HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-09 Aug/Sept 2024 Arden Hills Notescityofardenhills.org • Aug/Sept 2024 • 1
The Official City Newsletter for Arden Hills Residents Aug/Sept 2024
Bee Hives Now Permitted on Properties
Rice Creek Commons (TCAAP) Update
In July, the City Council approved
an update to an ordinance that now
permits residents to keep beehives
on their properties. As residents
begin to install beehives on their
properties, there are some key items
to be knowledgeable of:
Written Notice: Prior to installing a
beehive, the property owner must
give written notice to their neighbors
immediately adjacent to them of
their intent to keep bees.
Location: Hives must be at least
10 feet from property lines and 25
feet from public sidewalks, trails,
walkways, and neighboring dwellings.
They cannot be placed in the front of
a property or a
side yard that
abuts a street.
Quantity:
There are
regulations
on how many
beehives a
property can have. The number of
hives on residential lots is not to
exceed the following:
• 1 acre or larger: 8
• 1 acre – ¾ Acre: 6
• ¾ acre to ½ acre: 4
• ½ acre or less: 2
Management: Property owners who
keep bees must provide and maintain
a nearby, designated water source
for the bees, which is crucial for their
well-being.
Housing bees have many benefits,
including their impact on pollinating
plants and their ability to produce
honey. It’s important that residents
understand the ordinance before
installing a beehive. For more
information, please reference
City Ordinance 2024-006 at
cityofardenhills.org/Section1325-
PerformanceStandards. Contact
planning@cityofardenhills.org if you
have any questions.
The Rice Creek Commons (RCC) project is undergoing continued discussions between the City, County, and developer.
In the past six months, the County and City cooperatively pursued bonding from the State to assist in funding
infrastructure obligations. However, the legislators did not pass a bonding bill, and thus, needed infrastructure funding
was not available for the project. This was the County’s number one bonding priority and will be sought after again at
the next legislative session.
The developer, Alatus, is continuing to have conversations with private equity partners to secure additional financing
for the project. These conversations can evolve quickly, and the best source of timely information is watching the Joint
Development Authority (JDA) meetings themselves at cityofardenhills.org/JDA-replays.
One notable action the JDA recently took was directing Staff and the project’s energy consultant to pursue LEED
for Communities for the project. This certification is an internationally recognized credential that sets standards for
energy and sustainability. Pursuing this certification will not only help provide a pathway for the project to meet its
energy and sustainability goals, but it will also hold the project accountable and provide third-party verification that it
is living up to its goals. More about this certification can be found on the Green Business Council’s website at
usgbc.org/leed/rating-systems/leed-for-cities-communities.
Another important aspect of the project being worked on is the final design of the spine road and associated
infrastructure, which is the main thoroughfare for the site. This recently approved design project is expected to last
around eighteen months, and will be an important piece in prepping the site for vertical construction.
For the most up-to-date information, please watch the City’s website, JDA meetings, and the project page at
ricecreekcommons.com.
2 • Arden Hills Notes • Aug/Sept 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
Interim City Administrator
Jessica Jagoe • 651-792-7810
jjagoe@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 • Aug/Sept 2024
Garbage and Recycling Cans
Help us keep Arden Hills’ streets cleaned and
organized. Here are some friendly reminders of
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 driveway after 6 p.m. the night before or
anytime on the collection day. Waste containers should not be placed in
the street and must be removed after pickup on the scheduled collection
day.
4. Secure lids: Ensure that the covers on your bins are securely closed to
prevent animals from getting into them. Securing lids also helps to avoid
litter blowing around the neighborhood on windy days.
The Ralph Reeder Food Shelf and Community
Resource Center provides food, basic needs,
and connections to other services for any
school district family and any low-income,
food-insecure neighbor requesting assistance.
Their primary service area includes the cities
of New Brighton, Mounds View, Shoreview,
Arden Hills, North Oaks, Roseville, St. Anthony,
and Ramsey County. Each month, they serve nearly 3,500 adults, seniors, and
children being the majority. Donations are always appreciated! You can drop
donations in person Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Donations should
be placed in the SELF-SERVE barrels at the back entrance. Non-perishable
food items are also accepted at City Hall. Learn more at
communityed.mvpschools.org/food/ralph-reeder.
