HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-12-24-R --AR,DEN_HILLS
Approved: September 9, 2024
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS,MINNESOTA
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AUGUST 12, 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: Interim City Administrator Jessica Jagoe; Finance Director Joua Yang;
Public Works Director/City Engineer Dave Swearingen; and Assistant to the City
Administrator/City Clerk Julie Hanson
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION: Councilmember Monson moved and Councilmember Rousseau seconded a
motion to approve the meeting agenda as amended. The motion carried (5-0).
2. TCAAP/RICE CREEK COMMONS UPDATE
Interim City Administrator Jagoe stated since the last Council meeting, two JDA meetings
were held, one on July 23rd and one on August 5"'. The July 23rd meeting was intended to be a
status update on the project. A number of items were covered, such as, the estimated funding gap,
the State bonding bill not passing, and the status of the engineering design contact. The JDA also
inquired about the ongoing work between Alatus and Twin Cities Land Development. At the July
23rd meeting, Alatus had not presented anything in writing to the County at that point; however,
Alatus did provide a letter of intent to the County prior to the August 5'meeting, which was then
discussed at a high level. The LOI includes what has previously been discussed, such as, Alatus
putting money down with the County and then purchasing the land in its entirety following
completion of mass grading and soil correction. The LOI did not include information pertinent to
the City other than it reaffirmed that Alatus will be seeking TIF for future underground parking.
Currently, the County is reviewing the LOI internally, we should have more info to provide
following further discussion with the County. Also, for August 5d', the JDA received a
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—AUGUST 12, 2024 2
presentation from the energy consultant on their work to date and requested the JDA give
direction on pursuing either a LEED certification for the site that considers a rating system for the
whole community and has designed guidelines with third party certification, or the second option
was for sustainable guidelines which the JDA would create. Following discussion, the JDA opted
to go with pursuing LEED for Communities certification on the site.
Councilmember Holden explained the City received financial information on TCAAP earlier
this year and the City was roughly $200,000 in the red each year and all of the sudden the City
was in the black. She stated after looking into this further, from 2012 to 2019, $1,000,000 was
borrowed from the City's general fund and this funding was supposed to be replaced into the
Arden Hills general fund. She indicated this $1,000,000 had been thrown into the TCAAP fund
and now it appeared the City was in the black. She questioned who authorized the $1,000,000
going into the TCAAP pot. She asked when the City Council would have the opportunity to
discuss TCAAP funding. She requested staff provide the City Council with a presentation on
TCAAP finances.
Councilmember Holden stated at the last JDA meeting there was a comment from one of the
Commissioners that the City gave the County what they wanted. She questioned what the City
gave them. She asked that staff provide the City Council with a list on what promises have been
made.
Councilmember Holden requested further information regarding what would happen if the cost
was too high for the energy/sustainability goals and inquired who would make the determination
on what was too high of a cost.
Councilmember Holden commented it appears there would only be 10 affordable houses out of
400 homes on TCAAP and the remaining units on TCAAP would be apartments. She asked if the
City had a position on affordable housing.
Councilmember Holden stated she was concerned with protecting the City and questioned what
the process was to protect the City from the agreement between the County and Alatus.
Councilmember Holden indicated the City still has no protection on utilities. She stated she
didn't know if there would be a public works building or any civic space. She commented she
keeps hearing this was a partnership, but the development keeps being discussed between the
County and the developer.
Councilmember Holden commented further on how the City would be impacted if they had to
bond for$40 million in 429 bonds, especially if these bonds were not repaid.
Councilmember Holden stated if the developer wants to put a portion of the risk for TCAAP on
the City and the County, she wanted to better understand the profit margins for Alatus. She
reported Alatus has known about the soil conditions since 2016 and was now saying he needed to
be paid for it. She indicated the water system has always been an issue on this site as well. She
questioned who would be paying to move all of the pipes.
Councilmember Holden discussed how the use of TIF would put the City further in the hole. She
commented on how the spine road could have been installed through the use of MNDOT funds
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—AUGUST 12, 2024 3
years ago, but this didn't happen. She asked when the City began looking at the neighborhood
infrastructure funding and when will the Council better understand this matter.
