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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11 Nov 2024 Arden Hills Notescityofardenhills.org • Nov. 2024 • 1 The Official City Newsletter for Arden Hills Residents November 2024 Truth in Taxation Hearing Scheduled for December 9 Planning for Rice Creek Commons continues with the Joint Development Authority (JDA) and the County and City project staff focusing on the next steps for infrastructure development, green energy standards, and an updated development agreement with Alatus. As previously covered in the August/ September newsletter, the JDA recently approved the pursuit of LEED for Communities for the RCC project. Based on that recommendation, the Energy Advisory Committee has been working with energy consultants from LHB and Ever-Green Energy to advance the green energy vision. At the Oct. 7 JDA meeting, Ever-Green Energy reviewed the green energy vision and presented scenarios for thermal energy solutions to implement that vision, including a potential community district energy system. The JDA will review the energy analysis and recommendations in the coming weeks for further discussion at the Nov. 4 work session to finalize sustainability design guidelines and determine a plan for carbon-free energy options such as thermal energy solutions and solar. The County is working in partnership with Alatus on the planned construction timeline and phasing for the spine road and overall mass grading to accommodate planned private development phasing and ensure the public and private development work is closely coordinated. A revised preliminary layout for the spine road is scheduled to be completed this winter, with final design plans and specifications expected by the end of 2025. Pending full funding, construction of the Spine Road would begin in the spring of 2026, with completion in the fall of 2027. For the most up-to-date information, please watch the City’s website, JDA meetings, and the project page at ricecreekcommons.com. The City will hold a Truth-in-Taxation Hearing on Monday, December 9, at 7 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers. The proposed 2025 General Fund expenditure budget is $6,745,489, with a preliminary tax levy increase of 15.50%, setting a maximum levy at $6,134,231. Despite this increase, Arden Hills remains among the lowest taxed cities in Ramsey County. This amount may be reduced before the end of the year but cannot be increased. The proposed levy increase goes to support the following: • General inflation • Increased cost for typical City operations, such as street maintenance and election services • Increased Public Safety costs: o Increased charges for policing services from the Sheriff’s Office o Increased costs for fire protection from the Lake Johanna Fire Department • Increases for employee costs, such as wage (as a result of a recent compensation and class study) and cost of living adjustments, health insurance costs, and other benefits Based on the preliminary values, the City’s share of property taxes would increase by $211 annually on a median-valued home, which is projected to value $480,900 in 2025. Rice Creek Commons (TCAAP) Update 2 • Arden Hills Notes • Nov. 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 • Nov. 2024 City News Zoning and Subdivision Updates The City of Arden Hills is updating its Zoning and Subdivision Codes. As part of this project, the City intends to remove inconsistencies, improve formatting for ease of use and implementation, review and modernize standards, and generally better align the code with the City’s priorities and land use goals found in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The codes, adopted in 1993, need a holistic overhaul to ensure that the regulations effectively protect the health, safety, and welfare of the community and are easy to navigate and administer for all users. What are the Zoning and Subdivision Codes? The Zoning Code is a legal set of rules that sets criteria for how all properties and buildings within the City can be used, built, designed, or changed. Its purpose is to ensure development meets the needs and desires of community members. The Subdivision Code helps the City regulate how land is divided and prepared for development to ensure safe and functional growth for years to come. How will the codes be updated? The City is working with the planning and landscape architecture firm HKGi to carry out the update process. HKGi will collaborate with the City in four phases of work, including reviewing relevant plans and studies, evaluating the current regulations, preparing a draft code outline and summary of recommendations, and rewriting the various ordinance components. We want to hear from you! Throughout these phases, community input is a key component to guide the process and form recommendations. There will be a variety of ways that the public can share their thoughts and feedback, including through pop-up events, online surveys, and City meetings. More information will be provided in future newsletters and on the City website regarding specific details about these opportunities. Holiday Season City Hall Closures Please note the following City Hall closure dates due to the holidays: • Thursday, Nov. 28 & Friday, Nov. 29 (Thanksgiving) • Tuesday, Dec. 24 closed at 12 p.m. (Christmas Eve) • Wednesday, Dec. 25 (Christmas Day) • Tuesday, Dec. 31 closed at 12 p.m. (New Year’s Eve) • Wednesday, Jan. 1 (New Year’s Day) Snow Plowing Winter is just around the corner, and the Public Works team is gearing up to keep our roads clear! Plowing will begin whenever there is at least two inches of snow accumulation. While plows will get as