LOCATION: 2544 Mounds View Blvd., Mounds View, MN 55112
PHONE: 651-621-6280
Ralph Reeder Food Shelf
Do you want to know how much water you use at your home or
business? EyeOnWater is a tool that tracks water usage and allows
users to set up alerts for potential leakage or other problems,
like a leaky toilet or sprinkler system. Users receive consumption
graphs to visualize their usage throughout the billing cycle.
Learn more at cityofardenhills.org/228/water and sign up at
eyeonwater.com/signup.
EyeOnWater
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City Council Benchmarks
July 8, 2024 City Council Meeting
All votes 4-0 unless otherwise noted.
Councilmember Monson excused
absence.
• Approved Claims and Payroll
• Approved Payment No. 2 – S.M.
Hentges & Sons, Inc. – 2024 PMP
Street and Utility Improvements
Project ($244,527.04)
• Approved Quote from Electric
Pump for Lift Station No. 2
Rehabilitation Project ($145,677)
• Approved Hiring of Deputy Clerk
July 22, 2024 City Council Meeting
All votes 5-0 unless otherwise noted.
• Approved Claims and Payroll
• Approved 2nd Quarter Financials
• Approved an Outdoor Concert
License and Miscellaneous Permit
for MN Building and Construction
Trades – Ribfest Event at the Red
Bulls Facility on September 21,
2024
• Approved Acknowledgment of
the Application of MN Building
and Construction Trades for an
Exempt Permit to Conduct a
Raffle with No Waiting Period
– Ribfest Event at the Red Bulls
Facility on September 21, 2024
• Approved Amendment to Urban
Requalification Joint Cooperation
Agreement – CDBG
• Approved Resignation of City
Administrator
• Approved Professional Services
Agreement with Dave Perrault
• Approved Appointment of Interim
City Administrator (Jessica Jagoe)
• Approved Payment No. 1 – 2024
CIPP Lining Project – Hydro-Klean,
LLC ($59,029.20)
• Approved Cooperative
Agreements with Great River
Greening – Park Habitat
Management (Hazelnut Park/
Chatham Park and Floral Park)
• Approved $141,472.00 Quote
from GMH Asphalt for Large
Area Patching – 2024 Street
Maintenance Program
• Adopted Resolution 2024-037
Approving Conditional Use
Permit – Master Planned Unit
Development, Final Planned
Unit Development and Site Plan
Review – Lake Johanna Fire
Department – 3535 Pine Tree
Drive – Planning Case 24-009
(4-0-1, Fabel abstained)
• Approved Resolution 2024-
038 Approving Conditional Use
Permit for 3776 Connelly Avenue
regarding Approved Planning
Case 24-014 – Zoning Code
Amendment, Master Planned
Unit Development, Final Planned
Unit Development, Conditional
Use Permit, and Site Plan Review
– Event Center – 3776 Connelly
Avenue
• Adopted Ordinance 2024-007
Amending Chapter 13 Concerning
an Event Center Use in the B-2
General Business District and
Summary Ordinance
Aug. 12, 2024 City Council Meeting
All votes 5-0 unless otherwise noted.
• Approved Claims and Payroll
• Accepted Annual Review of Data
Practices Policy
• Approved Resolution 2024-
039 Accepting a Donation from
the Arden Hills Foundation
($1,237.41)
• Approved Change Order No. 1
and Payment No. 1 (Final) – M&B
Services Inc. – 2024 CIPP Lining
Project ($111,000 w/CO#1)
• Approved Change Order No.1 and
Payment No. 3 – S.M. Hentges
& Sons, Inc. – 2024 PMP Street
and Utility Improvements Project
($536,394.23 w/ CO#1)
• Approved Quote from Hydro-
Klean, LLC – Nursery Hill
Sanitary Sewer Repair and Lining
($11,154.40)
• Approved Professional Services
Agreement Amendment No. 2 –
Bolton & Menk, Inc. – 2024 PMP
Street and Utility Improvements
Project ($22,000)
• Approved Ramsey County
Cooperative and Maintenance
Agreement for Pond Dredging
– Hamline Avenue at Colleen
Avenue Stormwater Pond 2
($27,139.20)
• Approved Adoption of 2024 AUAR
Update for Rice Creek Commons
(TCAAP)
• Approved Resolution 2024-040
Abatement of Nuisance at 1960
Glenpaul Avenue
For a complete listing of recent City
Council actions, visit
cityofardenhills.org and click on
“View Agendas and Minutes.”
