HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-10-25-R QEEN_HILLS
Approved: March 10, 2025
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 10, 2025
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 Brenda Holden, Tena Monson,
Emily Rousseau and Kurt Weber
Absent: None
Also present: City Administrator Jessica Jagoe; Public Works Director/City Engineer
David Swearingen; Finance Director Joua Yang; and Assistant to the City
Administrator/City Clerk Julie Hanson
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Councilmember Holden requested Item 8R be pulled from the Consent Agenda for discussion as
Item 9A.
Councilmember Holden requested Item 8F be pulled from the Consent Agenda for discussion as
Item 9B.
MOTION: Councilmember Monson moved and Councilmember Weber seconded a
motion to approve the meeting agenda as amended. The motion carried (5-0).
2. TCAAP/RICE CREEK COMMONS UPDATE
City Administrator Jagoe stated the Joint Development Authority met on January 21" and
February 3rd. At the January 21" meeting, JDA staff presented the draft Sustainability Design
Guidelines for approval. This step followed the JDA's approval of a Clean Energy Policy of
"Rice Creek Commons seeks to be an all-electric, carbon free community." JDA staff worked
with LHB on these guidelines following the Clean Energy Analysis Report that was presented to
the JDA in November. These standards include standards for LEED certification, building energy
efficiency, all-electric buildings, photovoltaic (PV) system installation, electric vehicle charging
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—FEBRUARY 10, 202.5 2
infrastructure, and reporting. JDA staff is also working with LHB and the JDA attorney to
describe implementation and compliance, including the waiver approval process. Direction was
given at this meeting to City and County staff to determine next steps, if any, for memorialization
of standards.
Also at the January meeting, Ryan Companies presented a concept plan for Outlot A. The project
would be a combination of office and manufacturing use for Micro Control Company located in
Friday. They are a local advanced technology company specializing in technology
manufacturing, research and development, and advanced technology testing. It is estimated they
would provide over 240 high-quality jobs and the company is anticipating more than a 20%
growth in the next five years. The proposed structure would be an approximately 157,725 square
foot building with an area on the east side of the building for a 13,100 square foot expansion area.
Ryan Companies is working through their final design plan to determine next steps whether that
would be for review by the JDA compliant with TRC or seek City review of TRC amendments
prior to JDA review.
At the February Yd meeting, JDA staff presented the draft Annual Report. Information will be
added on budget/financials from Ramsey County staff along with comments for ongoing 2025
items to be completed. A final report will be distributed to the City and County upon
completion.
Commissioners discussed the current agreements in place for Outlot A with Ryan Companies and
California Parcel with Alatus. JDA staff reviewed that the Preliminary Development Agreement
with Alatus and initial discussion occurred on language in the PDA regarding substantial
agreement on the terms of the Development Agreement and the agreement being effective
through June 30"', 2025. County staff shared that negotiations are still ongoing on the terms of a
PSA, but any agreement would be contingent on a Development Agreement. Additionally, the
JDA Attorney indicated that the PDA terminates if not satisfied with a Development Agreement
or extended. The JDA has requested that staff provide an update on the term sheet at the March
meeting to assess and decide on progress of substantial agreement of DA terms. The next JDA
meeting will be Monday, March 17t'.
Councilmember Holden asked if the City was paying for the Ehlers reports or was this being
paid for by the JDA.
City Administrator Jagoe explained the previous Ehlers reports have been paid for by the City.
Councilmember Monson clarified the agreement with Alatus has a deadline of June 30, 2025,
which was fast approaching. She indicated the JDA discussed the timeline and how to go about
moving towards an agreement.
Councilmember Holden explained the agreement with the County only addressed the sale of the
property and does not address affordability or how deep affordability would be. She questioned if
the development agreement would address housing affordability.
