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Home My WebLink About07 July 2024 Arden Hills Notescityofardenhills.org • July 2024 • 1 The Official City Newsletter for Arden Hills Residents July 2024 Night to Unite on Tuesday, August 6 Night to Unite is on August 6, from 5 to 9 p.m. This annual statewide event is designed to forge and strengthen bonds between citizens, businesses, and public safety agencies such as the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO). To learn more, visit City’s homepage at cityofardenhills.org and click on the Night to Unite News Flash. You can also contact the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention Unit at 651- 266-7339 or crimeprevention@co.ramsey.mn.us. Street barricades are available for neighborhood events through City Hall. To request barricades, please complete a miscellaneous permit application online at cityofardenhills. org/FormCenter/General-Forms-3/ Miscellaneous-Permit-Application-58. There is no fee for the permit. The deadline to reserve barricades is Thursday, July 25. You can also contact City Hall at 651-792-7800 for more information. The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office also collects school supplies as part of Night to Unite. If you’d like to contribute, drop school supplies at the Sheriff’s Office on Paul Kirkwold Drive or City Hall through Friday, August 2. The Arden Hills/Shoreview Rotary is hosting a fun evening of beer, wine, and food sampling, music, games, a silent auction, and a raffle! This is a fundraiser event that has a positive impact on the lives of thousands locally and internationally. Taste of Hops & Vines is on Thursday, August 8, from 5-8 p.m. at Snail Lake Park in Shoreview. This is a 21+ ticketed event. Each ticket gets you entry plus unlimited beer, wine, and food samples. Find more information and get tickets at tasteofthehops.com. Ribfest Returns on Saturday, September 21 Celebrate Service at the Yellow Ribbon Ribfest in Arden Hills Get ready for a fantastic day of fun and flavor at the second annual Yellow Ribbon Ribfest on Saturday, September 21, 2024. The gates open at noon, with a Career Fair kicking off the festivities. Held at the National Guard Readiness Center at 4800 Hamline Ave N. in Arden Hills, this event offers free entry and entertainment for all ages! Food and beverage tickets will be available for purchase on-site. Proceeds raised will support The MN Building Trades Beyond the Yellow Ribbon’s mission of aiding service members, veterans, and their families across Minnesota. Enjoy live music, a kids’ zone, military displays, flyovers, and a mouth-watering rib competition starting at 2:30 p.m. Learn more at yellowribbonribfest.org. Calling All Sponsors & Volunteers Businesses and organizations are invited to become sponsors for this community-centric event. Sponsorship provides an excellent opportunity to gain visibility and show support for our veterans and service members. Continue reading on pg. 4 Service Directory City Hall 1245 West Highway 96 Arden Hills, MN 55112 cityofardenhills.org 651-792-7800 Summer Office Hours Monday–Thursday: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday: 7:30 to 11:30 a.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 Newsletter 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 • July 2024 City News Arden Hills Receives Finance-Related Awards For the 17th consecutive year, the City of Arden Hills has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). This program recognizes government agencies that demonstrate a spirit of transparency and full disclosure in their ACFRs, encouraging staff to go above and beyond the minimum requirements of generally accepted accounting principles. The City has also earned the Popular Annual Financial Reporting (PAFR) Award. This program encourages governments to extract information from their ACFR and produce a report that is readily accessible and easily understandable to the general public. Congratulations to Finance Director Joua Yang and the finance team on this achievement! We appreciate their continued hard work and commitment to Arden Hills. State Fair Parking The Minnesota State Fair is from August 22 to September 2, 2024. Parking restrictions are dependent upon the State Fair determining the locations of the Park and Ride lots. Keep an eye out in your neighborhood for “no parking” signage closer to the time of the event. Violators may be ticketed or towed. Check the State Fair website at mnstatefair.org/transportation for up-to-date information. You can also take advantage of parking right here in Arden Hills. The following are the official State Fair park and ride locations in the city: • Catholic United Financial, 3499 Lexington Avenue N. • North Heights Lutheran Church, 1700 HWY 96 W. • Gathering Place Lutheran Ministries, 3245 New Brighton Road Street parking limitations are implemented to ensure that public safety and mail service providers can access all neighborhoods. No-parking rules will begin on August 22 and last until the final day of the State Fair on September 2. If you encounter