Regular Office Hours Resume at City Hall
City Hall will resume regular office hours on Tuesday, September 3. It is open
to the public Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. During non-business
hours, call 651-767-0640 for assistance with water or sewer problems.
4 • Arden Hills Notes • Aug/Sept 2024
Thank you, Arden Hills
To the residents of Arden Hills,
I want to thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve as your City Administrator. I
have been with the City since March 2015 and have served as the City Administrator since
2018. Arden Hills has much to offer and is a fantastic place, whether you’re a resident,
business owner, or just passing through.
A few highlights of my time here include significant economic development, the
establishment of a high-caliber staff, collaboration with both long-standing and new
Councilmembers, and work on the Rice Creek Commons project. Although we have not yet
executed a development agreement, it remains a complex and exciting project to be part
of.
After much introspection, I have decided to make a career change and pursue a personal passion that aligns with both
my personal and professional interests. With my departure, the City Council has named Jessica Jagoe, the current
Community Development Director, as the interim City Administrator through the end of the year. Jessica is excellent to
work with and will do a great job leading the City until the Council makes a more permanent decision. Jessica has been
with the City since 2021 and, prior to that, worked for Chisago County for two years and Little Canada for 19 years.
While I don’t want to be outshone, Jessica would be the person to do it!
Again, a sincere thank you to all the residents. I believe Arden Hills has a bright future ahead.
Dave Perrault
“Dave worked hard to ensure the people of Arden Hills were well served. He
was dedicated to advancing our City and making a positive impact on our
community. I wish him great luck in his future endeavors.”
- David Grant, Mayor
“When Dave was promoted into the City Administrator’s job we knew he
would do an exemplary job for the residents of Arden Hills. He was well liked
and earned the respect of residents, coworkers and peers. We wish him well
and safety in his career change.” - Brenda Holden, Councilmember
“Dave has been a wise, thoughtful, and compassionate supervisor for city staff
and employees, an intelligent and energetic leader on city initiatives like RCC,
a prudent manager and defender of city financial interests, and a responsive
and thorough guide for council deliberations and actions. He has insisted on
openness and honesty for all city representatives and is willing to confront
deviations from those ideals. The City could not have been better served these
past seven years.” - Tom Fabel, Councilmember
“Dave’s keen acumen for city operations and integrity has made him a terrific
resource for our City. He has built a strong team to continue the good work
for our residents and to support the city council with policymaking. Dave is a
lifelong public servant. In addition to his service to our city, he has served in
the military and is a volunteer firefighter. Thank you Dave! I look forward to
seeing what the future brings for you.” - Emily Rousseau, Councilmember
“Dave has been a joy to work with. His professionalism and kindness have
always lent itself well in tough conversations at the Council level and with
RCC. His advocacy for the City in RCC conversations and negotiations cannot
be understated. I will miss Dave immensely and wish him the best of luck in his
new endeavor.” - Tena Monson, Councilmember
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Water Service Line Pipe Inventory
The City is taking action to keep our community safe by working to identify any
lead exposure in the water system. Residents and business owners were mailed a
postcard with a survey link. Completing this survey will help identify the materials
of your water service lines. It is mandatory that the City report on this information.
If a survey isn’t completed for a property, City staff will have to view the service line
in person.
This initiative is in response to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA)
mandate requiring cities to document all water service lines by September 30,
2024. The primary goal is identifying any lead service lines (LSLs) that could pose a
health risk.
Why This Matters
Lead exposure, even at low levels, can cause serious health issues, particularly
for young children and pregnant women. The City aims to eliminate this risk by
identifying and replacing LSLs. According to the EPA, there is no safe level of lead
exposure, making this effort crucial for public health.
How You Can Help
You are encouraged to participate in a survey designed to help identify the materials of your water service lines. This
information is essential for the City to complete its inventory accurately and efficiently. The EPA offers an online tool
called “Protect Your Tap: A Quick Check for Lead,” which can help you identify your service line material.