City Administrator Jagoe reported the purchase and sale agreement will include a clause that it
was contingent of the development agreement. She stated the development agreement would be
through the JDA separate from the PSA, which would be with the County.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—FEBRUARY 10, 2025 3
Councilmember Holden indicated the June 30t' timeline was important in order to reach a PSA
as well as a negotiated development agreement speaking to all of the terms on the term sheet.
Mayor Grant commented June 30t' was described as the deadline but could be extended by the
County and Alatus.
City Administrator Jagoe reported the parties able to extend the deadline were Alatus and the
JDA.
3. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL
Linda Swanson, 1124 Ingerson Road, questioned who she was more disappointed in, Rafael
Ortego after writing the January 2025 article about Rice Creek Commons or the JDA members.
She believed it was the later. She stated she understood TCAAP will be developed,but how it was
being developed was a concern. She commented TCAAP was being developed for the State of
Minnesota, Ramsey County and finally for the City of Arden Hills and its residents. She was of
the opinion the City was shouldering a lot of the financial burden for this project. She indicated
she was taken aback by Mr. Ortega's comments that stated "we are a fully developed County and
the only way to expand the tax base was to clear up the brownfields. We will expand the County
tax base and would then reduce every Ramsey County taxpayers burden". She indicated the Rice
Creek Commons site remains one of the premier opportunities in Minnesota and among urbanized
counties like Ramsey County. She asked if the JDA members believed this project would reduce
the taxpayer burden and requested these members provide her with specific examples of when
this has occurred. She indicated there was nothing in the article about what this project will cost
the City or its residents. She anticipated Arden Hills residents would be paying additional taxes
for increased water usage, sewage treatment, road maintenance, police and fire protection,
garbage services and other services, as well as an increase in traffic. She stated when it comes to
gratitude, Mr. Ortega was only thankful to the City of Arden Hills colleagues that were serving on
the JDA. She was of the opinion, JDA individuals have failed to tell it like it is to Mr. Ortega
regarding what will have to be sacrificed for the TCAAP development.
4. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC INQUIRIES
None.
5. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS
A. Twin Cities Chamber of Commerce Updates
John Connelly, Twin Cities Chamber of Commerce President, thanked the Council for their time
and explained the vision of the Chamber which was to promote business, develop leaders and
connect communities. He commented on the individuals that serve on the Chamber board and
discussed how they serve the community. He stated the Chamber has seen incremental growth
over the past two years. He invited the Council to attend the next Business Council meeting which
would be held on March 19. He commented on the new initiatives that have been pursued by the
Chamber, which included Green to Go and a manufacturing cohort. He further described the
marketing initiatives that were being pursued by the Chamber at a local level and thanked the City
of Arden Hills for their continued support and partnership.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—FEBRUARY 10, 2025 4
Councilmember Holden thanked the Chamber for participating in the Lexington Avenue events.
Councilmember Monson reported the Council discussed the City's 75 h anniversary event that
would occur next year during the work session. She asked that the Chamber participate in this
event.
Mayor Grant thanked the Chamber for sponsoring the Welcome Back marketing campaign for
the businesses along Lexington Avenue. He thanked Mr. Connelly for serving as one of the City's
representatives at the Twin Cities Gateway Bureau.
Councilmember Rousseau thanked Mr. Connelly for all that he does on behalf of the City of
Arden Hills. She commented on the adopt a park program that was being pursued by the City and
stated she hoped the City could partner with local businesses on this new program.
6. STAFF COMMENTS
None.
7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. January 13, 2025, City Council Work Session
B. January 13, 2025, Regular City Council
MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Monson seconded a
motion to approve the January 13, 2025, City Council Work Session minutes
as presented and the January 13, 2025, Regular City Council meeting minutes
as amended. The motion carried (5-0).
S. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Motion to Approve Consent Agenda Item - Claims and Payroll
B. Motion to Approve Residential Recycling Services Contract with Walters
Recycling and Refuse, Inc.
