recommendation on the past PMPs since 2021 and was applied to the 2024 PMP assessments on
April 8, 2024.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen stated also, the Council must establish the
interest rate at tonight's Council Meeting. He noted the assessment rate had been set at 4.75% at
the April 8, 2024 meeting.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—MAY 13, 2024 6
Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 7:28 p.m.
With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 7:29 p.m.
11. NEW BUSINESS
A. Resolution 2024-025 Adopting Special Assessment Roll For The 2024 PMP
Street And Utility Improvements Project— 1570 McClung Drive
Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen stated this item was presented under Agenda
Item 10A. Staff requested the Council adopt the Assessment Roll for the 2024 PMP Street and
Utility Improvement Project related to 1570 McClung Drive at the 4.75% interest rate.
MOTION: Councilmember Monson moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a
motion to adopt Resolution #2024-025 — Adopting Assessment Roll for the
2024 PMP Street & Utility Improvement Project related to 1570 McClung
Drive at the 4.75% interest rate. The motion carried (5-0).
B. Resolution 2024-026 Declaring Costs To Be Assessed And Ordering The
Preparation Of The Proposed Assessments And Calling For A Public Hearing
On Proposed Assessments For 1370 Colleen Avenue — 2024 PMP Street And
Utility Improvements Project
Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen stated on February 12, 2024, the City
Council adopted Resolution 2024-008 Approving the Plans and Specifications and Ordering the
Advertisement for Bids for the 2024 PMP Street & Utility Improvement Project. Bids were
solicited and opened on March 6, 2024. A portion of the costs for the 2024 PMP Street & Utility
Improvement Project are proposed to be assessed against the benefitting properties according to
the City's Assessment Policy. In order to assess these costs, the City must follow the process
outlined in State Statute 429. On March 11, 2024, after the bids were opened, the City Council
adopted Resolution 2024-012 Declaring Costs to be Assessed and the Assessment Hearing was
held on April 8, 2024.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen explained the Assessment Roll related to
Resolution 2024-012 was then amended to remove the property at 1370 Colleen Avenue. City
staff and Council received an objection of the proposed assessment amount from the property
owner and Council gave direction to review the objection at a later meeting, which is the intention
of this public hearing on May 13, 2024. The project is proposed to be assessed consistent with the
City's Assessment Policy, which states that 50% of the costs for roadway improvements will be
assessed in residential areas, with the remaining portion financed by City funds. The assessment
rate shall be computed on a per-lot unit basis, with a lot being defined as a platted single-family
residential lot or equivalent, which, according to the current Arden Hills Municipal Code cannot
be further subdivided for R-1 and R-2 residential use.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen explained the 1370 Colleen Avenue
property consists of 2 lots as platted, per the assessment policy, this property is proposed to
receive 2 assessment units. Ultimately, the residential equivalent assessment rate shall" be
determined by the City Council. The 1370 Colleen Avenue property assessment relates to the
Full-Depth Reclamation (FDR) rate. FDR consists of grinding the existing pavement, shaping the
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—MAY 13, 2024 7
generated aggregate material to raise the center crown to improve pavement drainage and
repaving the roadway with 4-inches of bituminous pavement.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen explained Council should discuss the
assessment objection from the 1370 Colleen Avenue property owner and choose to approve the
assessment amount as it is proposed, or the City Council may choose to approve a different
assessment amount.
Councilmember Rousseau questioned how many other properties in Arden Hills might have a
similar issue as this property.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen stated he did not have an exact number for
the Council,but he did provide Council with information on when this occurred in the past.
Councilmember Monson indicated this landowner appealed the assessment policy back in 1997
and has not been assessed since.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen indicated this was the case.
Councilmember Monson reported in 1997 the City assessed per street frontage.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen stated he did not have the City's specific
assessment policy from 1997. He noted the current policy was adopted in 2004.
Councilmember Monson indicated this property was subdivided, platted and asked for
confirmation that the property is buildable.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen stated he was of the opinion the property
was buildable. He commented there was a property just to the east of this property with similar
setbacks and this lot has a home on it.
Councilmember Monson inquired if the full assessment amount was cut back in 1997.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen reported the assessment amount was
reduced by half.
Councilmember Monson commented if the Council were to waive the assessment again, the
property would have not paid for an assessment for the second lot.
Councilmember Holden asked when the property was subdivided.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen explained the property is not subdivided,but
rather it is a platted lot.
Councilmember Holden questioned if this address was to be viewed as two properties.
Community Development Director Jagoe indicated this property was originally platted with the
Briarknoll plat in 1978. She stated at that time it was an individual lot of record. The property
owner purchased the lots and combined them with Ramsey County.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—MAY 13 2024 8
Councilmember Holden stated this occurred on Katie Lane and one of the options that was
provided to the homeowner was the option to combine the two lots into one. However, she
understood this particular lot was buildable.