close to mailboxes as possible, residents are responsible for clearing the area in front of and around mailboxes and fire hydrants to ensure easy access. To help our crews, please remember to place trash and recycling bins behind the curb so the entire roadway can be plowed efficiently. Vehicles should only be parked on the street after the plows have completed their work. As a reminder, parking is prohibited on all City streets between 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. year-round. Let’s work together to keep our streets safe and accessible this winter! cityofardenhills.org • Nov. 2024 • 3 cityofardenhills.org • Nov. 2024 • 3 City News Oct. 14, 2024 City Council Meeting All votes 5-0 unless otherwise noted. • Approved Claims and Payroll • Acknowledged Application of Catholic United Financial for an Exempt Permit to Conduct a Raffle with the Drawing being March 27, 2025, with No Waiting Period • Approved Master Agreement for Maintenance of Traffic Control Signal Systems Agreement with Ramsey County • Approved Agreement for Maintenance of Traffic Control Signal Systems Agreement – Mounds View High School Crosswalk • Approved Payment No. 5 – S.M. Hentges & Sons, Inc. – 2024 PMP Street and Utility Improvements Project ($62,324.75) Oct. 28, 2024 City Council Meeting All votes 5-0 unless otherwise noted. • Approved Claims and Payroll • Approved 2024 3rd Quarter Financials • Approved Interim Policy Extension (Dress for Your Day and Flexible Scheduling) • Approved North Suburban Access Corporation Professional and Technical Services Agreement • Approved Resolution 2024-047 Appointing Eva Acosta to the Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee as a Youth Committee Member • Approved Resolution 2024-048 Accepting Donation from the Arden Hills Foundation for the Flashlight Pumpkin Hunt ($374.25) • Acknowledged the Application of Ducks Unlimited North Suburban Chapter 239 for an Exempt Permit to Conduct a Raffle with the Event being January 25, 2025, with No Waiting Period • Approved Resolution 2024-049 Revoking CSAH Designation on New Brighton Road • Approved Contract for Water Services with the City of Roseville • Approved Professional Services Agreement Amendment No. 2 with SRF Consulting – MnDOT Safe Routes to School Grant Application and Program Management – Old Highway 10 Trail Project ($8,250) • Authorized Purchase and Installation of Playground Equipment at Freeway Park and Purchase of Additional Equipment for Arden Oaks Park ($155,382.78) • Approved Payment No. 3 – Hydro- Klean, LLC – 2024 CIPP Lining Project ($8,609.37) • Franchise Fees and Franchise Agreements: o Approved Ordinance 2024-012 for New Electric Franchise Fees and Authorizing Publication of Summary Ordinance (passed 4-1, Fabel opposed) o Approved Ordinance 2024-013 for an Electric Franchise Agreement (Construct, Operate, Repair and Maintain Electric Distribution Systems in Arden Hills) and Authorizing Publication of Summary Ordinance (passed 4-1, Fabel opposed) o Approved Ordinance 2024-014 for a Gas Franchise Agreement (Construct, Operate, Repair and Maintain Gas Distribution System in Arden Hills) and Authorizing Publication of Summary Ordinance • Approved Resolution 2024- 050 Approving a Planned Unit Development Amendment and Site Plan Review – Elegant Event Center – 3776 Connelly Avenue For a complete listing of recent City Council actions, visit cityofardenhills.org and click on “View Agendas and Minutes.” Welcome Jason Brummer Jason is the City’s Building Inspector and Code Enforcement, joining the City Hall team last May. Growing up in Buffalo, MN, Jason envisioned a career working with his hands, leading him into the construction field. After high school, he pursued a degree in Carpentry and Construction Management in Moorhead, gaining a solid foundation in both the technical and managerial aspects of the industry. He then started his career in construction. As the physical demands of construction began to take their toll, Jason decided to make a career change. He began working with SAFEBuilt (formerly MNSPECT). There he gained valuable experience in ensuring projects met safety and compliance standards. His next role after that would find him in the Community Development department in Arden Hills. When asked about his role in Arden Hills, Jason said he’s “proud to be part of the team in Arden Hills, where I have the opportunity to continually expand my roles and responsibilities and contribute to the City’s development.” Jason is married to his ever-supporting wife, Chelsey, and they have one son, Knox. City Council Benchmarks 4 • Arden Hills Notes • Nov. 2024 Are you ready to show off your festive home this holiday season? Sign up for the annual North Suburban Holiday Lights Competition! Register by Monday, Dec. 2, and finish decorating by Dec. 9. This Holiday Lights Competition is a collaboration between the cities of Arden Hills, New Brighton, Mounds View, Roseville, and Columbia Heights. Sign up at https://tinyurl.com/mr24am2t or scan the code to the right using your mobile device. Beginning on Dec. 9, be sure to take a drive around and check out the neighborhood displays! A downloadable map will become available on the City’s website in mid-December. Take the tour and vote on your favorite displays. Prizes will be awarded to the top contenders! And new for this year, anyone who votes will also be entered in a drawing to win prizes! For more information, visit cityofardenhills.org/1034. Holiday Lights Recycling This holiday season, recycle your old holiday lights by dropping them off at the City’s collection bin located near the main entrance of Arden Hills City Hall. The bin will be available from December 9 to January 