Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-10-25-R lt ,-AIZEN�HILLS Approved: December 8, 2025 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 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 MOTION: Councilmember Monson moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to approve the meeting agenda as presented. The motion carried (5- 2. TCAAP/RICE CREEK COMMONS UPDATE City Administrator Jagoe stated the Joint Development Authority met on November 3`d. They have extended the deadline for their Request for Information for Rice Creek Commons to Friday, Nov. 14. The JDA is seeking input from organizations and individuals with expertise in real estate development and related industries. The feedback received will help guide the next phase of the site's redevelopment by identifying 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 RFI responses will be summarized and JDA staff will provide highlights and themes at the December meeting. Additionally, at the November meeting, the JDA tabled the approval of the 2026 budget and presentation from Ramsey County staff and discussion on Building 116 to their December meeting. Final reminder of the upcoming sustainability webinar to be hosted by the JDA is scheduled for Thursday, November 13, from Noon to 1 PM. This will be an informational webinar on how ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—NOVEMBER 10, 2025 2 clean energy and innovation are advancing the vision of a long-term sustainable development at Rice Creek Commons. To register there is a link on the Rice Creek Commons and City website. Neither of the advisory committees has met since the last Council meeting. The next JDA meeting will be on Monday, December 1 sc Mayor Grant reported on June 30 the developer(Alatus) was let go by the JDA. He stated it was his understanding the developer was now suing the JDA. He asked for an update on the lawsuit. City Administrator Jagoe explained Alatus has sued the JDA and this matter was still in litigation. It was her understanding the court has issued their schedule for this lawsuit, but she did not recall when the trial would begin. She understood mediation would be held in December. 3. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL Andrea Pidde, 1619 Lake Johanna Boulevard, addressed the Council regarding the property consolidation at 1622 and 1624 Lake Johanna Boulevard. She noted she lived directly across the street from these properties. She explained her home and the subject property's home was built in the 1930's. She commented on how the properties surrounding her have redeveloped over time. She reported the applicant was looking to redevelop these two properties into a single family home. She was of the opinion this property should not be redeveloped because Lake Johanna Boulevard was too dangerous for families to live on. She recommended this property remain as is and that large variances not be granted for the applicant. She feared if the variances were approved a dangerous precedent would be set. 4. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC INQUIRIES None. 5. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS A. Met Council Update Met Council Member Peter Lindstrom introduced himself to the Council and provided a high level overview of the issues addressed by the Met Council. He explained this included environmental services, Metro Transit and transportation planning, community development, housing and redevelopment authority, parks planning/funding, and wastewater management. He commented further on the amount of wastewater that was treated on a daily basis by the Met Council, noting the amount of water that was sent from Arden Hills to the treatment plant in St. Paul. He thanked the City of Arden Hills for being a part of Met Council's water efficiency program. He discussed the challenges facing the region, which included an aging infrastructure, climate impacts and groundwater recharging. He commented on what transit looked like post- COVID, noting route frequency was increasing. He provided further information on the transportation services that would be offered through Metro Micro Transit. He reported the Met Council was estimating an additional 600,000 would be coming into the region by 2050 and discussed how City's would soon be working on their 2050 Comprehensive Plans. Met Council Rep Merritt Clapp-Smith introduced herself to the Council and noted she was the sector representation for Arden Hills at the Met Council. She noted she would be the point person for the City throughout the 2050 Comprehensive Planning process. She reported Arden Hills was eligible for a planning grant to assist with the 2050 Comp Plan. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—NOVEMBER 10, 2025 3 Councilmember Holden thanked the Met Council for the I&I grants noting the City has been working diligently to address its infiltration issues. She questioned what the Met Council's increase would be for 2026. Mr. Lindstrom noted the Met Council would be raising its rates in 2026 by 5%. Councilmember Holden inquired if Metro Mobility would remain limited in Arden Hills in 2026. She stated she would like to see full service restored for Metro Mobility for the seniors in the community. Mr. Lindstrom reported this was a critical service for the residents in this region. He indicated he would look into this further and would report back to the City Council. Mayor Grant asked if the Met Council would be continuing the water efficiency grants in July of 2026. Mr. Lindstrom anticipated the legacy funds from the legislature would continue in July of 2026. Councilmember Holden commented on how the City could do more to address sustainability efforts when it comes to City operations. She asked if there were grants available from the Met Council to assist the City with these efforts. Mr. Lindstrom commented on the grant opportunities that may be available to assist the City in pushing these goals forward. Mayor Grant thanked the representatives from the Met Council for their detailed presentation. 