Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout10 October 2025 Arden Hills Notescityofardenhills.org • October 2025 • 1 October 2025 2025 State of the City Recap The Arden Hills City Council held its annual State of the City meeting for residents and businesses of Arden Hills on Saturday, Sept. 20, at Arden Hills City Hall. This event was an opportunity for Mayor David Grant and Councilmembers to present goals and projects from the past year on topics that include Rice Creek Commons/TCAAP, Public Works, Community Development, Public Safety, City Finances and other miscellaneous items. Thank you to those in attendance. We appreciate your interest and engagement in our community. If you were unable to attend, but would like to watch this event, scan the QR code to watch on our YouTube channel. Rice Creek Commons Update On Tuesday, Sept. 9, the Joint Development Authority (JDA) approved the final plat called Rice Creek Commons Second Addition for Outlot C, often times referred to as the California Parcel, to subdivide the 372 acre parcel for the dedication of the public right-of-way corridor for Rice Creek Boulevard (previously referred to as the Spine Road). Two large Outlots were created as part of the plat for the future Rice Creek Commons development. These Outlots will be further subdivided and replatted at the time of the future development. It should be noted that this platting process is not associated with any specific development on the site. At this same meeting, the JDA reviewed and approved a draft Request for Information (RFI) that has since been released for the main “California Parcel.” The purpose of this RFI is to gather information and solicit feedback from developers and real estate professionals on the opportunities and challenges of the continued development of Rice Creek Commons, key factors affecting financial success, current real estate trends and development approach preferences. The feedback collected will help shape a future competitive solicitation for further development. A summary of the RFI responses is tentatively scheduled to be presented to the JDA at its Monday, Nov. 3 meeting. Stay tuned for details on an upcoming Rice Creek Commons webinar focused on sustainability and clean energy. The session will highlight progress made over the past two years and offer residents an opportunity to learn more about the project’s sustainability design guidelines. Zoning and Subdivision Code Community Survey The City of Arden Hills is updating its Zoning and Subdivision Codes to align with the land use goals found in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan and modern development standards. This includes clarifying language, reorganizing content and addressing issues identified by the City Council, Planning Commission and staff. We want your input on development standards that shape the City’s physical character such as signage, lighting, landscaping, parking and more. Take our brief survey and help guide updates that reflect community values and priorities. The survey will be open through the end of October. www.surveymonkey.com/r/YRDH6NC ARDEN HILLS STATE OF THE CITY 2 • Arden Hills Notes • October 20252 • Arden Hills Notes • October 2025 Service Directory City Hall 1245 West Highway 96 Arden Hills, MN 55112 cityofardenhills.org 651-792-7800 Office Hours Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sheriff and Fire 911 - Emergency and 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 Kurt Weber • 651-792-7857 kweber@cityofardenhills.org City Administrator Jessica Jagoe • 651-792-7810 jjagoe@cityofardenhills.org Sr. Communications Coordinator Laura Michlig • 651-792-7817 lmichlig@cityofardenhills.org Resident Resources cityofardenhills.org/resident-resources Council meetings are held at City Hall on the 2nd and 4th Monday 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. Did you know October is Fire Prevention Month? The National Fire Protection Association designated it back in 1922 to honor the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Ever since, it’s been a time to remember some simple ways to stay safe and prevent fires. Ways to Prepare for a Home Fire Make sure you have the right number of smoke alarms in your home. There should be alarms in every bedroom, one outside each sleeping area and one on every level of the home, including the kitchen. Test them every month and change the batteries once a year. Be sure everyone knows two ways out of every room and choose a family meeting spot outside. Practice fire drills together at least twice a year, so it becomes second nature. Teach kids (and remind adults!) the lifesaving rule: “Stop, Drop and Roll” if clothes ever catch fire. Recreational Fires Recreational fires can be a great way to enjoy the cooler fall evenings, and in Arden Hills they’re allowed without a permit. To keep everyone safe, remember: • Fires must be no larger than 3x3 feet and contained in a fire pit • Only burn clean, untreated wood • Fires are only allowed when wind speeds are below 10 mph • Always keep a water source or fire extinguisher nearby • Never leave a fire unattended October is Fire Prevention Month As the leaves begin to fall and autumn rains arrive, managing stormwater is important. Stormwater is the water that flows across streets, sidewalks and yards when it rains or when snow and ice melt. Some of it soaks into the ground, but much of it drains into storm sewer systems. This runoff often travels directly into wetlands, ponds and lakes—places we rely on for swimming, fishing and drinking water. In the fall, leaves, grass clippings and yard debris can easily wash into storm drains. Once there, it can clog the system or contaminate waterways, which harms water quality. Extra fertilizer applied to lawns in the fall can also wash away during heavy rains, carrying chemicals into nearby lakes and streams. The City follows a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), required under federal and state regulations, that includes public education, ordinances and infrastructure maintenance to reduce pollution in runoff. This fall, residents can help by raking and composting leaves. Residents can reduce or skip fertilizer use as lawns prepare for winter. Planting native perennials in the fall to build strong roots that soak up stormwater next spring is also a great option. The easiest way to help is to keep curb and gutters, and storm drains clear of leaves and debris. Height of Grass To