27. You can drop off lights during regular business hours, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. Please note that lights will not be accepted when City Hall is closed for holidays. Important Reminder: Only holiday lights should be placed in the collection bin. Please do not leave bags, containers, or other storage materials. For more information about recycling hazardous materials and other items, visit ramseyrecycles.com/hhw. Warming House hours are tenta- tive and subject to staffing availa- bility and weather conditions. WARMING HOUSE HOLIDAY HOURS Dec. 23, 26, 27, 30 12-8:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Closed Christmas Day Closed New Year’s Eve 12-5 p.m. New Year’s Day 12-5 p.m. Martin Luther King Day (Jan. 20)12-8:30 p.m. President’s Day (Feb. 17)12-8 p.m. Four city parks have seasonal ice rinks and warming houses. Depending on weather conditions, outdoor rinks are anticipated to be open from Dec. 11 through Feb. 17. Rinks will be closed if the temperature is -20 degrees Fahrenheit and/or the wind chill is -20 degrees Fahrenheit. WARMING HOUSE HOURS Monday-Friday 4:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday 12-8:30 p.m. Sunday 1-7 p.m. * Cummings Park will be open Friday-Sunday ONLY, in addition to the listed Holiday Hours. Use the push-light system to turn on the rink lights. ICE RINK LOCATIONS Cummings Park* 1219 Cummings Park Dr Pleasure Rink Only Hazelnut Park 3301 New Brighton Rd Freeway Park 1370 West County Rd E Perry Park 3700 New Brighton Rd Ice Rinks and Locations cityofardenhills.org • Nov. 2024 • 5 Navigating Roundabouts Roundabouts are becoming an increasingly common feature on our roadways, designed to improve traffic flow and reduce accidents. If you’ve traveled near Lindey’s Steakhouse recently, you’ve likely noticed Arden Hills’ newest roundabout. While roundabouts may seem intimidating at first, they’re quite easy to navigate once you understand the basics. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when approaching and driving through a roundabout: 1. Slow Down and Yield As you approach the roundabout, reduce your speed. Yield to traffic already in the roundabout. Vehicles circulating inside the roundabout have the right of way, so be sure to wait for a safe gap before entering. 2. Look for Pedestrians and Cyclists Before entering and exiting the roundabout, always check for pedestrians and cyclists. They have the right of way in designated crosswalks. 3. Signal Your Intentions If you’re taking the first exit (turning right), signal right as you approach. If you’re continuing straight, you do not need to signal when entering but signal right when you’re ready to exit. For a left turn or a full circle, signal left as you enter and then signal right just before your exit. 4. One-Way Circulation Remember that traffic in roundabouts always moves counterclockwise. Stay in your lane and do not change lanes inside the roundabout. 5. Large Vehicles Need Space Be cautious around large trucks or buses. They may need more room to maneuver and giving them extra space as they navigate the roundabout is important. Roundabouts help reduce the frequency and severity of collisions. They slow traffic and eliminate the most dangerous types of accidents, like head-on and high-speed right-angle crashes. They also improve traffic flow, cutting down on congestion during peak times. The Minnesota Department of Transportation has resources and information available regarding roundabouts. Visit www.dot.state.mn.us/roundabouts to learn more. Photo courtesy of MNDOT November 18-22 is Winter Hazard Awareness Week. To help Minnesota residents minimize the risks of winter, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety sponsors Winter Hazard Awareness Week each fall in collaboration with the National Weather Service and other state, federal, and non-profit agencies. The week-long campaign will include media and digital promotions, information, and resources that can be used with school, church, or civic programs. Topics include winter storms, outdoor winter safety, winter fire safety, indoor winter safety, and winter driving. Learn more at cityofardenhills.org/winter-hazard. 6 • Arden Hills Notes • Nov. 2024 Inside Arden Hills, MN . 55112-5734 ECR-WSS PRST STD U.S. Postage Paid TWIN CITIES, MN Permit #1710 Zoning and Subdivisions Updates Snow Plowing Council Benchmarks Holiday Light Map Ice Rink Locations & Hours Navigating Roundabouts Postal Customer Register for Recreation Programming Are you looking for fun and engaging activities? Visit cityofardenhills.org/recreation to explore our latest classes and programs, stop by City Hall, or give us a call at 651-792-7800. Whether you’re interested in dance, yoga, after-school programs, or special holiday-themed events, there’s something for everyone! The City of Arden Hills, in partnership with the Arden Hills Foundation, offers a scholarship program for families needing financial assistance to participate in City programs. To learn more about scholarships, please get in touch with Matt Johnson, Recreation Supervisor, at mjohnson@cityofardenhills.org or 651-792-7848. Hiring Ice Rink and Warming House Attendant Looking for a fun and active winter job? Apply to become an ice rink/warming house attendant in Arden Hills! As an attendant, you’ll help maintain the warming house and outdoor ice rinks, ensuring they are safe, clean, and enjoyable for skaters. You’ll also create a welcoming environment for the community. This position reports to the Recreation Supervisor. The pay range for this position is between $12.65-$13.70 per hour. For more details and to apply, visit cityofardenhills.org/425/Employment-Opportunities.