EPA: epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/protect-your-tap-quick-check-lead-0
Survey: ardenhills.org/PipeSurvey (or scan the QR code)
Steps to Identify Your Service Line Material
1. Locate Your Water Service Line: Typically found where the water line enters your home.
2. Scratch Test: Gently scratch the pipe with a coin to determine the material. Lead pipes are
dull gray and soft, while copper pipes are shiny and hard.
3. Magnet Test: Use a magnet to check if the pipe is made of magnetic steel.
Resources and Assistance
Visit cityofardenhills.org/ServiceLine to learn more. If you need assistance or have questions, please contact Amy
LaMere at servicelineinventory@cityofardenhills.org or call 651-792-7814.
Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to this important initiative.
Registration for the next Ramsey County Recycling Ambassador Program training
is now open!
Recycling Ambassadors volunteer to encourage our community to reduce, reuse,
and recycle. Topics covered in the training include food scraps recycling, climate
change, environmental justice, household hazardous waste, and general recycling.
The training will take place virtually 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays: Sept. 10, Sept. 17,
Sept. 24, Oct. 1, Oct. 8 and Oct. 15. Please make sure you have
access to the internet and are available for all six workshops
before registering.
Scan the QR code to learn more, or visit
ramseycounty.us/residents/recycling-waste/education/
recycling-ambassador-program.
Recycling Ambassador Program Fall 2024
6 • Arden Hills Notes • Aug/Sept 2024
Bark & Rec Day – September 14
Bring your puppy pal to the Perry Park Dog Park on Saturday, September 14, from 1 to 3 p.m. Your
furry friend will run, jump, and have a tail-wagging good time with our parks and recreation staff!
Enjoy the fall weather while your dogs have a chance to win prizes and make new friends. Note -
this date is different than what was listed in the July newsletter.
Flashlight Pumpkin Hunt – October 5
The Flashlight Pumpkin Hunt, hosted by the Parks & Recreation Department, will be held
on Saturday, October 5, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Cummings Park. The Hunt will lead you all
around the park, searching for pumpkins under the starlight! Wear your favorite costume
to participate in a prize drawing. Enjoy treats, refreshments, and some spooky games!
Everyone is welcome, but the Pumpkin Hunt activity is intended for children ages 2-12.
The cost to participate is $13 per resident or $15 per non-resident. You must pre-register
by Friday, September 27 at cityofardenhills.org/recregistration. Please bring a flashlight
or headlamp.
Thank You Boston Scientific Volunteers
Shout out to the Arden Hills Operations Team from Boston Scientific, who generously volunteered their time and effort
to lay mulch at Crepeau Nature Preserve! Over the course of three days in June, various groups mulched the trails,
making them more accessible for everyone to navigate and walk on! Thank you for giving back your time and efforts!
Commissions and Committees Appreciation Picnic
The City held its annual appreciation picnic at Cummings Park to celebrate our Commission and Committee members’
incredible dedication and hard work! Guests enjoyed games, prizes, and a meal with one another. It was a fun night
thanking our City Commission and Committee members for their hard work and dedication to Arden Hills. We truly
appreciate their unwavering commitment to making Arden Hills a great place!
Night to Unite 2024
Led by the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, this year’s Night to Unite brought many from our
community together to share laughs and resources as they connected with their neighbors,
City Council members, City Public Works crew members, the Lake Johanna Fire Department,
and the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office. It was a beautiful night in Arden Hills!
Parks & Recreation
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Registration is now open for Fall 2024 Parks and Recreation classes, sports, and activities. From dance to basketball camps, there’s something for everyone! Register online at cityofardenhills.org/ParksandRecGuide or in person by visiting City Hall. Ask for Matt Johnson, Recreation Supervisor.
Scholarships Available for Community Swim Lessons
The Arden Hills Foundation is making a big splash with its new scholarships for swimming
lessons! This scholarship program funds half the cost of Community Swim Lessons at the New
Brighton Community Center. With $1,000 in scholarship funding still available, now is the
perfect time to take advantage of this offer! To utilize this scholarship, apply at the Community
Center by indicating you are an Arden Hills resident and you would like to be included in the
Arden Hills Foundation swim lessons scholarship opportunity. The New Brighton Community
Center is located at 40 10th St. NW, New Brighton, MN.