Councilmember Holden stated she had so many questions and she did not have answers to these
questions. She expressed concern with the fact the City would be put at financial risk through the
TCAAP project. She indicated a resident spoke about the community land trust and how
mortgages are done through the community land trust. She hoped that this project would not back
away from providing affordable housing through this development.
Councilmember Monson explained she did not have knowledge regarding the $1,000,000 that
was borrowed from the general fund and she could not speak to this matter. She stated she agreed
the proforma was a City function, but the project was not there yet. She indicated the project was
working towards horizontal grading and infrastructure and then further discussions could be held.
She reported the proforma would be brought back once there were updates.
Councilmember Monson reported nothing has been decided behind closed doors. She indicated
all discussions have been done out in the public and there were no promises that have been made
that the City Council does not know about.
Councilmember Monson explained the cost for a geothermal system would have additional
costs. She stated decisions were still being made regarding the tradeoffs between a geothermal
system versus natural gas. She believed there were grant funds available to assist with the cost for
a geothermal system, which would greatly assist with moving this development forward in a
sustainable manner.
Councilmember Monson commented she agreed with Councilmember Holden and hoped that
this development would have more than 10 affordable homes. She stated the project was working
to have as much affordable housing as possible and noted she had not heard any objection from
the developer or the County on this matter. She anticipated the amount of affordable housing on
the site would depend on the funding that was available from the County, State and federal
government.
Councilmember Monson explained the County and developer were discussing a land purchase
agreement. She reported the risk tolerance across all three parties, but in the end, the agreement
would be between the land owner and the developer. She stated the City's role in this was TBD.
Councilmember Monson agreed the City's special assessments bonds need to have a solution.
She stated if this deal were to move forward, the land would be owned by the developer versus
the County.
Councilmember Monson indicated the JDA has not discussed a civic space to date. She
explained she had not reviewed the RFP for the spine road and she was uncertain what the
reference to "Save Arden Hills"was.
Councilmember Monson reported the County would be covering the cost to move the well
system. She stated Building 116 still has to be addressed.
Councilmember Monson explained the developer would be requesting TIF, but she did not have
an understanding as to what the ask would be.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—AUGUST 12, 2024 4
Councilmember Monson indicated the JDA has not had discussions regarding neighborhood
private infrastructure. She agreed this infrastructure should be managed by the developer.
Councilmember Monson stated she believed the community land trust option was a great idea
for the development, and anticipated this would be further addressed once the funding gap was
resolved.
Councilmember Holden explained she was not accusing anyone, but rather after reviewing the
financial information from City Administrator Perrault, she understood $1,000,000 had been
pulled from the general fund for TCAAP. She indicated she does not have the same information
as Councilmember Monson does regarding TCAAP. She stated the City Council has not had a
discussion regarding TCAAP, except when there were concerns regarding the loss of commercial
business space.
Councilmember Holden reported the information she had regarding the 10 affordable housing
units was provided to the County recently from the developer. She commented further on the 429
bonds noting the City would not receive the funding until the parcels were split and the homes
were sold. She reiterated that her comments were not accusatory in any manner, but rather she
wanted to learn more about what was going on, especially when it comes to the finances that will
impact the City.
Mayor Grant commented he watched the July 23 JDA work session and to be clear the County
has stated the $40 million gap, was closer to $38.4 million. He explained there was a City
representative that stated the City has given the County everything they wanted. His question to
this statement is what has the City received in return.
Mayor Grant indicated because the development was more dense, the City was scoring lower on
the energy resiliency score card. He stated this was unfortunate. He supported City staff speaking
with the County regarding"Save Arden Hills"to learn more about who these people were.
Mayor Grant explained he may not fully understand the land trust, but it was his understanding
land would be placed in a trust and would then be turned over to Habitat for Humanity. He
questioned how much would be placed in the land trust and how much would become affordable
housing.
Mayor Grant commented on the level of risk in doing this development, noting Arden Hills
understood they would be responsible for the water tower and the trunk utilities. He stated it was
never discussed that the City would be responsible for local roads. He indicated this was typically
done by the developer and turned back to the City.
Mayor Grant reported the concept of risk was discussed at the recent JDA meeting and noted he
was interested to hear the City representatives acknowledging the amount of risk within this
development. He stated acknowledging the amount or risk was the first step in properly managing
it. He indicated this would be a difficult project and it was reassuring to hear people
acknowledging this fact.