C. Motion to Approve City Newsletter Policy
D. Motion to Approve 2025-2027 Collective Bargaining Agreement Amendment —
IUOE 49
E. Motion to Authorize Recruitment of Parks and Recreation Manager Position
F. Motion to A„tl.erize Do.raitment of
Publie Works Parks Lead and Utilities Lead
Positions
r-vorciviio
G. Motion to Approve Resolution 2025-011 Supporting Lake Johanna Fire
Department New Headquarters Station Construction and Funding and Resolution
2025-021 for MN Department of Public Safety Grant Funding Assistance for Lake
Johanna Fire Department
H. Motion to Approve Resolution 2025-012 Accepting Bid and Awarding Contract to
BRZ Coatings, Inc. — South Tower Improvements Project
I. Motion to Approve Payment to Ramsey County for Lexington Avenue
Reconstruction Project City Right-of-Way Costs
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—FEBRUARY 10, 2025 5
J. Motion to Approve Resolution 2025-013 Approving Plans and Specifications and
Ordering Solicitation of Quotes — 2025 Park Improvement Project (Freeway Park
and Arden Oaks Park)
K. Motion to Approve Resolution 2025-014 Approving Plans and Specifications and
Ordering Advertisement for Bids—Lift Station No. 5 Rehabilitation Project
L. Motion to Approve 2025 Purchase of Bobcat Toolcat
M. Motion to Approve Order of 2026 Tanker Truck Replacement
N. Motion to Approve 2025 Purchase of Two Toro Zero Turn Mowers
O. Motion to Accept City Administrator Contract
P. Motion to Approve Resolution 2025-015 Appointing Dan Dietz as Chair and Liz
Johnson as Vice Chair to the PTRC
Q. Motion to Accept Resignation of Rob Williams from the Economic Development
Commission(EDC)
R. >\aatio., t Appr-ove Resolution 2025 016 ppr-,,l�.l.�ing Planned Unit
Development,]
ment and Site Plan Review
ng
Case
S. Motion to Approve Professional Services Agreement Extension with Rainbow
Tree Care
T. Motion to Approve Resolution 2025-017 Accepting Bid and Awarding Contract to
Hydro-Klean—2025 CIPP Lining Project
U. Motion to Approve Resolution 2025-018 Providing for the Issuance and Sale of
General Obligation Bonds
V. Motion to Approve Hiring Permit Technician/Office Support Specialist
W. Motion to Approve Resolution 2025-019 Appointing Kyle Sorenson to the
Economic Development Commission(EDC)
X. Motion to Approve Resolution 2025-020 Renaming the Section of Old Highway 8
Between County Road I West and County Road H as Rice Creek Parkway
MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Monson seconded a
motion to approve the Consent Calendar as amended and to authorize
execution of all necessary documents contained therein. The motion carried
(5-0).
9. PULLED CONSENT ITEMS
A. Motion to Approve Resolution 2025-016 Approving Planned Unit
Development (PUD) Amendment and Site Plan Review — 4200 Round Lake
Road- Planning Case 24-020
Councilmember Holden stated this was the first time the Council has reviewed this item. She
explained because additional signage was being given, she would like to see the City given a
small easement on this property to allow for the installation of a City of Arden Hills sign. She
indicated this could be a very small easement for a gateway sign. She suggested action on this
item be tabled to see if the City could acquire an easement on this property.
Councilmember Rousseau indicated she supported this creative idea.
Councilmember Monson commented she supported this idea as well with staff being directed to
provide direction on where a good place would be for a future gateway sign.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—FEBRUARY 10, 2025 6
Mayor Grant stated he believed the proposed sign easement was a good idea, noting this location
would be visible from 694 and was a prominent corner in Arden Hills. He indicated the applicant
was requesting a PUD amendment and he was of the opinion the request for a sign easement
would be appropriate.
Councilmember Weber reported he believed this was a clever idea.