any issues, please contact the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office by dialing 9-1-1. Fall Clean Up Day The annual Fall Cleanup Day will be held on Saturday, October 5 at Recycling Technologies 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 will be available in the next newsletter. cityofardenhills.org • July 2024 • 3 City Council Benchmarks June 10, 2024 City Council Meeting All votes 5-0 unless otherwise noted. • Approved Claims and Payroll • Approved Ordinance 2024-004 Amending Chapter 2, Section 220, Subsections 220.04 and 220.05 of the Arden Hills City Code (Youth Commissioners and Committee Members) (motion passed 4-1, Rousseau opposed) • Approved Agreement for Legal Services with LeVander, Gillen & Miller P.A. • Approved Resolution 2024-030 Appointing Katie Stromberg as Planning Commission Alternate • Approved Payment No. 1 – S.M. Hentges & Sons, Inc. – 2024 PMP Street and Utility Improvements Project ($2,842,791.05) • Approved 2024 Sanitary Sewer Root Treatment Contract ($13,420.12) June 24, 2024 City Council Meeting All votes 5-0 unless otherwise noted. • Approved Claims and Payroll • Approved Personnel Policy Amendment – Safety Footwear Reimbursement • Approved Resolution 2024- 032 Accepting a Donation from the Arden Hills Foundation ($4,982.55) • Approved Resolution 2024-033 regarding a Clean Water Fund Grant with the Met Council ($2,000) • Approved Resolution 2024-034 Charitable Gambling License Renewals for Chops, Inc. and Spring Lake Park Lions • Approved Ordinance 2024-005 Amending Chapter 9, Building Regulations – Adopting the Minnesota State Building Code in Perpetuity and Authorizing Publication of Summary Ordinance • Approved Resolution 2024-035 for a Variance at 1784 Gramsie Road – Planning Case 24-010 • Approved Recruitment for Deputy Clerk • Approved Professional Services Agreement Amendment with Bolton & Menk – 2025 Arden Oaks Park and Freeway Park Improvements Project ($92,005 YTD, remaining TBD) • Approved Resolution 2024- 031 Adopting and Confirming Quarterly Special Assessments for Delinquent Utilities • Planning Case 24 -011 Amending Chapter 13, Section 1325.07 Subd. 6.A. o Ordinance 2024-006 Amending Chapter 13, Section 1325.07 Subd. 6.A. – Location of Buildings Housing Farm Animals, Bees o Publication of Summary Ordinance 2024-006 • Approved Resolution 2024-036 – Planning Case 24-012 – Site Plan Review for 4061 Lexington Avenue North, Primrose School For a complete listing of recent City Council actions, visit cityofardenhills.org and click on “View Agendas and Minutes.” August 13 State Primary Election Absentee/Early Voting Absentee voting for the August 13 State Primary Election is underway. Voters are asked to cast their vote for US Senator and District 4 US Representative. Please note you must apply for an absentee ballot and can then cast your vote by mail or in person at the Ramsey County Elections (RCE) office at 90 Plato Blvd W # 160, St Paul. Early/direct ballot voting begins on Friday, July 26, and ends on August 12. During that time, you can vote in person and place your ballot directly in the voting machine at the Roseville or Shoreview Ramsey County Libraries or at the RCE Office in St. Paul. Find more information at ramseycounty.us/residents/elections-voting. Filing for a City Council Seat for the November 5 General Election Arden Hills will have two City Councilmember seats on the ballot for the November 5 General Election. The seats are four-year terms running 2025-2028. Candidate filing packets can be obtained online from the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State at www.sos.state.mn.us/election-administration-campaigns/become-a- candidate/campaign-filing-packet or Ramsey County Elections at ramseycounty.us/residents/elections-voting. Paper packets can be picked up at City Hall starting in mid-July. The filing period will run from Tuesday, July 30, through August 13. The fee is $2.00. Candidate profiles will be featured in the August/ September newsletter. Election Information Water Efficiency Rebate Program The City of Arden Hills is offering rebates to residents for replacements or upgrades to their toilets, irrigation controllers, dishwashers, and washing machines. Installing more efficient appliances and toilets helps lower the water demand for all residents and businesses, thereby reducing the City’s overall water treatment cost and the maintenance of water mains. This rebate program is made possible by a grant from the Metropolitan Council Environmental Services through funding from the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment. Rebates to residents up to $200 will be offered on qualified purchases. Funding is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis on submitted and completed applications. The rebate program has been allocated $10,000 and will close once that amount has been exhausted. Eligibility Eligible items must be WaterSense or EnergyStar certified. Verify certification on the EPA WaterSense website and confirm the logo is visible on the packaging. Eligible purchases include replacements or upgrades