The Arden Hills Foundation supports efforts to maintain, enhance, and enrich the quality of life in Arden Hills, by
connecting the generosity of people with the evolving needs of the community. The Foundation is committed to
serving the community of Arden Hills now and in the future. Learn more at ardenhillsfoundation.org.
The annual Fall Clean-up Day is Saturday, October 5, 2024 at Recycle Technologies, located at 1525 99th Lane NE
in Blaine. The hours are from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Arden Hills residents can drop off refuse and electronics for a fee. A
coupon to recycle two free items is available below and on the City website at cityofardenhills.org/CleanUpDay. Bring
a form of ID confirming your Arden Hills residence along with your coupon!
Items Accepted:
Electronic (TVs, computers,
printers, etc.), Computer hard
drives, appliances, tires, water
softeners, BBQ grills, batteries,
fluorescent lamps, mattresses,
lawn mowers, snow blowers,
scrap metal, paper shredding,
carpeting, vacuum cleaners,
bicycles
Items NOT Accepted:
Brush/yard waste, railroad
ties, plastic, cardboard,
Styrofoam, wood, oversized
items such as hot tubs, boats,
sheds, or engines containing
gasoline or oil
Clean-up Day is a
residential recycling
collection event open to
Arden Hills residents only.
Participants must bring
proof of residency, such as
a driver’s license or utility
bill. For more information,
visit cityofardenhills.org/
cleanupday. To find other
disposal options visit
RamseyRecycles.com or
call 651.633.EASY.
*If an item contains oil or gasoline, it must be drained or it will
not be accepted. Used oil and gasoline can be disposed at the
Ramsey County Household Hazardous Waste site at 5 Empire
Drive in Saint Paul.
Fall Clean-up Day – Saturday, October 5
Ramsey County has partnered with Repowered to provide free electronics recycling for
residents. This is a separate service from Clean-up Day. It is recommended that residents
use Repowered to recycle unwanted electronics and use the Clean-up Day coupon to
recycle other non-electronic items. Repowered is located at 860 Vandalia Street in St. Paul.
Register for Fall Parks & Rec Programs
8 • Arden Hills Notes • Aug/Sept 2024
The General Election is Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Two Arden Hills City Council
spots are also on the ballot.
Absentee voting begins on Friday, September 20 and early/direct ballot voting
(where you place your ballot directly into the voting machine yourself) begins
on October 18. All voters can vote early in Minnesota, but if you wait to vote on
election day, you must do so in person at your designated polling place.
Please check cityofardenhills.org/134/Elections-and-Voting or
ramseycounty.us/residents/elections-voting/voters/vote-election-day/vote-
person for more information about locations and hours of operation regarding
early voting. To find your polling place on the day of the General Election, visit
pollfinder.sos.mn.gov.
Below is a snapshot of the remainder of this year’s election schedule:
• September 20: Absentee Voting opens
• October 15: Voter registration cutoff
(after this date you must register at your polling place on Election Day)
• October 18: Early/Direct Ballot Voting opens
• November 5: General Election Day (vote at your local precinct)
Per Minnesota State Statute 211B.045, campaign signs can be posted from
June 28 to November 15. Please remember the below guidance regarding
political campaign signs during the election season:
• Campaign signs should not interfere with regulatory signs and traffic
control devices.
• Property owners must grant permission to place signs on their property.
• Failure to obtain permission may result in the removal of the sign.
• Signs are prohibited on property owned by the city, county, federal
government, and school districts.
• Signs placed within city right-of-way should not be placed within five (5)
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.
• 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.
• According to state statute, candidates have ten (10) days following an election to remove signs (November 15).
If you have any questions, please contact City staff at 651-792-7800. Vist https://tinyurl.com/bdzk8buf to read the
state statute.
Election Information
Campaign Signs
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Get to know your City Council candidates! Four candidates are running for two open City Councilmember spots in this November’s election. These Council positions will serve a four-year term running from 2025-2028. Below, you’ll read their candidate profiles, written in their own words. You can also read these profiles online at cityofardenhills.org/CouncilCandidates.
BRENDA HOLDEN (Incumbent)
My family has called Arden Hills home for 40 years. During that time, I’ve had the privilege to serve on the City Council, numerous
boards and committees.