City Administrator Jagoe stated if the Council moved this item forward by tabling, staff could
work with the property owner on a potential easement. She commented there may be another
option to incorporate an Arden Hills logo onto a future combined monument sign for the
businesses.
Mayor Grant asked if this should be made a condition for approval.
City Administrator Jagoe suggested the Council add a condition that would require the property
owner's consent to grant an easement or work with the City to incorporate future signage on any
freestanding signage. However, if the property owner denied this request, the City would move
the item forward and permit the signage. She commented if the Council wanted to know the
property owners answer, she suggested the item be tabled with direction to staff that information
be gathered from the applicant and that the item return to the City Council on March 10.
Rick Ferarro Spectrum Signs President, explained he was representing Altus Properties, CPC
and Delkor. He reported he understood the request the Council was making, but he asked that the
PUD amendment move forward with an increased sign q
size from 4.5 square feet for the code
allowed 6 square feet. He explained CPC and Delkor were having trouble with deliveries and
logistics right now. He reported the new signs would assist with guiding or directing traffic in a
safe and efficient manner. He discussed how the proposed sign easement was an entirely different
conversation that could be held with the ownership group. He recommended this be treated as a
side conversation than the requested way finding signage.
Councilmember Holden indicated this was the first time the City Council had reviewed this
request and she believed now was the time for the Council to request an easement because this
was an important property in Arden Hills. She supported this item being tabled for one month in
order to allow for further conversations to be held regarding the proposed easement.
Councilmember Weber questioned when this item was reviewed by the Planning Commission.
City Administrator Jagoe reported this item was reviewed by the Planning Commission on
January 8.
Councilmember Weber commented he loved the idea of a monument sign for the City on this
property, but indicated he did not support strong arming the applicant in order to achieve this.
Councilmember Holden explained she was not strong arming the applicant over this but rather
was requesting action on this item be postponed for 30 days in order to have an easement request
considered.
Councilmember Monson requested further information on how the Council could move this
item forward with a condition for approval regarding the sign easement.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—FEBRUARY 10, 2025 7
City Administrator Jagoe stated the condition could be worded in such a manner that if the
property owner did not consent, it satisfies the condition so staff could move forward and issue
permits.
Councilmember Monson indicated she did not support holding this item up, but she also wanted
to see if there was a way forward for the sign easement.
Mayor Grant supported the Council having a conversation with the property owner in order to
receive the easement. He stated the applicant was asking for signage and the City, as part of the
PUD amendment was asking for a sign easement.
Mr. Ferarro commented he was not requesting branded signage but rather was requesting
wayfinding signage.
Mayor Grant commented he would be in favor of tabling action on this item, or having approval
being contingent upon meeting a condition to receive an easement.
Councilmember Holden suggested this item be tabled to the February 19 Special City Council
meeting.
Mayor Grant supported this recommendation.
Councilmember Weber inquired if the City would deny the sign request if the applicant were to
not allow for the sign easement.
Councilmember Holden explained she could not speculate how people would vote in the future.
Councilmember Monson indicated she would not deny the request for lack of an easement.
Councilmember Weber stated he did not believe this was an unreasonable discussion to have.
He commented his personal opinion was that he would not hold this item up if the easement were
not granted.
Councilmember Rousseau inquired if the request were approved, would the applicant speak with
the owner in good faith about the sign easement.
Mr. Ferarro stated he could do this.
Councilmember Monson indicated if the applicant were to say no at this time, there may be an
opportunity for a partnership in the future. She reviewed a proposed condition that could be made
a part of the motion to read: The applicant shall work with City staff to identify a location for an
easement in favor of the City for the purpose of a gateway sign, or combined signs. She
commented she was trying to find a way forward in order to not hold this item up.
Mayor Grant reported if a condition were added, the condition would have to be met before the
requested CPC/Delkor signs could go up.
City Administrator Jagoe reported this was the case. She explained if the applicant were to say
they do not want to grant the City an easement, would this satisfy the condition because they had
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—FEBRUARY 10, 2025 8
worked with City staff. Or would an easement have to be defined in order for the signs to be
installed. She indicated she would want this clarification from the City Council.