Mayor Grant discussed the term sheet from several years ago, noting the terms within that
document were completely different than what was being agreed upon today. He commented on
how costs and densities have changed for the development. He encouraged residents to watch the
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—AUGUST 12, 2024 5
July 23 JDA meeting in order to learn more about this project. He stated he understood this was a
difficult project that would involve financial risk. He supported the City Council further
discussing the financial risk.
Councilmember Fabel hoped that if residents were to watch the July 23 JDA meeting, they
would listen closely to the context of the comments that were being made. He explained he made
the comment the City had given into the County's requests. He reported the context was that the
County was implying the City would be the banker for this development. He made it clear that
the City of Arden Hills would not be the banker for this project, given the fact the property was
owned by the County. He stated the City had made significant investment in this project by
committing to the County's density. He indicated this was the reason he ran for office. He
reported he had worked towards an agreement in 2023 to have 500 more housing units within
TCAAP. He reported there was a potential for increased costs to the City for police and fire. He
stated the idea that there was anything secret was simply ridiculous and have little to do with what
was actually going on. He commented on the terms that were agreed upon in 2023 to move this
project forward, noting the JDA has been committed to move this project forward. He discussed
how project costs had increased dramatically due to the five year impasse that occurred when the
City refused to compromise with the County previously. He stated interest rates and construction
costs have since skyrocketed. He indicated the JDA discussed the potential use of bonds for the
infrastructure work, noting these bonds could then be paid back through land sales. He stated
these considerations were on the table for the County and the developer to work through. He
explained as the terms are worked through this information will be brought back to the City
Council for consideration. He noted TIF requests and other details will have to be addressed at a
future time.
Councilmember Holden explained she had listened very carefully to the JDA meeting and noted
she asked her questions because she needed additional information. She understood
Councilmember Fabel had stated the City was not a bank but she had also heard a lot of push back
from the County. She indicated the City waited for 19 months for the County to come forward
with a response, but this never occurred. She believed it was interesting that Councilmember
Fabel stated he had negotiated the 1,960 housing units, when this number was brought forward by
the developer. She indicated the previous term sheet was 22% affordable. She explained the
previous JDA and City Council had vetted their numbers and were accountable. She stated the
City had compromised and now supported the 1,960 housing units. She commented she could
speak for hours about how the County had not come forward, no matter what the City had offered.
She indicated it was curious how the developer came up with the number of units, being 1,960
and this just happens to be the same number the County came up with.
Councilmember Holden reported the JDA had a subcommittee (JDA Advisory Committee) and
she understood no one was allowed to attend these meetings. She explained she had questions
regarding what was agreed to at these meetings. She stated this development would impact
peoples lives and she was extremely concerned with how the City of Arden Hills would be
adversely impacted. She stated she would continue to ask questions based on the concerns she had
for the City.
Mayor Grant stated with a compromise, there was generally a give and a take. He stated he
wanted to better understand what was the City's take in the compromise with the County. Lastly,
he learned at the JDA meeting that the County would not bond for the funding gap.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—AUGUST 12, 2024 6
3. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL
None.
4. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC INQUIRIES
None.
5. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS
None.
6. STAFF COMMENTS
A. Transportation Update
Public Works Director Swearingen reported final paving has begun on the 2024 PMP project.
He stated there were some scheduling conflicts this week and noted this project should be
completed next week.
Public Works Director Swearingen stated the Public Works patching project on Lake Valentine
Road, Red Fox Road and Gray Fox Road would begin on Wednesday of this week.
Councilmember Holden stated residents have been understanding regarding the delays with the
2024 PMP project and were looking forward to the project being done right. She encouraged
residents with issues to contact staff with any concerns they may have.
B. Elections Update
Assistant to the City Administrator/City Clerk Hanson provided the Council with an elections
update. She stated the primary election would be held on Tuesday, August 13. She reported Arden
Hills would have two seats on the November ballot. She noted candidate filing information was
available online from the Minnesota Secretary of State and at City Hall. She indicated the filing
period closes on Tuesday, August 13 at 5:00 p.m. She stated those who have filed can withdraw
by Thursday, August 15. Residents with questions regarding the upcoming elections were
encouraged to contact City Hall.