I’m dedicated to making sensible, proactive decisions to ensure a safe, active, and affordable community for all. I value open
communication and enjoy discussing issues and concerns with residents, which is essential for making balanced decisions for our City.
My commitment is evident in my advocacy for long-term budget planning and transparent, understandable financial documents. I was instrumental in developing our City’s annual 10-year budget
cycle plan, which is crucial for strategic planning, economic development, and making informed decisions that impact
taxpayers.
I have consistently supported the TCAAP development, understanding this is a unique opportunity to benefit current and future residents and businesses. It is vital that the development is fiscally sound,
avoids burdening current taxpayers, and does not jeopardize our City’s financial stability. TCAAP must use environmentally sound practices.
My proactive approach enables the City to adapt to our evolving community needs effectively. My efforts
have contributed to significant enhancements, including 7.2 miles of new trails, park upgrades, benches, park shelters, tree plantings, improvements to our lake environment, and the installation of flashing crosswalks on major county roads. I support expanding recreational programs.
A key initiative I championed was the creation of a long-term maintenance program that addresses
roads, trails, parks, sewer systems, water infrastructure, City facilities, and equipment. This ensures that our assets are well-maintained and our City remains vibrant and functional.
I am committed to true transparency in governance, seeking open discussion at Council meeting of all
City issues including TCAAP. I support community engagement, resident participation in meetings, and inclusiveness in City committees.
My future priorities are community involvement in long-term planning, the new fire station, a new parks
master plan, expanding trail segments (with five planned), updating the City code, and promoting environmental stewardship.
I believe in a diverse and balanced City Council, guided by independent-minded members with varied
perspectives. This approach ensures fair and effective decision-making, avoiding control by any single group.
I appreciate your vote. Brenda4ArdenHills.com.
CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE PROFILES
10 • Arden Hills Notes • Aug/Sept 2024
Continued on next page
RICHARD (RICH) PRIORE
My family and I moved to the area more than 12 years ago because of its reputation for excellent schools, safety, and quality
of life. Our four children attend schools in the Mounds View District. Over the past 30 years, I’ve served in the military during the Gulf War Era, built and led successful businesses, and taught
for several universities. My decade in uniform deeply influenced my desire to serve and give back to our community. I believe that
public service is a public trust.
I am the founder and CEO of a management consulting firm based in Arden Hills, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business.
I’ve taught in higher education for 20 years, including three years at the University of Minnesota and five years at the University of St. Thomas. I am a professor of graduate finance and economics
remotely at Tulane University, the first school of public health. I’ve served on several boards and have a master’s degree in public administration. I am a volunteer
emergency medical responder for the National Ski Patrol at Wild Mountain.
As your City Council member, I will be fiscally responsible, open-minded, and proactive in supporting the needs of our community. Among the priorities for Arden Hills, I support a comprehensive strategy for
modernizing our City Code, improving our parks and trails with a Master Parks Plan, increasing housing by moving forward with a financially viable plan for the Rice Creek Commons development, enhancing
public safety through more Neighborhood Watch and fire prevention programs, advancing small business development and growth through the Economic Development Council, and strengthening collaborative relationships with Ramsey County, neighboring cities, and local businesses.
I strongly believe in open and transparent communication with Arden Hills residents to exchange ideas and discuss recommendations to make our city a great place to live, work, and play. Please contact me with any questions or comments at rich4ahcitycouncil.org or (612) 314-6950. To learn more about my
campaign, visit my website at www.rich4ahcitycouncil.org.
DAVID RADZIEJ
I am David Radziej - pronounced RodGee. I am running to bring civility back to the city council.
In 2022, I was selected to serve on the Arden Hills City Council. Having served on the Economic Development Council since 2012,
on the Finance Council since 2014, and chair, plus various Ad-hoc planning groups for redeveloping Rice Creek Commons/TCAAP,
No stranger to city government or the TCAAP development.
My wife, Kathy, and I have lived in the Arden Hills area for 32 years, raising our four children here. Our home is near the
Crepeau Nature Preserve.
I attended Mankato State, earning degrees in finance, construction management, and international business.