to toilets, irrigation controllers, clothes washing machine, and dishwashers. Rebates will be paid up to 75% of the pre-tax costs, not to exceed $200 per utility account and are available for device cost and installation only. Replacements must have been purchased after July 1, 2024. Owner labor charges are not applicable. New houses and new developments are not eligible for this program. Required Documents Some items are required when submitting your application, which must include the purchase date, make and model, pre-tax cost, and installation cost (if applicable—owner labor is ineligible). Also required is the WaterSense or EnergyStar documentation or labels from the products and, finally, a photo of the installed device. Apply for Rebate Find more information and complete the rebate application at cityofardenhills.org/1226/Residential-Water-Efficiency-Rebates, or complete a printed application and return it to City Hall, along with copies of the required documents listed above. The printed application is available at the webpage listed above or at City Hall. Contact City Hall at 651-792-7800 if you have questions. Community Picnic on August 15 The Shoreview/Arden Hills Lions Club, Arden Hills Parks & Recreation Department, and the Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee invite you to a community picnic on Thursday, August 15, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Cummings Park in Arden Hills. There will be yard games, free hot dogs, chips and drinks, and chances to win door prizes! Mark your calendars and stop in for a fun night connecting with fellow community members! The Shoreview/Arden Hills Lions are part of Lions International. They support local and international projects through service projects and fund-raising events. 100% of the money generated is donated back to the community-local non- profits, City improvements, and charitable causes in and around Shoreview and Arden Hills. Ribfest cont’d They also welcome volunteers to help make this event a success. From setting up to assisting with activities and ensuring everything runs smoothly, your contribution will make a significant difference. A hot dog or hamburger lunch will be provided to all volunteers. Join in for a day of community, celebration, and support for our heroes! Learn more about the event and sponsorships at yellowribbonribfest.org. 4 • Arden Hills Notes • July 2024 Political Sign Rules During Election Season During election season, it’s important to remember the rules and guidelines regarding displaying political signs in our community. Adhering to these regulations helps maintain a respectful and organized environment for all residents. Here are the key points to keep in mind: • Campaign signs should not interfere with regulatory signs and traffic control devices. • Signs cannot be placed in the Clear Vision Triangle, which extends 30 feet from the intersection corners in each direction. • Those seeking election must obtain permission from private property owners before placing signs. Failure to obtain permission may result in removal of the sign. • Signs are prohibited on property owned by the City, County, Federal Government, and school districts. • Signs within City right-of-way cannot be placed within five feet of the edge of the roadway pavement or curb. • The City of Arden Hills is not responsible for damage to signs placed in the right-of-way. • Signs placed in Ramsey County or State of Minnesota right-of-way are subject to Ramsey County and State of Minnesota consent and regulations. • Do not attach signs to public utility poles, trees, street signs, stoplights, or fences. • Signs must be removed within ten days of the General Election. If the City receives a complaint or finds a violation on City property or the right-of-way, the sign will be removed and stored at Arden Hills City Hall. Per state statute, candidates have ten days following an election to remove signs. If you have any questions, please call City Hall at 651-792-7800. We love food, which leaves us wondering why we let so much of it go to waste. In the U.S., about 40% of food is wasted somewhere along the supply chain, and much of that food waste happens at home. Most of the food we throw in the trash is leftovers or unspoiled food that could have been eaten, according to a recent waste study in Minneapolis. All that wasted food adds up to wasted money. The average family of four spends more than $2,500 on food that goes to waste every year. Take the Stop Food Waste Challenge to learn better strategies for buying food you’ll eat and eating the food you buy. About the Stop Food Waste Challenge The Stop Food Waste Challenge is a month-long effort starting August 1 to help you notice when you are wasting food, commit to actions that will most impact your household, connect you with helpful resources, and provide support and motivation along the way. Businesses, organizations, and community groups can also join the challenge as Stop Food Waste Challenge partners. The challenge runs during the month of August. Join the challenge now at stopfoodwaste.ecochallenge.org! Create