6. STAFF COMMENTS A. Transportation Update Public Works Director Swearingen reported the contractor was moving towards the final stages of the Lift Station 5 project. He explained Stowe Avenue and Noble Road were now open to traffic. He stated the remainder of County Road E should be paved by the end of the week. Councilmember Holden requested staff speak to the Open House that would be held for the project at Lexington Avenue and Highway 96. Public Works Director Swearingen stated Ramsey County has begun a transportation study on Highway 96 at the intersections of Lexington Avenue and Hamline Avenue. He noted different intersection configurations were being considered and the proposed open house was a very early planning conceptual opportunity to gain community feedback. 7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES None. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—NOVEMBER 10, 2025 4 8. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Motion to Approve Consent Agenda Item - Claims and Payroll B. Motion to Acknowledge the Application of Catholic United Financial for an Exempt Permit to Conduct a Raffle with the Event being March 12, 2026, with No Waiting Period C. Motion to Acknowledge the Application of Ducks Unlimited North Suburban Chapter 239 for an Exempt Permit to Conduct a Raffle with the Event being January 1, 2026, with No Waiting Period D. Motion to Approve Resolution 2025-070 Relating to 2026 Curbside and Non- Curbside Recycling Fees E. Motion to Approve Resolution 2025-071 Approving the Application for Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) 2026 Private Property Inflow and Infiltration(I/1) Grant Program 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 (Lq 9. PULLED CONSENT ITEMS None. 10. PUBLIC HEARINGS None. 11. NEW BUSINESS None. 12. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 13. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Weber stated the Planning Commission met last week where a minor subdivision was addressed. He reported the Planning Commission suggested minor subdivisions be addressed at a staff level and that the Zoning Code be amended to allow for this. He indicated the second item, addressed by the Planning Commission was a sign standard adjustment to allow for a 60 square foot sign for the Goodwill. Councilmember Holden questioned if the City had completed the waterline study. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen reported staff sent an update to the Minnesota Department of Health noting there were still several hundred unknowns in the City. Councilmember Holden asked how many water meters in the City were still having issues. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—NOVEMBER 10, 2025 5 Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen indicated he was not aware of any concerns at this time. Councilmember Holden recommended the water analysis study be conducted in a new manner, noting she has participated three years in a row. She explained she wanted to allow other residents to participate in this study. Councilmember Holden requested an update from staff on what matters are prosecuted by the City and what matters are prosecuted by the County. City Administrator Jagoe reported she would have to speak with the City Attorney regarding this and noted she would report back to the Council on this matter. Councilmember Holden requested staff include information about Metro Micro in the City's newsletter. Councilmember Holden commented the Fire Board has not met yet this month so she did not have an update for the Council. Councilmember Holden explained a comment was made that the City of Arden Hills did not want Boston Scientific to move into the community. She indicated this was news to her. She reported in 1994, Boston Scientific purchased property in Maple Grove and then in 2005 they purchased more land in Maple Grove and opened up a research and development building. She stated when Boston Scientific purchased Guidant in 2006, Boston Scientific then came to Arden Hills. Councilmember Monson reported she supported minor subdivisions being reviewed and approved by staff. Councilmember Monson stated the 75`" Anniversary Committee continues to meet and was conducting sponsorship outreach at this time. Councilmember Monson explained last week the City of Arden Hills planted a tree in Melissa and Mark Hortman's memory in Floral Park. She thanked staff for their assistance with this proj ect. Mayor Grant stated last Monday he provided a presentation to a 6t' grade class at Highview Middle School regarding City government. He provided further information regarding the Mayor for the Day contest. Mayor Grant recommended information regarding the Metro Micro services from the Met Council be placed on the City's website-as well as in the newsletter. Mayor Grant explained he has been asked by residents if e-bikes were allowed on streets and trails. He referenced Class 3 bikes and their speed, stating he would be taking up this issue with City staff. Councilmember Monson supported the Council further addressing this topic. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—NOVEMBER 10, 2025 6 ADJOURN MOTION: Mayor Grant moved and Councitmember Rousseau seconded a motion to adiourn. The motion carried (5-0). Mayor Grant adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 8:07 p.m. �A " — I � J 1 e Hanson Davi Grant i Clerk Mayor