ease raking, cut grass to a shorter length and try mowing over leaves. Use chopped up leaves for mulch. Rake leaves off lawns and streets (especially leaves clogging storm sewer openings). Per 602.02 Subd 6 of City Code, all noxious weeds and other growths of vegetation on public or private property cannot be more than eight inches in height. These simple steps can help keep our lakes, ponds and wetlands stay clean this season and all year long. Stormwater Pollution Prevention cityofardenhills.org • October 2025 • 3 cityofardenhills.org • October 2025 • 3 City Council Benchmarks September 8, 2025 City Council Mtg All votes 5-0 unless otherwise noted. • Approved Resolution 2025-056 Accepting a Donation from the Arden Hills Foundation ($300.65) • Approved Amended Planned Unit Development Agreement – 3529 Lexington Avenue – Arden Plaza – Planning Case 25-005 • Approved Resolution 2025-057 Appointing Kayleigh Shrom as the Economic Development Commission Youth Commissioner • Approved Resolution 2025-058 Appointing Ihsan Isak as an Economic Development Commission Commissioner • Approved Resolution 2025-059 Approving Issuance of an Educational Facilities Revenue Refunding Note, Series 2025 September 22, 2025 City Council Mtg All votes 4-0 unless otherwise noted.(Rousseau Excused) • Approved Resolution 2025-060 Designating Certain City-Owned Property as Mullin Gardens • Approved Resolution 2025-061 Appointing Theodore Chresand as the Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee Youth Committee Member • Approved Geotechnical Evaluation Proposal from Braun Intertec – 2028 PMP and Shoreline Lane ($29,295) • Approved Payment to Visu-Sewer for Sanitary Sewer Televising Services – I-35W Trunk Main ($12,695) • Approved Payment to Klein Underground for Emergency Watermain Repair Roadway Restoration – Dunlap St ($11,936.50) • Adopted Ordinance 2025-003 Amending Chapter 4 – City Code Animals and Pets Section 410 and Chapter 13 – Zoning Code Section 1325 – Location for Buildings Housing Farm Animals (specifically to the keeping of chickens) for Planning Case 25-007 (with amendments) and Authorized Publication Summary Ordinance 2025-003 Sept. 29, 2025 Special City Council Meeting All votes 3-0 unless otherwise noted. (Holden & Weber excused) • Set Preliminary Levy and Establish Truth-In-Taxation Public Hearing Date for Proposed Taxes Payable in 2026 ⸰Approved Resolution 2025-063 – Preliminary Levy of 18.32% (or $7,132,270) (2-1, Grant opposed) ⸰Approved Resolution 2025-064 – TNT Public Hearing Date set for December 8, 2025 ⸰Approved Resolution 2025-065 Related to the City’s CIP Bonds, Series 2025A, and Authorized Cancellation of 2025 Debt Service Levy Related to Such Bonds For a complete list of recent City Council actions, visit cityofardenhills.org and click on “View Agendas and Minutes.” Arden Hills is pleased to welcome Julie Whitney as our new Permit Technician! Julie comes to us from the City of Lino Lakes, where she served as the Administrative Assistant to the Director of Community Development. Originally from Finlayson, MN, Julie is also a twin! She attended vocational school in Pine City, studying Secretarial and Word Processing, and brings over 25 years of experience in administrative work. When asked what she enjoys about her new role, Julie shared, “I like the smaller city culture and I very much enjoy the people that I work with.” Julie lives in Chisago City with her boyfriend, Paul, and their chihuahua. She has two children—a daughter studying at Gustavus Adolphus College to become a music teacher, and a son who is married with two daughters. Outside of work, Julie enjoys camping, traveling and spending time with family, friends and her granddaughters. Welcome, Julie Whitney – New Permit Technician Public Meeting for Hwy 51 Trail Improvements In 2026, the City of Arden Hills will be working with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) and the City of Roseville to make improvements along Hwy 51. These improvements include a trail added along the west side of Highway 51 between Lydia Ave and Old Snelling Ave. A public meeting will take place on Thursday, Oct. 23 at Centennial United Methodist Church (1524 Co. Rd. C2 W, Roseville) for anyone interested in learning more about the improvements along the Old Snelling Ave corridor. Updates From Public Works Fall Street Sweeping Underway Public Works will begin the fall street sweeping process this October. This process generally takes three to four weeks to complete all city streets, depending on weather conditions. During this time, residents are reminded not to place any tree debris or yard waste from private property onto the street. Please place all trash and recycling bins behind the curb to ensure sweepers can pass through without obstruction. 4 • Arden Hills Notes • October 2025 Inside Arden Hills, MN . 55112-5734 ECR-WSS PRST STD U.S. Postage Paid TWIN CITIES, MN Permit #1710 Let’s Get Social! Follow us on social media and subscribe to email alerts. Be the first to know all that’s happening, important updates and upcoming events. Visit: cityofardenhills.orgin 2025 State of the City Recap Rice Creek Commons Update Ordinance Survey Fire Prevention Month Council Benchmarks Employee Spotlight Public Works Updates + more! Postal Customer Summer Parks and Recreation Recap As we step into fall, Arden Hills Parks and Recreation reflects on a busy summer filled with fun, friendship and unforgettable community moments. From expanded youth sports leagues to brand-new free daytime programs, summer 2025 was one to remember! Recreation Programs Youth sports leagues saw strong participation and we launched Rec on the Go!, bringing free pop-up programming directly to neighborhoods. Arden Hills also hosted Dash Sports camps, adult leagues and tennis programs for all ages. Community Events We kicked off the summer with a favorite, Touch-A-Truck and then the popular Penny Carnival and many more. We debuted the Passport to Summer program, encouraging exploration of all parks around the city to decode a special phrase and win prizes donated by the Arden Hills Foundation and a local naturalist. Looking Ahead to 2026 We’re already planning for an exciting 2026, with new partnerships, inclusive programs and a fresh lineup of events. Be sure to check out all that Arden Hills Parks and Recreation has to offer this fall and beyond. A big “Thank You” to our amazing volunteers, youth coaches, event helpers and so many others who made this summer a success!