Mayor Grant indicated the assessment policy in 1997 would have been per linear foot and in
2004 the current assessment policy was approved, which was per lot. He stated this meant the
Council had to determine if this property was one lot or two.
Councilmember Holden asked if the property owner could be charged an assessment if they
chose to subdivide the lot within a set period of time.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen explained in 2009 the City approved a
deferred assessment for one lot for 30 years or if triggered by a subdivision.
Councilmember Monson explained she was confused as to why this property would be charged
two assessments when it was one parcel. She questioned if the assessment could be triggered by
the sale of the lot. She asked to clarify why is the lot being charged two assessments when it is
one parcel
Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen confirmed it could be triggered by the sale
of the parcel and stated the policy considered how the property is platted and the second lot was
platted as a buildable lot
Councilmember Rousseau indicated there was a property on Keithson Avenue that has the same
issue,but they have not requested an appeal.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen agreed this was the case, noting the property
on Keithson Avenue would be assessed for both lots because they did not make an appeal.
Councilmember Rousseau questioned if a 50% break should be provided to the property on
Keithson Avenue.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen stated he would have to speak with the City
Attorney, but he believed because the City did not receive an appeal, the assessment would move
forward.
Councilmember Holden reported residents were given an ample amount of time to call or write
to the City and make an appeal.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen indicated this was the case, stating the 429
process was very strict.
Mayor Grant stated he did not have a problem with a deferred assessment for the property at
1370 Colleen Avenue. He reported if the landowner were to subdivide the property in 10 years,
then they would be charged an assessment, but if it remains one lot, no additional assessment
would be charged.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—MAY 13, 2024 9
Councilmember Monson indicated she was not convinced either way on how to proceed with
this matter. She understood this was only one parcel, but the lot could be subdivided and would
have a second buildable lot.
Councilmember Holden stated the reason the Council reviewed these requests individually was
because each request was unique. She explained her preference would be to defer the assessment
until the property subdivided.
Councilmember Monson noted her agreement with the Mayor on a deferral for 10 years, and
clarified it would be triggered when subdivided not sold.
City Administrator Perrault noted the deferred assessment can be triggered at sale or
subdivision, it is Council's preference.
Councilmember Holden noted her preference was for subdivision not sale for the assessment.
Councilmember Rousseau commented her preference would be to defer the assessment until
there was a sale or subdivision.
Councilmember Holden recommended the deferral be longer than 10 years given the fact the
road would last longer than 20 years.
Councilmember Monson stated her preference would be deferring the assessment for 20 years
on the second lot, which was for$6,045 or until the property owner subdivided or sold the lot.
MOTION: Councilmember Monson moved and Councilmember Rousseau seconded a
motion to adopt Resolution 2024-026, Declaring Costs to be Assessed for the
Property at 1370 Colleen Avenue deferring the assessment for the second lot
for 20 years or until the property is sold or subdivided with the remaining
REU being charged to the property. The motion carried 4-1 (Councilmember
Holden opposed).
MOTION: Councilmember Monson moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a
motion to adopt Resolution 2024-026, Ordering the Preparation of the
Proposed Assessments and Calling for a Public Hearing on the Proposed
Assessments for 1370 Colleen Avenue related to the 2024 PMP Street &
Utility Improvement Project. The motion carried (5-0).
12. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Rousseau explained besides the speakers at this meeting, she had several
residents reach out to her as well, sharing their disappointment with the actions of one
Councilmember and that this behavior may be setting the City up for litigation. She asked that the
Mayor maintain civility so all residents and staff can feel safe at City meetings.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—MAY 13 2024 10
Councilmember Rousseau commented she feared the City has not made appropriate
accommodations for Councilmember Fabel. She was concerned the City may be violating the
American with Disabilities Act b not making appropriate accommodations. She understood
Y g
Councilmember Fabel has spoken to the Mayor in the past regarding the challenges he has
hearing at public meetings. She asked that the City Council work to address these concerns so
Councilmember Fabel can actively participate in the meetings.
Councilmember Rousseau thanked the Public Works Department for keeping the City running.
She suggested the great efforts of the Public Works Department be highlighted in an upcoming
City newsletter.
Councilmember Rousseau stated the EDC met with Ling Becker from Ramsey County
Workforce Solution at their last meeting.
Councilmember Rousseau explained the two members from the Rotary Club were interested in
partnering with the PTRC.
Councilmember Rousseau indicated the Valentine Hills annual carnival would be held this
Friday.
Councilmember Rousseau thanked the Spring Lake Park Lions Club for their donation of
$15,000 which would be used for parks and recreation. She asked that the City send a formal
thank you to this organization.
Mayor Grant suggested staff write a formal thank you note that could be signed by the City
Council at their next meeting.