Meals, Not Waste: Take the Stop Food Waste Challenge Bark & Rec Day on September 7 Bring your dog to the off-leash area and join the Arden Hills Parks and Recreation Department for the 8th Annual Bark & Rec Day on Saturday, September 7, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Perry Park. All ages and dogs are welcome, and the event is free to attend. Complimentary refreshments and snacks will be available. Doggie door prizes will be available for those who participate! cityofardenhills.org • July 2024 • 5 Inside this issue: Dividing Up Your Tax Dollar Organizational Chart General Fund Special Revenue Funds Long-Term Debt Internal Service Funds Capital Funds Enterprise Funds Cost of City Services Property Taxes & Homes Values Demographics For the year ended December 31, 2023 1245 W Hwy 96 Arden Hills, MN 55112 651-792-7800 cityofardenhills.org The City of Arden Hills is proud to present its Popular Annual Financial Report [PAFR]. The purpose of this report is to inform the community of the City’s financial activity in a sim- ple, easy-to-read format for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023. These highlights are based upon the City’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (Annual Report) which is a more inclusive, audited document. In order for Arden Hills to manage the community finances smoothly, it divides various activities into several different funds. • The General Fund accounts for revenues and expenditures that provide for basic operations of the City, i.e., administration, police & fire, street & park maintenance, recreation, community development and planning. • Special Revenue Funds account for ac- tivities restricted to specific purposes like economic development. • Debt Service Funds track revenues and expenses related to repayment of long term debt. • The Capital Funds collect revenues from special assessments, state and county aids and allots them toward construction or major capital expenses. • Enterprise Funds account for activities that operate as public enterprises which are paid for by user fees, i.e., water, recy- cling, sewer and surface water manage- ment. • Internal Service Funds account for the acquisition, operation, and maintenance of governmental facilities and services, which are entirely or predominately self- supported by user charges to other gov- ernmental funds. Ramsey County 47¢ City of Arden Hills 25¢ School District 19¢ Other Agencies 9¢ Dividing Up Your Property Tax Dollar Your tax dollar is divided up be- tween several governmental enti- ties. Arden Hills collects 25 cents of every tax dollar for City ser- vices. The remaining portions are divided among Ramsey County, the school district and other agen- cies. Department Organizational Chart City of Arden Hills, Minnesota Popular Annual Financial Report To The Community 6 6 7 8 8 8 9 9 9 10 11 6 • Arden Hills Notes • July 2024 City Departments Administration: This department provides the overall direction for the City as determined by the City Council. It is responsible for maintaining City records, issuing licenses, administering Council policies, and overseeing election procedures. Finance: This department conducts the financial affairs of the City of Arden Hills in accordance with the Govern-mental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) and the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Community Development: This department is responsible for ensuring that laws, ordinances, and zoning codes are enforced. It is also responsible for economic development within the City. Public Works: This department manages the City’s infrastructure as it relates to roadways, water, sewer, and surface water management. Parks & Recreation: This department is responsible for providing recreational activities in the City and main-taining the City’s parks and trails. General Fund The City’s General Fund is the largest fund and is also one of the most vital to the City’s operation. The General Fund is the primary fund that accounts for everyday general expenditures like street and park maintenance, public safety, and administrative services. Like most funds, the General Fund relies on the inflow of cash, shown as revenues, and subsequently the outflow, listed as expenditures. The City’s total General Fund expenditures for 2023 were $5,343,517 which was $247,653 (4.4%) under the final budget. Overall, General Fund expenditures increased by $140,505 (2.7%) from 2022. Public Safety costs increased $157,961 (6.2%) and Public Works costs decreased by $231,638 (25.3%). The chart below highlights the amount funded by each of the City’s functions. The primary revenue for the General Fund is property taxes. Intergovernmental revenues are items like state or county aids and grants. For year end 2023, the City’s revenue total was $5,354,155 which was a $47,719 (0.9%) increase from the previous year. Property taxes increased $133,998 due to increased property tax levy in the cur- rent year. Licenses & permits decreased 359,124 due to decreased building activity. Investment earnings increased 396,533 