7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. July 8, 2024, Special City Council Work Session
B. July 8, 2024, Regular City Council
C. July 22, 2024, Special City Council Work Session
D. July 22, 2024, Regular City Council
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—AUGUST 12, 2024 7
MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Monson seconded a
motion to approve the July 8, 2024, Special City Council Work Session
meeting minutes as presented, the July 8, 2024, Regular City Council meeting
minutes as amended, the July 22, 2024, Special City Council Work Session
meeting minutes as presented; and the July 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 Accept Annual Review of Data Practices Policy
C. Motion to Approve Resolution 2024-039 Accepting a Donation from the Arden
Hills Foundation
D. Motion to Approve Change Order No. 1 and Payment No. 1 (Final) — M&B
Services Inc. —2024 CIPP Lining Project
E. Motion to Approve Change Order No. 1 and Payment No. 3 — S.M. Hentges &
Sons, Inc. —2024 PMP Street and Utility Improvements Project
F. Motion to Approve Quote from Hydro-Klean, LLC —Nursery Hill Sanitary Sewer
Repair and Lining
G. Motion to Approve Professional Services Agreement Amendment No. 2 — Bolton
& Menk, Inc. —2024 PMP Street and Utility Improvements Project
H. Motion to Approve Ramsey County Cooperative and Maintenance Agreement for
Pond Dredging—Hamline Avenue at Colleen Avenue Stormwater Pond 2
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
None.
11. NEW BUSINESS
A. Update to TCAAP Final AUAR and Mitigation Plan
Interim City Administrator Jagoe stated at the July 22 City Council Work Session, Kimley
Horn presented the 2024 draft AUAR update for a final review before approval. Council direction
was to have Kimley Horn give a brief presentation and answer any questions at the next regular
meeting before the adoption of the AUAR update. This update needs to be completed every five
years until all the development in the area has been approved. The original AUAR was approved
back in 2014 and updated in 2019. The AUAR will remain valid for an additional five years from
the date of adoption. Following meetings with staff, Council, and the required public comment
period, Kimley Horn has completed the update and put it forward for Council approval.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—AUGUST 12, 2024 8
Rachel Haase, Kimley Horn, provided a brief presentation on the TCAAP AUAR updates and
mitigation plan. She explained an AUAR was an Alternative Urban Areawide Review that
addressed the environmental review process under Minnesota State rules, was completed by the
responsible governmental unit (RGU) and was a planning tool used to understand how different
development scenarios would affect the environment. She reported an AUAR evaluates different
development scenarios rather than a specific plan while identifying potential impacts and
mitigation strategies. She explained AUAR's have to be updated every five years in order to
identify any changes that have been made to the development scenarios.
Ms. Haase reported the original AUAR was completed in 2014. She noted the AUAR was
updated in 2019 and again in 2024. She reviewed the two comments that were received on the
2024 AUAR from the Met Council and DNR. The two different development scenarios that were
considered within the AUAR were further discussed with the City Council, along with the
changes reflected within the AUAR update. The traffic study and trip generation within the two
different scenarios was further reviewed as was the mitigation plan updates. She reported next
steps for the AUAR included adoption by the City Council.
Councilmember Holden requested further information regarding the trip generation from the
site.
Jacob Rojer, Kimley Horn, explained the trip generation numbers were just for people destined
to the development and do not take into account other people at the intersection traveling to
different destinations.
Councilmember Monson requested further information regarding the typical nature of the two
different scenarios approach.
Ms. Haase stated AUAR's cover a range of development that includes the proposed scenario and
a worst-case scenario in order to understand the higher levels of impact.
Councilmember Monson asked for further information on how the A through F ratings for the
intersections worked.
Mr. Rojer explained intersections were given a grade similar to grades used in school. He stated
an A is the least amount of delay and an F had the highest level of delay. He reported mitigation
recommendations were not made until an intersection reached a D, E or F rating. He discussed
how intersections have to be right sized in order to properly moved traffic levels while also
considering what were the proper service delays for the public. He commented further on the
tradeoffs for overbuilding intersections.
Councilmember Monson requested further information on how the changes that were made to
the level of commercial uses and residential uses would impact traffic flow.
Mr. Rojer stated he would recommend site specific traffic studies being completed to this level,
noting he had not analyzed the traffic flow from the site to this level of detail.
Councilmember Monson commented there were many improvements that happened between
2014 and after 2019. She questioned how many of these improvements were prior mitigation
measures.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—AUGUST 12, 2024 9
Ms. Haase explained all of the mitigation measures were listed within the report in Section 5 of
the AUAR.
