HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-23-25-R --fi ]l EEN_ HILLS
Approved: July 28, 2025
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JUNE 23, 2025
7:00 P.M. - ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Pro Tem Tena Monson called to order the
regular City Council meeting at 7:00 p.m.
Present: Councilmembers Brenda Holden, Tena Monson and Kurt Weber
Absent: Mayor Grant joined remotely at Work Session which was held prior to
Regular meeting, but due to City related technical difficulties was unable to
participate. Councilmember Rousseau was excused.
Also present: City Administrator Jessica Jagoe; City Attorney Greta Bjerkness; 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
MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Weber seconded a
motion to approve the meeting agenda as presented. The motion carried (3-
2. TCAAP/RICE CREEK COMMONS UPDATE
City Administrator Jagoe stated the JDA Advisory Meeting met on June l lth. Their main focus
of discussion was on the right of re-entry details. Alatus and the Ramsey County Financial
Advisory from Ehlers are working together to review and provide verification of financial and
organizational capacity as requested by the JDA at their meeting on June 2nd. A verbal update is
to be provided at the JDA Advisory meeting on June 181h. Additionally, Alatus is gathering more
information from homebuilders regarding prevailing wage. Lastly, at this meeting Alatus stated
that they can comply with the sustainability guidelines and district energy.
On June 18d'the JDA Advisory met. Discussion items were the redlines provided to Alatus from
Ramsey County on the right of reentry language to be included as part of the Purchase and Sale
Agreement. As previously shared with the City Council, the current proposal for purchase of the
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 23, 2025 2
California Parcel by Alatus is the site takedown as one parcel and that they would complete the
mass grading and fine grading along with installation of the sub-grade for the Spine Road. At this
meeting, the County Attorney and County Staff informed Alatus that this would require public
bidding for work that is completed within the public right of way. County staff provided an
update that Kimley Horn as part of the RFP scope for the Spine Road design plans is preparing
the final plat to record to the Spine Road right of way. County approval of the plat, as landowner,
is expected this summer, after which the final plat will be brought forward to the JDA. Additional
negotiation will need to continue between the County and Alatus on the purchase and sale terms
as it relates to the mass grading. Discussion continued on the open items from the term sheet that
remain open. The Alatus team shared their perspective of open items which were prevailing
wage, right of reentry, and coordination with Yd parties such as MPCA and Army on permit
approvals. JDA staff identified that there are more open items and it was agreed that JDA staff
would provide Alatus a complete list of the Development Agreement items and current status.
At the June 23`d JDA Advisory meeting the subcommittee had a final discussion on the request
from Alatus for an extension of the Preliminary Development Agreement prior to the next JDA
Special Meeting on Wednesday, June 25d' at 7 PM. At the June 2nd JDA meeting, Bob Lux from
Alatus verbally requested that the term of the Preliminary Development Agreement between
Alatus and the JDA be extended to 30 days past the date that the 90%plans for the Spine Road
and related infrastructure are expected. The target date for the 90%plans is August 8, 2025, so 30
days beyond that would be September 7, 2025. A recommendation of the JDA Advisory
Committee members on the extension request will be brought forward at this meeting. JDA staff
is preparing an additional memo for this meeting that is anticipated to be provided at the June 25 h
JDA meeting.
The Energy Advisory Committee has not met since the last Council meeting. Advisory
committee meetings as they are scheduled, will continue to be posted on the City's website.
3. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL
Gregg Larson, 3377 North Snelling Avenue, discussed a flyer he recently received from
Rainbow Tree Care that had the City's logo on it. He commented on an event that occurred in
2018 where warranties were offered on sewer lines by an outside company and this company was
allowed to use the City's logo on all mailings. He feared the City was jeopardizing the goodwill
and trust of its residents by allowing this to occur. He recommended the City not allow outside
companies to use the City's logo for advertising campaigns.
4. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC INQUIRIES
None.
5. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS
None.
6. STAFF COMMENTS
A. Transportation Update
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 23, 2025 3
Public Works Director Swearingen reported the crack sealing contractor would be working on
City streets this week and chip sealing work would begin on July 7, 2025.
Councilmember Holden asked when the 2024 PMP project would be closed.
Public Works Director Swearingen stated the final walk through has yet to be completed along
with several minor items on the punch list.
B. Night to Unite Update
Assistant to the City Administrator/City Clerk Hanson stated Night to Unite would be held on
Tuesday, August 5 and individuals interested in hosting a Night to Unite event are encouraged to
register their gathering with the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office (RCSO) by Tuesday, July 22.
Registered parties may receive a visit from a deputy, fire department personnel as well as City
and other community officials. The City has information about Night to Unite, including the link
for online registration, available on our website's main page under News and Announcements.
Registration can be completed online and residents can find more information about Night to
Unite in general on the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office webpage. Residents wishing to donate
school supplies can bring items to their local neighborhood event or drop the items off at the
Ramsey County Sheriff's Patrol Station located at 1411 Paul Kirkwold Drive between 8:00 am
and 4:30 pm Monday, August 4 through Friday, August 8. Donations can also be dropped off at
City Hall during regular business hours. A list of neighborhoods participating in Night to Unite
will be sent to the City Council when it becomes available to staff.
7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. May 27, 2025, City Council Work Session
B. May 27, 2025, Regular City Council
MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Weber seconded a
motion to approve the May 27, 2025, City Council Work Session meeting
minutes and May 27, 2025, Regular City Council meeting minutes as
presented. The motion carried (3-0).