Councilmember Weber stated he was satisfied with an assurance the representative would speak
with the property owner regarding the sign easement. He reiterated that this item has been
available for Council's review for the past month and he did not believe it was reasonable to hold
it up.
Councilmember Holden commented this item may have been available for one month, but she
did not believe the Councilmembers read every single item that was presented to the PTRC, the
EDC or Planning Commission. She apologized that she had not taken action sooner, but she
believed now was the time to ask for an easement. She supported staff speaking with the property
owner and not the sign representative.
Mayor Grant indicated the Councilmember Holden could not meet privately with the City
Council to discuss this matter prior to this meeting because this would violate the open meeting
law. He reported this was the Council's first opportunity to discuss this request.
Councilmember Weber stated he understood this was not an open meeting law item. He
commented the matter at hand was reaching out to applicant in a reasonable amount of time
regarding the easement request.
Mayor Grant explained he did not have a problem with Councilmember Monson's proposed
amendment, except for the work with reference. He suggested the language be changed to obtain
an easement. He reported PUD amendments allow for give and take, which was why large
developments like this request flexibility with the understanding the City also has the opportunity
to ask for something in exchange.
I
Councilmember Monson stated she was of the opinion it would be too difficult to draft a
condition at this meeting and noted she did not support denying the request if the applicant
opposed the easement. She recommended the item be moved forward and that direction be given
to staff to reach out to the owner to see if there was a separate pathway forward for the sign
easement.
Mayor Grant indicated he would be in favor of tabling action on this item in order to allow staff
to have discussions with the property owner.
Mr. Ferarro stated he believed his request was very elementary, noting three signs were
approved as part of the PUD. He indicated he was not asking for any more than three signs, but
rather he was asking for what code allows for logistic purposes.
Mayor Grant reported the Council has not had a lot of discussion regarding the requested signs
because the Council did not object to the signs.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—FEBRUARY 10, 2025 9
MOTION: Mayor Grant moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to table
action on the Planned Unit Development (PUD) Amendment and Site Plan
Review for the property at 4200 Round Lake Road directing staff to work
with the applicant regarding the exploration of a sign easement for the City of
Arden Hills. A roll call vote was taken. The motion failed 2-3
(Councilmembers Monson,Rousseau and Weber opposed).
MOTION: Councilmember Weber moved and Councilmember Rousseau seconded a
motion to Approve Resolution 2025-016 Approving Planned Unit
Development (PUD) Amendment and Site Plan Review — 4200 Round Lake
Road- Planning Case 24-020 N-,,ith conditions.
Councilmember Holden stated she had supported the condition as proposed by Councilmember
Monson. She recommended a condition be added that read: The applicant will review case with
property owner and request property owner to work with the City for a small easement on the
694/35W side of the property for an Arden Hills sign or that a joint monument sign be considered.
AMENDMENT: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Weber seconded a
motion to recommend the addition of Condition 7 to read: The
Applicant will meet with the Property Owner to discuss granting an
easement to the City of Arden Hills for gateway signage to be installed
along 694-35W or consider adding City of Arden Hills to any monument
sign planned for the future and provide written documentation.
Councilmember Holden stated she has learned over the ears that if a condition was not put in
Y
place requiring certain action, there is no guarantee the action will be taken.
Councilmember Weber commented that he's too trusting.
Councilmember Holden stated that she didn't enjoy being insulted.
Councilmember Weber replied that he wasn't.
Councilmember Holden said the bottom line is she's trying to share that if you don't put
conditions in writing, stuff happens where it gets lost.
Mayor Grant reported the former City Attorney made this very clear for the City Council on
many, many occasions.
Councilmember Monson stated Councilmember Weber seconded the motion and she would be
supporting the amendment.
The amendment carried (5-0).