My Priorities:
CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE PROFILES
cityofardenhills.org • Aug/Sept 2024 • 11 cityofardenhills.org • Aug/Sept 2024 • 11
• Redeveloping Rice Creek Commons while protecting the current Arden Hills taxpayers.
• Building a new Fire Station at the Pine Tree Drive location.
• Continue working with Sheriff Officers to protect all citizens and support the need for more mental
health crisis counselors.
Traffic—I voted for a 10-year maintenance and repair plan to ensure smart spending on current roads and planning for future traffic increases, especially in the TCAAP area.
Taxes – Happy with the 2024 12.55% increase in city property taxes that the majority voted in with a
3-2 vote? Well, I’m not. Stating that 12.55% was affordable for all citizens of Arden Hills.
Trails—Our quality of life here, in part, is due to having so many parks and trails. I supported a maintenance plan with funding, and I look forward to adding new trails, protecting trees, and eliminating
buckthorn and other problem species. A promising sign that we all support the parks and trails is that they are all used by our children, families, and pets.
TCAAP- Rice Creek Commons has become a political football. Taxpayers don’t know if the majority will
run with our pocketbooks or pass the expenditures to the next generation by bonding multiple projects.
I will listen to ALL Residents! I appreciate your vote for the City Council. My Prussian name – Radziej -means trusted advisor, and I will do my best for you. More info website RunningRad.com.
KURT WEBER
My family and I have lived in the area for the last 16 years. Prior
to moving into Arden Hills in 2018, we lived on the Roseville side of the border, so we spent most of our time at Hazelnut, Perry
Park, Tony Schmitt, and swimming at Lake Johanna. Each of our three children have attended Mounds View Schools, with our oldest recently graduated from Irondale, while the other two attend
Highview and Valentine Hills.
In college, I studied Computer Science and Sociology of Law, graduating from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of
Science. The entirety of my professional career has been spent in public service, working for Hennepin County. I have worked in
Public Works Transportation on both large- and small-scale road and bridge construction projects, in Operations in Right-of-Way management, and most recently in IT, working on the buildout of Hennepin County’s fiber optic network infrastructure. Much of my professional experience has involved collaboration between agencies at each of the city, county, and state levels to plan and build for the future.
Public service is a core value in our family. My wife works as an Emergency Dispatcher for the city
of Minneapolis, my oldest daughter has served Arden Hills on the Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee, and I have had the privilege of serving for the last 5 years on the Arden Hills Planning
Commission, most recently as Chair. I am deeply committed to our community and enthusiastic about ensuring Arden Hills remains a welcoming and vibrant place for all families. I look forward to the
opportunity to continue serving Arden Hills and making a positive impact on our city’s future.
On the City Council, I will support honest and transparent governance, reestablishing positive working relationships with Ramsey County, and strong economic growth that supports local business and
provides ample job opportunities. I can be reached at kurtforardenhills@gmail.com, (612) 399-6213, or learn more on my website www.kurtforardenhills.com.
CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE PROFILES
12 • Arden Hills Notes • Aug/Sept 2024
Inside
Arden Hills, MN . 55112-5734
ECR-WSS
PRST STD
U.S. Postage Paid
TWIN CITIES, MN
Permit #1710
Garbage and Recycling Cans
Council Benchmarks
Message from Dave Perrault
Water Service Line Inventory
Parks & Recreation
City Council Candidate Profiles
+ more!
Postal Customer
Snack on some delicious ribs at Ribfest on Saturday,
September 21! This is the 2nd annual MN Building Trades
Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Ribfest.
Ribfest is free to attend, but tickets must be purchased to
participate in the rib tasting. It will be held at the 34th Red
Bull Infantry Division Headquarters at 4800 Hamline Avenue
North in Arden Hills. All proceeds benefit Minnesota Building
Trades Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, which supports Minnesota’s
Servicemembers, Veterans, and Military Families.
Schedule of Events:
• Noon: Gates Open
• 12-2: Career Fair
• 2-2:30: Band (TBA)
• 2:30: Opening Military Ceremony
• 3-5:30: Rib Tasting Competition (or until gone)
• 3-3:50: Band (TBA)
• 4-5:30: Band (TBA)
• 5:30: Award Ceremony
Learn more at yellowribbonribfest.org
Ribfest – September 21