due to market value fluctuations. City of Arden Hills Popular Annual Financial Report 2021 2022 2023 Property Taxes $3,763,384 $3,829,079 $3,963,077 Special Assessments 4,514 0 0 Licenses/Permits 752,532 830,866 471,742 Intergovernmental 160,279 174,405 167,376 Charges for Services 459,638 476,574 342,339 Other 164,243 (4,488) 409,621 Total General Fund Revenues $5,304,590 $5,306,436 $5,345,155 2022 2023 2021 General Government $1,077,037 $1,235,704 $1,014,282 Public Safety 2,546,051 2,704,012 2,708,137 Public Works 914,148 682,510 618,236 Parks & Recreation 665,776 721,291 626,629 Total General Fund Expenditures $5,203,012 $5,343,517 $4,967,284 Revenues Expenditures The City’s total Net Position increased by 2,192,189 in 2023 over 2022, which indicates positive financial results. Net Position cityofardenhills.org • July 2024 • 7 Special Revenue Funds Special Revenue Funds are used to account for revenues derived from specific taxes or other ear- marked revenue sources. They are required by statute to finance par- ticular functions, activities, or governments. The City of Arden Hills has the following recurring Special Revenue Funds: • Cable TV accounts for revenue and expenditures related to ca- ble TV, internet and other forms of communication. Revenue for this fund comes primarily from cable owner franchise fees. • EDA Operations accounts for general administration activities that are not specific to any indi- vidual Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District, as well as activi- ties associated with the Eco- nomic Development Commission and Economic Development Au- thority. • EDA TIF Districts account for revenues derived from tax in- crements and expenditures for developer reimbursements and administrative expenses. The City had three districts at the end of 2023. The City also established an American Rescue Plan Act Fund to administer the ARPA funds and a Karth Lake Improvement District Fund to manage a pump replace- ment project. These are short- term funds. • Very Strong economy, with access to a broad and diverse metropolitan statistical area. • Very strong management, with strong financial polices and practices. • Very strong budgetary perfor- mance and liquidity. • Very strong debt and contin- gent liability position. • Strong institutional frame- work. Arden Hills received a “AAA” rat- ing from Standard and Poor’s Global on its 2018 bond issue. This is the highest possible rat- ing you can receive. A high bond rating translates into lower fu- ture borrowing costs. It shows that the City is able to meet its financial commitments and has the lowest risk of default. This rating is based on the City’s: Long Term Debt City of Arden Hills Popular Annual Financial Report The goal of the PAFR is to sup- plement—not replace—the An- nual Report. Similar to the Annual Report, information in the PAFR con- forms to Generally Accepted Ac- counting Principles (GAAP). For more detailed information and copies of the PAFR or Annual Report, visit the city’s website at www.cityofardenhills.org. Internal service funds are an accounting device used to accumulate and allocate costs internally among the City’s various functions. The City maintains internal ser- vice funds for risk manage- ment, engineering, central garage and technology. The combined totals for these funds are: Internal Service Funds 8 • Arden Hills Notes • July 2024 Residents receive a variety of City ser- vices at an affordable price. The cost of City services in 2023 for the owner of a single-family home in Arden Hills with an assessor’s market value of $443,550 was $87.88 per month. The checkbook shows how the monthly cost of property tax-supported services was divided among City departments. Permanent Improvement Revolving Fund: The Pavement Management Program (PMP) identifies, inventories, and tracks street conditions to ensure that maintenance is completed at the appropriate time. The results are prolonged pavement life and re- duced costs to property owners. The most recent projects occurred in 2022, which consisted of the Arden Oaks neighborhood and Snelling Avenue. Year end fund bal- ance was $5,605,205. Public Safety Projects: This fund accounts for the City’s share of capital equipment costs for police and fire. Year end fund balance was $801,046. Equipment/Building Maintenance & Repair: City equipment and buildings are monitored regularly and replaced/repaired when needed. Transfers are made from various funds to fund these expenditures. Year end fund balance was $383,682. Parks: This fund was established for park/trail acquisition, maintenance and develop- ment. Revenue for this fund comes from developer park dedication fees, contributions, state grants and investment interest. Year end fund balance was $197,648. Enterprise Funds City of Arden Hills Popular Annual Financial Report Capital Funds Check Register Description of Transaction Balance PPuubblliicc SSaaffeettyy $$ 3399..8844 GGeenneerraall GGoovveerrnnmmeenntt $$ 1188..2211 PPaarrkkss aanndd RReeccrreeaattiioonn $$ 1100..6633 PPuubblliicc WWoorrkkss $$ 1100..0066 CCaappiittaall //EEDDAA $$ 99..1144 About this Report The City of Arden Hills reports financial year- end results in the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (Annual Report). The Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) is an unaudited report that summarizes the most significant data from the Annual Report, and is consistent with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. For a complete review of the City’s financial position for 2023, consult the 2023 Annual Report available on the City’s website at www.cityofardenhills.org, or from the Finance Department at 651.792.7800. 