Councilmember Monson questioned how a Costco would impact the development versus a
Target.
Mr. Rojer reported in the actual traffic study, a discount super store would generate significantly
more traffic than a big box store. He estimated a Costco would generate 8,000 trips per day or 3
million per year where a Target would generate 75% of that.
Mayor Grant stated none of the traffic internal to the development had been evaluated to date.
He explained the spine road was only 40% to 60% designed. He asked if the spine road were
completed, could additional traffic analysis be completed.
Mr. Rojer indicated he would look to do this as part of the final design plans. He reported when
each parcel develops, numbers would be developed and the number of turn lanes would be
determined at a future date.
Mayor Grant thanked Kimley Horn for providing the City with a detailed document. He
explained the comment from the Met Council indicates they do not expect any changes to their
bus routes.
Ms. Haase reported this was the case.
Councilmember Fabel questioned if Kimley Horn completed the AUAR in 2014 and 2019.
Ms. Haase stated this work was completed by Kimley Horn.
Councilmember Fabel indicated the daily trips in 2024 was 3,200 fewer than the daily trips that
were anticipated in 2014 and 2019.
Ms. Haase stated this was correct.
Councilmember Fabel explained there was less traffic in 2024 than was previously anticipated
by the City Council.
Councilmember Holden clarified the traffic study was only completed in 2014 and was not
updated in 2019.
Ms. Haase commented this was the case.
Mayor Grant reported in 2014 the Met Council took issue with the transportation model. He
asked if a different model was used in the 2024 AUAR.
Mr. Rojer reported the latest modeling software was used for the 2024 AUAR that was accepted
by both the County and Met Council. He indicated the AUAR did not receive a comment
regarding this matter in 2024.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—AUGUST 12, 2024 10
MOTION: Councilmember Monson moved and Councilmember Fabel seconded a
motion to approve the update to the AUAR provided by Kimley Horn. A roll
call vote was taken. The motion carried (5-0).
B. Resolution 2024-040 Abatement of Nuisance at 1960 Glenpaul Avenue
Interim City Administrator Jagoe stated due to a complaint, staff inspected the property at
1960 Glenpaul Avenue on June 17, 2024. Staff noted excessive vegetation growth in the rear yard
and determined the property was in violation of the following subsection of City Code Section
602.02 Public Nuisance Affecting Health:
• Subd. 6. All noxious weeds and other growths of vegetation upon public or private
property in excess of eight(8) inches.
Interim City Administrator Jagoe explained following the initial inspection, Staff sent a letter
to the Property Owner at their address shown in Ramsey County Property Records requesting
they correct the issue by June 25, 2024. A follow-up inspection on June 26, 2024, revealed the
violation had not been corrected. As a result, Staff prepared a second notice on June 26, 2024, that
outlined further abatement action may be taken if the violation was not corrected. On July 8,
2024, a third inspection was completed, and Staff deemed the rear yard of the property still to be
in violation.
Interim City Administrator Jagoe reported in accordance with the City's abatement procedures
in Section 602.05 of the City Code, a certified letter was mailed to the Property Owner of record
after each inspection. Based on the abatement procedures, the Property Owner was mailed a final
notice, and this notice was posted on the front door of the Subject Property with a compliance
date of August 1, 2024. On August 2nd, staff conducted an inspection, and no corrective action
has been taken in the rear yard. The final abatement notice hand delivered to the Property Owner
on August 5th identified that if corrective action was not taken by the stated deadline, the City
Council would hold a hearing on August 12, 2024, to order the abatement of the above-described
nuisance.
Interim City Administrator Jagoe indicated staff has included as part of this report the 2020-
2022 aerial maps from Ramsey County GIS that show this area in the rear yard along Glenpaul
Avenue had been previously maintained. An abatement order allows the City to hire a contractor
to complete the work on the property and charge the cost back to the property owner. The charge
is 125 percent of the cost of the work including administrative costs. If the charges are not paid,
the charge will be certified against the property for collection with the property taxes. Staff is
requesting the City Council issue an order for abatement of the property.
Councilmember Rousseau asked for further information regarding the costs for this abatement.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen stated he had not reviewed this item in depth
to understand the expense.