Councilmember Fabel discussed the franchise fee topic that was before the City Council. He
was of the opinion the topic of a franchise fee was poorly misunderstood by residents. He
commented on the large expenditures the City had upcoming which included a fire department,
trails, and the replacement of public works equipment. He indicated the City needed to collect
more revenue than would normally be coming into the City. He stated the difficulty with this was
that franchise fees were collected by utility companies and residents may think this has to do with
the receipt of gas or other utilities, but rather it was a tax that gets collected and passed along to
the City. He indicated his problem with the concept was that it was not well understood and he
was concerned with the fact this was a regressive tax that charged a flat fee to every resident. He
encouraged residents to speak to City Councilmembers regarding franchise fees in order to learn
more.
Councilmember Holden reported she attended the PMP meeting and stated there was great
attendance at this event.
Councilmember Holden explained the store that is not named, will now be a data center.
Councilmember Holden indicated a local business recently reached out to her and she learned
this business creates the dry mix for the McDonald's hamburgers as well as products for Caribou
Coffee, to name a couple.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—MAY 13, 2024 11
Councilmember Holden reported she received calls from residents regarding graffiti that was
spraypainted on a resident's garage door. She understood the graffiti was more serious in nature
and would be investigated by the Sheriff's Department.
Councilmember Holden stated she was hoping to understand where the County was with Lake
Johanna. She wanted to ensure residents were safe this summer and she asked that staff reach out
to the County for the status.
Councilmember Holden commented she received grief from her neighbors for not knowing the
City had a new park. She explained only the Council liaison sees the newsletter before it is
printed. She clarified for the record that the new park was actually Triangle Park and it had been
renamed South View Park.
Councilmember Holden reported she was able to pull garlic mustard in Hazelnut Park.
Councilmember Holden stated in the last several months new policies have been created and a
lot of them have not been voted on, but rather they were discussed. She requested these policies
be brought forward for a Council vote.
Councilmember Holden questioned how Shoreview would be paying for their fire station.
Councilmember Monson indicated Shoreview would be bonding for the fire station.
Councilmember Holden stated during public comment there was a reference to House File 4010.
She explained during the April 8 City Council meeting she asked that the Council discuss House
File 4010 in order to come up with a position and at that time she was told there was a casual
conversation and was not told about any documents that were created. After the April 8 meeting,
she found out a document was sent to the author of the bill in March with the City's workup and
analysis. She reported the Council used to receive information at the same time and stated it
would have been nice to have been supplied with this information.
Councilmember Holden stated the City Administrator provided the Council with a summary
document from the JDA meetings in previous years. She said that document was informative, but
now in order to learn more, she needs to ask questions. She noted she would continue to ask
questions at the dais.
Councilmember Holden stated Planning Chair Vijums was asked to step down for overstepping
on the TCAAP discussion. She questioned if action should be taken against another Planning
Commissioner for bringing forward his thoughts on what he wanted to see done in the
community. She was of the opinion the Planning Commissioners were not to bring forward a
political platform or personal agendas at their meetings. She asked how the Council was going to
address this matter because it was very similar to Planning Chair Vijums actions.
Councilmember Monson asked what policies the Council should be voting on.
Councilmember Holden stated the communication policy has been discussed, along with the
agenda policy. She indicated she wanted these policies to be made available to the public.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—MAY 13, 2024 12
Councilmember Monson commented these matters were discussed at a meeting and the
information was available to the public.
Councilmember Monson reported she supported Councilmember Fabel sitting somewhere else if
this helped him to hear better and participate fully in public meetings.
Councilmember Monson indicated the Ramsey County League of Local Government Climate
Action Work Group was focusing on funding for winterization of manufactured homes as well as
how to get a regional climate action plan. She noted she would provide the Council with updates
as these items progress.
Councilmember Monson explained the fire board submitted a request for $8 million to Congress
for additional federal funding for the fire station.
Mayor Grant stated it appears the no name grocery store will have another use as a data center.
He indicated he received calls from residents because the lights were on and there were cars in the
parking lot.
Mayor Grant thanked Finance Director Yang for her work on the franchise fees.
Mayor Grant stated at the last meeting he asked about the TCAAP MOU's. He understood not
all were going forward. He commented he would continue to ask questions about TCAAP
because he wanted to be informed as a member of the City Council and as the Mayor of the City.
He indicated he was rather surprised that some of the MOU's were not going forward. He
explained he would not apologize for asking questions about TCAAP.
Mayor Grant indicated Councilmember Holden wanted to bring forward some recently
discussed policies for a vote: He explained the only way for policies to be put into effect was for a
vote to be taken by the Council. He stated he supported Councilmember Holden's request to have
policies voted on.
Mayor Grant thanked Max Arvidson in the Public Works Department for the work he did on
James Avenue on Friday.
ADJOURN
MOTION: Mayor Grant moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to
adiourn. The motion carried (5-0).
Mayor Grant adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 8:22 p.m.
Nb dJ
Ju i anson David Grant
Cit#Xlerk Mayor