87.88 January 1, 2023 Homeowner City Of Arden Hills Eighty seven dollars and 88/100—————— MONTHLY police, fire, street Homeowner YOUR BANK Cost of City Services The Enterprise Funds are run like a business in that they rely on fees and charges for revenue to cover expenses. These funds consist of utility services provided to the com- munity by the City such as water, sewer, surface water and recycling. A rate study was completed in 2018 and projected infrastructure improvements will require annual user rate increases for the foreseeable future. User rates are evaluated each year during the budget cycle. Based on an average usage of 4,800 gallons per month, the 2023 monthly cost of utili- ties for a home in Arden Hills was $93.64 (Arden Hills bills on a quarterly basis). Revenues Expenses Water 3,250,822 2,777,247 Sewer 2,557,486 1,990,808 Surface Water 999,356 747,556 Recycling 188,443 154,519 6,996,107 5,670,130 cityofardenhills.org • July 2024 • 9 2023 City Property Taxes per Household per Month In a 2023 comparison of twelve communities in Ramsey County, the average cost of services on a $443,550 homestead, in terms of property taxes, showed Arden Hills ranking as the lowest. A $443,550 homestead in Arden Hills paid $87.88 per month in property taxes to the City. City of Arden Hills Popular Annual Financial Report The median home value has increased from $346,900 in 2019 to $443,550 in 2023, a 27.9% increase. During that same period, the city tax on a median value home has increased from $871 to $1,048, a 20.3% increase. The city ’s tax capacity, which is the maximum amount of taxes that can be charged to the city, increased by $4,143,020 (29.2%) in 2023 compared to 2019, which contributed to the decrease in the city tax rate from 25.55% in 2019 to 23.63% in 2023, a 1.9% decrease. 10 • Arden Hills Notes • July 2024 3,115 Households City of Arden Hills Popular Annual Financial Report 9,706 Population BUILDING PERMITS 1,388 Permits Issued $12.0M Residential Valuations $14.3M Commercial Valuations Median Home Value—$443,550 $1,891—median gross rent Median Age—36.1 Persons per Household—2.62 Arden Hills cityofardenhills.org • July 2024 • 11 Inside Arden Hills, MN . 55112-5734 ECR-WSS PRST STD U.S. Postage Paid TWIN CITIES, MN Permit #1710 Ribfest Fall Clean Up Day Election Information Water Efficiency Rebate Program Political Signs Stop Food Waste Challenge Popular Annual Financial Report Postal Customer Welcome Joua Yang, Finance Director Joua Yang, the City’s new Finance Director, is a Midwesterner with roots in Wisconsin and Minnesota. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a B.B.A. in Accounting and Finance. From a young age, she has been drawn to numbers and record- keeping. Her professional journey began in the private sector, where she spent over a decade working for well-known companies such as Ecolab, Zep, Medtronic, and United Healthcare. Joua then decided she wanted to move into a role that would provide her with a greater purpose. This led her to government finance. She felt she could use her private sector experiences to contribute to local municipalities and their community’s vision and mission. Previously, Joua served as the Finance & Administrative Manager at Ramsey County Parks & Recreation for two years, followed by a two-year stint as the Deputy Director of Accounting & Finance at Washington County. Joua appreciates the warm welcome she has received from the Arden Hills community. She notes that she is “particularly impressed by the dedication of the staff, who are committed to delivering exceptional customer service both to the residents of Arden Hills and within their workplace.” This warm reception has made her feel a part of the community, and she is eager to contribute to its growth and development. Outside of work, Joua stays active with her husband and three energetic children. In the warmer months, you’ll find them exploring scenic trails on their mountain bikes while winter transforms them into avid snowboarders. Recently, they have also embraced the challenge of indoor wall climbing! Parks & Recreation Fall Guide Check out all of the City’s fun fall activities in our Fall Activities Guide set to release mid to end of July. Programs include youth soccer, adult sports, school release day programs, youth basketball camps, dance classes, music classes, sports samplers, yoga and more! Visit cityofardenhills.org/180/Parks-Recreation for more information and to register for programs. 12 • Arden Hills Notes • July 2024