Councilmember Rousseau questioned if the City had received any response from the individuals
at this property.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—AUGUST 12, 2024 11
Interim City Administrator Jagoe reported Staff sent a letter to the individuals at this property
last year and correction action was taken. She explained when letters were sent this year, the first
couple letters were sent via mail and a code enforcement officer posted the third and fourth letters
on the door. She indicated the fifth notice was delivered by the code enforcement officer and
building official where a conversation was held with the property owner about the corrective
action was discussed.
Councilmember Holden inquired who would complete this work.
Interim City Administrator Jagoe indicated this abatement work would be contracted out.
Councilmember Fabel asked if the homeowner had a hardship.
Interim City Administrator Jagoe stated she was not aware of any extenuating circumstances or
hardships, nor did the property owner ask for additional time prior to abatement of the property.
Councilmember Monson reported the property owner mows the front yard.
Councilmember Holden stated she has driven by the property and there was someone living in
the home.
Mayor Grant commented this was an unfortunate situation, but he supported the City taking
action to abate the rear yard.
At 8:22 p.m., there were no members of the public present for the abatement hearing.
MOTION: Mayor Grant moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to adopt
Resolution 2024-040 ordering nuisance abatement at 1960 Glenpaul Avenue
for excessive vegetation growth not in compliance with City regulations. The
motion carried (5-0).
12. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Rousseau explained she loved volunteering as this allowed her to connect with
other individuals. She commented on the numerous ways she has volunteered over the years. She
stated she serves as the City Council liaison to the Planning Commission, PTRC and EDC. She
encouraged residents in the community to consider finding ways to volunteer and serve in the
community.
Councilmember Rousseau stated PTRC members had created a list of opportunities for the
Arden Hills/Shoreview Rotary Club to support Arden Hills' parks. She indicated she attended the
Vine & Hops event and where she learned about the Shoreview Adopt-a-Park program. She
supported the City of Arden Hills considering a similar program.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—AUGUST 12, 2024 12
Councilmember Fabel stated on July 31 he attended the EDC meeting as the Council liaison. He
commented on how the EDC was working to meet with every business in Arden Hills. In
addition, the group was discussing gateway signs.
Councilmember Holden stated she was excited to learn the EDC was working to connect with
local business owners. She explained when she served on the EDC, the group completed similar
surveys with local business owners.
Councilmember Holden encouraged Arden Hills neighbors to check in with their neighbors as
there had been a number of recent deaths in the community.
Councilmember Holden explained she attended nine neighborhood parties for Night to Unite.
She indicated there was a request for pickleball nets at Floral Park.
Councilmember Holden reported everyone in Arden Hills should have received a postcard
regarding their service line material. She stated the City needed to report this information to the
Met Council and noted this was a mandatory task.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen commented further on the Met Council
requirement noting there would be federal dollars available to assist with lead pipe remediation.
Councilmember Holden requested Staff speak further to the trees and the bags that were
installed along side the trees.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen reported the bags were used to assist with
watering the younger, newly planted trees along Highway 96.
Councilmember Monson commented on the $200 rebate that was available for residents that
have purchased an energy efficient applicant.
Councilmember Monson stated she attended the open house for the Arden Oaks and Freeway
Park playgrounds. She explained the families in attendance visit both parks and want the parks to
be different. She indicated the proposal would be to have one traditional park and the other being
more nature based.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen reported Staff was posting a live survey for
residents to complete regarding the parks and information from the survey will be brought back to
the Council at a work session in September.
Councilmember Monson commented the Ramsey County Local League of Government has a
subgroup called the CLAW which addresses climate action plans. She noted this group has
organized a climate action plan workshop at the Shoreview Community Center on Wednesday,
September 4 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Mayor Grant stated the water conversation grant can be used for up to $200 for smart meters for
irrigation systems as well as for water-based appliances.
Mayor Grant commented on his service on the 911 Dispatch Committee.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—AUGUST 12, 2024 13
Mayor Grant reported the PTRC would be meeting on August 20 and would be talking about
pickleball nets in order to get some better nets for the City.
ADJOURN
MOTION: Mayor Grant moved and Councilmember Monson seconded a motion to
adiourn. The motion carried (5-0).
Mayor Grant adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 8:43 p.m.
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Julie anon David Grant
City Jerk Mayor