Councilmember Holden recommended a specific date be placed in her condition to ensure action
was taken on this item. She suggested the date be March 30, 2025.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—FEBRUARY 10, 2025 10
AMENDMENT: Councilmember Holden moved and Mayor Grant seconded a motion
to recommend the addition of Condition 7 to read: The Applicant will
meet with the Property Owner to discuss granting an easement to the City
of Arden Hills for gateway signage to be installed along 694-35W or
consider adding City of Arden Hills to any monument sign planned for the
future and provide written documentation by March 30, 2025.
The amendment carried(5-0).
Councilmember Monson thanked Councilmember Holden for coming up with a creative
solution and for moving this item forward.
Mayor Grant reported there were a number of locations the City wanted to put gateway signs
and explained this was an important corner that delineates Arden Hills.
Councilmember Holden explained she believed she had the right to discuss a matter even if it
has been around for two years, one year or one month.
The amended motion carried (5-0).
B. Motion to Authorize Recruitment of Public Works Parks Lead and Utilities
Lead Positions
City Administrator Jagoe stated as part of the 2025 budget discussions, the City Council
approved Public Works staffing changes which included the hiring of Lead positions within the
Department. These department organizational changes were originally presented and discussed
with the City Council at the August 19, 2024 work session. Primary duties of the Parks Lead and
Utilities Lead:
• Lead the day-to-day activities
• Plan work within their division from week-to-week
• Implement division tasks outlined in the Public Works Maintenance Plan
• Quality control
• Assists in the preparation of the Public Works Maintenance Plan
City Administrator Jagoe explained the Lead positions will allow for more detailed
maintenance/repair information to be prepared for each division to put Public Works in a
"proactive" maintenance state and allows them to get away from being "reactive". All
Maintenance Workers and both Leads are still required to be cross-trained and supplement labor
needs in all divisions. The Memorandum of Understanding and pay scale for the Lead positions
were approved as part of the 2025-2027 Collective Bargaining Agreement Amendment — IUOE
49 under agenda item 8D. As previously mentioned, these Lead positions will not add to the
current staffing numbers within the Public Works Department. Rather these positions will be
internally posted for recruitment to the current Public Works Maintenance employees and
essentially transition two Maintenance Worker positions to two Lead Maintenance Workers.
Anticipated process:
-Council approves authorization to begin the internal recruitment process
-Staff posts for the positions internally
-Staff reviews applications and selects interview candidates and selects a finalist
-Staff will bring forward a finalist for official Council approval
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—FEBRUARY 10, 2025 11
City Administrator Jagoe reported Councilmembers have previously expressed an interest in
being part of the interview panel for certain positions at City Hall; currently no Councilmembers
are slated to be on the interview panel for this position. Should Council want to designate
Councilmembers to attend, they should do so with this authorization. The Lead positions were
included in the 2025 Adopted Budget, with Salary and Benefits totaling $252,489 for the two
positions, which was approximated to start on January 1st, 2025. Based on the pay scale for the
Lead positions in the amended union contract, the actual costs will result in savings for 2025
anticipated salaries.
Councilmember Holden asked if the Lead individuals would be working in the field doing the
same job they were doing now, with additional responsibilities.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen reported this was the case. He indicated the
maintenance workers would have a Lead title but would be required to be out in the field. He
commented further on how the utility lead would remain part of the workforce.
Mayor Grant inquired if staff would be coming back to the Council requesting additional staff to
complete utility work.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen explained in July when he presented the
needs now table,there were three phases and noted Phase 2 included streets lead and an additional
maintenance worker, but he anticipated these positions would not need to be considered to start
until 2026 or 2027. A recommendation to Council will be provided likely around July of this year,
2025.
MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Rousseau seconded a
motion to Authorize Recruitment of Public Works Parks Lead and Utilities
Lead Positions. The motion carried (5-0).
10. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
12. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Rousseau welcomed City Administrator Jagoe to her new position and thanked
her for her efforts on behalf of the City.
Councilmember Rousseau thanked Rob Williams for his service on the EDC.
Councilmember Rousseau reported NYFS would be holding their annual luncheon on
Wednesday, May 14 at 11:30 a.m.
Councilmember Weber commented on the recent Planning Commission meeting noting the
group received a presentation from HKGi on the updated zoning code. He anticipated the City
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—FEBRUARY 10, 2025 12
Council would have to consider ADU's, reviewing uses and the combination of zones B-3 and B-
4. He recommended these matters be considered by the City Council at an upcoming worksession
meeting.
Councilmember Weber clarified the discussion that was held at the last City Council meeting
regarding committee assignments, noting Councilmember Holden argued that she had volunteered
for the Planning Commission and implied that he was being dishonest when he told her she did
not. He explained he reviewed the work session video where committee assignments were
discussed and at no time did Councilmember Holden volunteer for this position. He noted he
raised his hand as the only volunteer and he was acknowledged at the time. He did not believe it
was fair to suggest otherwise and he would appreciate it if Councilmember Holden would
acknowledge this.
Councilmember Holden addressed the committee assignments explaining when she suggested
Councilmember Kurt Weber should not be on the Planning Commission, she heard from the slate.
He had stated he wanted to be on the Planning Commission and he did not believe there was a
problem. She indicated she heard from Councilmember Rousseau and Councilmember Monson
who both said there was not a problem. She understood that with a 3-2 vote already in place it
would be hard for her to raise her hand. She suggested Councilmember Weber clarify the slate's
majority right now, which stands. She indicated she was surprised she was treated like a spouse or
a child when she was told she was being assigned to the Fire Board. She reported she was not
somebody's spouse or child. She anticipated the City would not get much from the Fire Board
because she could not do that.
Councilmember Holden reported she attended Coffee with a Cop with 15 other residents at
Caribou Coffee. She hoped that a hot dog event could be held at Arden Manor this summer.
Councilmember Holden requested staff provide the City Council with information on how much
water the City was paying for and receiving from Roseville, while also providing information on
what the billing gap was.
Councilmember Holden recommended the Chamber videos that were on Nine North be placed
on the City's website.
Councilmember Holden requested the Personal Committee address the City Attorney issues.
Councilmember Monson asked what the City Attorney issues were.
City Administrator Jagoe explained there were questions regarding the City Attorney invoicing
staff for time for research on staff questions. She reported the suggestion was made that maybe
this could be an item for the Personnel Committee to look at.
Councilmember Monson welcomed City Administrator Jagoe to her new position.
Councilmember Monson reported Arden Hills resident Audrey Partridge was recently appointed
by the governor as the Public Utilities Commissioner.
Councilmember Monson stated the Minnesota Ice Swim would be held at the Lake Johanna
Beach on Saturday, February 22. She asked that staff put this event on the City's website.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—FEBRUARY 10, 2025 13
City Administrator Jagoe asked if the Council supported putting this event on the City's
website.
Councilmember Holden suggested this event be placed on the City's Facebook page versus the
website.
Councilmember Monson asked that staff speak with the fire department and that they be invited
to provide the City Council with a presentation at a future Council meeting.
Councilmember Monson indicated she supported the City Council discussing the zoning code
with HKGi at an upcoming worksession as proposed by Councilmember Weber.
City Administrator Jagoe commented HKGi was preparing a report on the feedback they have
received on the zoning code updates and this report would be provided to the City Council in the
next week or two.
Mayor Grant stated he attended a PiE meeting with Xcel Energy.
Mayor Grant congratulated City Administrator Jagoe on her new position, noting she began with
the City as the Senior Planner.
ADJOURN
MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Rousseau seconded a
motion to adjourn. The motion carried (5-0).
Mayor Grant adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 8:36 p.m.
Julie Hanson David Grant
City Clerk Mayor