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Motion to Approve Consent Agenda Item - Claims and Payroll
B. Motion to Approve Xcel Thermal Energy Network Demonstration Project Letter
of Support
C. Motion to Approve Resolution 2025-044 Accepting Donation from Arden Hills
Foundation
D. Motion to Approve Appointment of Interim Building Official
E. Motion to Approve Lease Extension with Marco Technologies for City Hall
Copier/Printer
F. Motion to Approve Sponsorship Policy
G. Motion to Approve Payment of Ramsey County Fleet Services April 2025 Invoice
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 23, 2025 4
MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Weber seconded a
motion to approve the Consent Calendar as presented and to authorize
execution of all necessary documents contained therein. The motion carried
fLL
9. PULLED CONSENT ITEMS
None.
10. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Quarterly Special Assessments for Delinquent Utilities
Finance Director Yang stated water customers whose accounts are 90 days past due were
informed that the City intends to certify delinquent charges to Ramsey County to be collected
with property taxes. These customers have the right to a hearing in front of the City Council to
discuss this matter prior to certification.
Mayor Pro Tem Monson opened the public hearing at 7:14 p.m.
With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Pro Tem Monson closed the public hearing at
7:14 p.m.
B. Cable Franchise Extension Agreement Renewal
City Administrator Jagoe stated the North Suburban Communications (the "NSCC") is a
municipal joint powers commission that negotiates and administers the cable franchises on behalf
of its nine member cities. Following a long and contentious franchise renewal process, the NSCC
and Comcast agreed upon a renewed cable television franchise in 2017. All of the member cities
adopted ordinances approving the cable television franchise and Comcast accepted it. At the time,
the 2017 cable television franchise was considered one of the best, if not the best, cable television
franchise in the metro area. In 2025, it remains one of the best, if not the best, cable television
franchises in the metro and it continues to meet the needs of the member cities as it relates to the
provision of cable service.
City Administrator Jagoe explained in 2024, Comcast sent a notice to the NSCC that it desired
to renew the cable television franchise which had a term through 2027. Shortly after receiving the
notice, the NSCC adopted a resolution commencing the renewal process and sent a letter to
Comcast in response to Comcast agreeing to pursue the cable television franchise renewal through
the informal — contract negotiation — process as contemplated in the federal cable act. In 2025,
NSCC counsel and Comcast tentatively agreed on a cable franchise renewal extension that would
extend the current terms and conditions of the cable television franchise through 2032. The NSCC
recommended adoption of the Franchise Extension Agreement Ordinance by the City and all of
its member cities at its meeting in May. The City Council will be asked to make a formal decision
regarding the Comcast Cable Franchise Extension Agreement Ordinance under Agenda Item 11 B.
Councilmember Weber thanked staff for the thorough staff presentation. He commented on the
value the City was receiving through the franchise agreement.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 23, 2025 5
Councilmember Holden commended former NineNorth Executive Director Cor Wilson and
Cable Commission Representative Craig Wilson for holding the line on the franchise agreement
years ago.
Mayor Pro Tem Monson opened the public hearing at 7:17 p.m.
With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Pro Tem Monson closed the public hearing at
7:17 p.m.
11. NEW BUSINESS
A. Resolution 2025-045 Adopting and Confirming Quarterly Special Assessments
for Delinquent Utilities
Finance Director Yang stated delinquent utility amounts are certified to Ramsey County
quarterly. A list of utility accounts with a delinquent balance was compiled and notices dated May
13, 2025 were mailed. These customers were informed of their delinquent status and were asked
to make payment of the delinquent balance by June 13, 2025. Utility accounts with an unpaid
delinquent balance would be certified to Ramsey County to be added to property taxes payable in
2026. The certification amount is equal to the unpaid delinquent balance plus an eight percent
penalty. The list of remaining delinquent utility accounts was reviewed. The City will request that
Ramsey County levy the delinquent balances against the respective properties.
MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Weber seconded a
motion to adopt Resolution 2025-045 — Adopting and Certifying Delinquent
Utilities to Ramsey County. The motion carried (3-0).
B. Ordinance 2025-002 Related to Cable Franchise Extension Agreement
Renewal
There was no further discussion on this item.
MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Weber seconded a
motion to adopt Ordinance 2025-002 for Extension of Cable Franchise
Agreement with Comcast. The motion carried (3-0).
12. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Mayor Pro Tem Monson explained this is the first City Council meeting since the horrific events
that occurred on June 14. She reported there has been a lot to think about as an elected official
since these events. She sent her thoughts and prayers to the Hoffinan family for a full recovery
and her condolences to the Hortman family.
Councilmember Holden stated Representative Hortman attended the Veteran's Day celebration
and had been in Arden Hills for several other events.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JUNE 23, 2025 6
Councilmember Holden commented on June 13 the National Guard had a celebration for the
Army's 250t'Anniversary.
Councilmember Holden explained at the last City Council meeting a comment was made that
the City Council years ago, did not approve the old City Hall property sale to a developer. She
held up the local newspaper from years ago and read the headline "Arden Hills approves the
purchase agreement for the old City Hall property." She said it would be nice if people would find
out or ask what the information is before they start saying things that are untrue or giving
misinformation to people.
Councilmember Weber thanked Mayor Pro Tem Monson for bringing up the tragedy. He
explained that was a very difficult weekend and he shared her sentiments.
ADJOURN
MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Weber seconded a
motion to adjourn. The motion carried (3-0).
Mayor Pro Tem Monson adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 7:21 p.m.
(V,% J,,&,
Ju Hanson ena Monson
CV Clerk Mayor Pro Tem