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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-08-25-R -SRkEN�HILLS Approved: January 12, 2026 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 8,2025 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; Community Development Director Jake Reilly; 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 (5-0). 2. TCAAP/RICE CREEK COMMONS UPDATE City Administrator Jagoe stated the Joint Development Authority held three meetings on December 1st. The first meeting was a closed session for attorney-client privilege litigation against Alatus Arden Hills, LLC. During the work session, the JDA received a presentation from Ramsey County staff on Building 116, a structure on the Rice Creek Commons site that is owned by the Army and houses equipment related to the Army's groundwater cleanup work. Over the past few years, various concerns such as Location, Space, and Aesthetics as well as Public Health and Safety have been raised about Building 116. It was noted that the building itself this has not undergone major updates since it was constructed 1942 and that the building envelope may be larger than necessary for current system needs, as it formerly housed some Army equipment that was removed after this portion of the site was decommissioned. Access to the facility needs to be maintained to ensure Army and its contractors can continue to fulfill their remedial obligations. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—DECEMBER 8, 2025 2 County staff shared that since the full implementation of the TGRS optimization work in 2023, levels of contamination in the water being treated in Building 116 have decreased by approximately 80%, leading to a decrease in air contaminant emissions from the air stripping process. EPA and MPCA regulators have informally indicated that, based on the current models and this optimization work, they are not concerned that current emissions would be a public health risk and the Army remains obligated to complete updated emissions modeling and real- time sampling, under regulatory supervision before any construction occurs at Rice Creek Commons. There is a collection of legal documents that govern all Army cleanup activities and any proposed changes to the TGRS. The JDA reviewed details of a feasibility study. Options considered were a simple analysis of in-place building modifications addressing aesthetics and screening or a more comprehensive study that could include a wider range of options, such as a building size reduction, modifications to the existing structure, energy capture opportunities, and potential on- site or off-site location alternatives. JDA direction was a future Request for Proposals and development agreement would list Building 116 as a preexisting condition. and the JDA will begin the process of engaging with regulators on the potential for clean energy capture and aesthetics. Also at the work session, the JDA reviewed a summary of the Request for Information responses. The RFI closed on November 14, 2025 and there were five responses received. The purpose of the RFI was to gain information to inform a future solicitation for development partner(s) at Rice Creek Commons. The JDA requested this agenda item be brought back in January for additional discussion to clarify the role of a Developer in a future solicitation. Commissioners requested that staff bring back information on considerations that would be needed for next steps for deciding on having a Lead Developer or a Hybrid model. There was consensus of the JDA that they intend to move quickly towards release of an RFP. Next at the Regular meeting following the work session, the JDA approved their 2026 Budget and reviewed their 2026 Road Map. Lastly on December 4th there was a mediation that is part of the court schedule for the litigation against Alatus Arden Hills, LLC. The mediation was not successful which means the litigation is proceeding. I will also add that by the November 28th deadline, the City and County were not added to the lawsuit. There have been no advisory committee meetings and the next JDA meeting will be held on January 5th. Mayor Grant reported the December 4 mediation was not successful. He asked if future mediations would be held with Alatus. City Administrator Jagoe explained she did not have an answer for the Council at this time. She reported the litigation was ongoing and continuous. Mayor Grant inquired if Building 116 was owned by the Army. City Administrator Jagoe indicated this was the case, but stated the building was on County property. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—DECEMBER 8, 2025 3 Councilmember Holden questioned if anyone had done an evaluation on how much value would be brought to Building 116 if investments were made in the fagade. She inquired if direction was given by the JDA to move the building. City Administrator Jagoe explained at this time, the JDA would be discussing the smaller building aesthetics and were not considering moving the building. 3. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL None. 4. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC INQUIRIES None. 5. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS None. 6. STAFF COMMENTS A. Transportation Update Public Works Director Swearingen reported the recent street closures have all been reopened in the City. He asked that this agenda item be removed from the agenda until the next construction season begins. The Council supported this recommendation. 7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. November 10, 2025, City Council Work Session B. November 10, 2025, Regular City Council MOTION: Councilmember Monson moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to approve the November 10, 2025, City Council Work Session meeting minutes as amended and the November 10, 2025, Regular City Council meeting minutes as amended. The motion carried (5-0). 8. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Motion to Approve Consent Agenda Item - Claims and Payroll B. Motion to Approve the 2026 Non-Union Employee Compensation Plan C. Motion to Approve Resolution 2025-076 — 2026 City Contribution to Employee Monthly Benefits D. Motion to Approve 2026 Northeast Youth and Family Services Agreement E. Motion to Approve Personnel Policy Updates F. Motion to Approve Appointment of Streets and Stormwater Lead ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—DECEMBER 8, 2025 4 G. Motion to Approve Ordinance 2025-005 Approving the 2026 Fee Schedule and Authorizing Publication of a Summary Ordinance H. Motion to Approve 2026 Liquor License Renewals I. Motion to Approve 2026 Tobacco License Renewals J. Motion to Approve Cancellation of the December 22, 2025 City Council Work Session and Regular Meeting K. Motion to Approve 1750 Hwy 96 — Trident Extension of Land Use Approvals — Planning Case 24-018 L. Motion to Approve Change Order No. 1 and Payment No. 1 — Albrecht Company —2025 Park Improvement Project M. Motion to Approve Acknowledgment of Twin Cities Gateway Grant Funds — MN Braille Challenge N. Motion to Approve Change Order No. 1 and Final Payment—BRZ Coatings, Inc. — South Water Tower Improvements O. Motion to Approve Resolution 2025-077 Amending Resolution 2025-075 to Approve a Sign Standard Adjustment at 1103 County Road E West — Planning Case 25-012 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 (5_0). 9. PULLED CONSENT ITEMS None. 10. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Truth-in-Taxation Finance Director Yang presented the Council with a detailed presentation on the 2026 Budget and Tax Levy. She discussed why tax bills change and described the process that was followed for setting property taxes in Minnesota. She provided a summary on the General Fund, Capital Improvements Plan and noted the proposed 2026 tax levy is a tax levy increase of 15.97%. The proposed levies for surrounding communities were reviewed by staff. She commented on the property tax resources that were available for Arden Hills residents. She discussed how the median value homeowner would be impacted by the proposed tax levy and requested the Council hold the Truth in Taxation Hearing. Councilmember Holden asked if the preliminary numbers provided by staff took into account the new school levy. Finance Director Yang reported her numbers were off the preliminary numbers and did not take into account the new school levy. Councilmember Rousseau requested staff speak to the increases proposed by the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—DECEMBER 8, 2025 5 Finance Director Yang deferred this question to the City Administrator. City Administrator Jagoe reported the numbers from the Finance Director aligns with Ramsey County's proposed budget. She explained the additional $140,000 will be charged to contract cities in a 2025 budget amendment and were not proposed for 2026. Mayor Grant requested further information on where the City stands with the 2025 budget. Finance Director Yang stated after reviewing the 2025 actual activity for revenues and expenditures, the City would be coming in $900,000 better than budget which would create additional reserves for the City. Councilmember Monson questioned what staff s recommendation would be for these reserves. Finance Director Yang recommended the City use $780,000 of the surplus to replenish the general fimd's fundbalance and utilizing the remaining $120,000 for one time expenditures in 2026. Councilmember Holden asked if the surplus includes the$122,009 budget deficit. Finance Director Yang reported the 2026 budget would have to consider the $122,009 deficit because there was a foundational gap. Councilmember Holden inquired if investment earnings could be used for cash flow matters. Finance Director Yang stated investment earnings could be utilized for cash flow needs. Councilmember Monson requested staff speak to how the City has a surplus. Finance Director Yang reported the surplus extends from two factors. She indicated the City received building project revenues that were higher than anticipated in the budget. In addition, the City had personnel savings due to position vacancies. Councilmember Monson stated the staff recommended levy increase of 15.97% would increase property taxes for the median value homeowner by$226 per year or$19 per month. Councilmember Rousseau explained Arden Hills had a banner year when it comes to permit revenues. She asked how much the City saved in staffing costs in 2025. Finance Director Yang reported the City saved$363,000 in staffing costs this year. Councilmember Weber requested further information on how the tax levy has been reduced from 18.32%to 15.97%. Finance Director Yang stated there was a reduction to the Ramsey County Sheriffs Office Contract of$101,056. In addition, the EDA levy was reduced by $50,000. She indicated there was a slight increase to current wage and corresponding step increases for recent hires. She noted the last adjustment was due to slight reductions in union health and dental premiums. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—DECEMBER 8, 2025 6 Mayor Grant opened the Truth in Taxation Hearing at 7:53 p.m. Ed Dickinson, 3188 Asbury Avenue, addressed the Council noting he understood the City was seeing increased costs for police and fire. He thanked the Council for the many hours that were spent working on the budget and for making Arden Hills agreat community. Kelly Rytel, 3585 Ridgewood Road, discussed the PIR Fund and asked the Council to properly fund the City's streets. She indicated she could support the proposed tax levy and recommended the surplus funds from 2025 be placed in the General Fund for replenishment. Steve Erler, 1704 Chatham Avenue, thanked the Council and City staff for all of their efforts on the 2026 budget. He understood this was a difficult process. He discussed how costs were rising for police and fire, as were the costs for street improvement projects. He reported the largest single increase in the budget, beyond police and fire was the City's contribution to the PIR Fund. g � t3' g Y p He supported the City's proposed PIR Fund contribution and commended the Council for doing what needs to be done. He stated after reviewing agendas and listening in to Council worksession meetings,he was satisfied with the proposed budget and tax levy increase. staff Russ Bertsch, 4419 Amble Circle, thanked the Council and a ff for their efforts on the budget. He reviewed his property tax statement from 2020 and commented on where the City was going. He expressed concern with how his property taxes have increased 70 and Ramsey County has increased 42%. He expressed concern with how he would be impacted if these numbers continue to increase that property values would begin to decrease. He questioned if the personnel that were missing in 2025 should be added to the 2026 budget, given how services were not impacted for residents. He explained he was disgusted without people were acting these days and stated there needed to be a cleanup. He hoped there would be a return to respect for other human beings. He commented further on how the school district increase was not included in the City's numbers which meant Arden Hills homeowners would be seeing an increase in taxes that was over$20 per month. David Radziej, 1144 Waldon Place, addressed the Council regarding the proposed tax levy. He was of the opinion the Council bring the increase below 10% if the surplus from 2025 were reallocated. He noted he has asked to serve on a City Committee and has not been granted this opportunity. He explained he was concerned with the fact the City spent $100,000 on a study for parks and questioned why this task was not completed by staff. Emily Carr, 4265 Norma Avenue, stated her property taxes would increase $225 and she fully supported these increases. She indicated she wanted to live in a City that had adequate funding and appreciated the fact Arden Hills had the third lowest tax rate in Ramsey County. She was not concerned about pricing people out of the City. Lynn Diaz, 1143 Ingerson Road, reported no one wants to pay more for the same services, but she understood life doesn't work that way. She commented on how the.cost for everything was on the rise. She discussed how the school levy would increase her taxes, but she supported this because the proposed improvements would keep children safe. She stated she understood that delaying maintenance on the City's streets would increase costs in the long-run. She appreciated the fact staff compared the City's proposed tax levy to neighboring communities, noting Arden Hills was on the lower end. She thanked staff and the Council for working diligently to keep costs ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—DECEMBER 8, 2025 7 down on behalf of all residents. She stated she supported the levy as proposed by staff. She asked that anyone who opposed the levy to offer suggestions on what items should be cut for 2026. Gregg Larson, 3377 North Snelling Avenue, stated he supported the proposed property tax levy increase at 15.97%. He reported the City's budgets have been underfunded for years which contributed to a culture of underfunding capital improvements. He appreciated how the new Councilmembers recognized the need for investment in long-term City goals. He stated he was pleased to see the City would be returning to a 50% general fund balance in 2026. He indicated responsible Councilmembers will support the proposed budget and tax levy increase. He commented further on how the City's franchise fees were designated to the new fire station. He encouraged the City Council to consider moving $165,000 in excess franchise fees to pay down the bond payments versus paying down the levy increase. He supported the bonds being paid down, even if this increases the levy for 2026. Chris Hughes, 3515 Snelling Avenue, thanked the Council and staff for their efforts on the 2026 budget and tax levy. He reported he appreciated seeing Arden Hills on the lower end when it comes to taxes in Ramsey County. But after some further consideration, he questioned why the City was not investing in the City. He understood low taxes were good, but that this came at an expense. He believed the City could afford to invest in itself. With no one else coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the Truth in Taxation Hearing at 8:14 p.m. B. Economic Development Authority(EDA) Membership Assistant to the City Administrator/City Clerk Hanson stated at its work session on December 18, 2023 and most recently again on October 10, 2025 the City Council discussed the EDA membership and potentially increasing that membership from five to seven members. Following discussion, Council consensus was to move forward with increasing the EDA membership from five to seven members, with the composition being five City Councilmembers and two members from the City's Economic Development Commission (EDC). The City Attorney has drafted the necessary resolution and ordinance amendment which will be presented under New Business item 11 B. The Council is required to hold a public hearing and the necessary notice for such was published in the Pioneer Press twice per State Statute requirements and notification was also provided on the City's website. Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 8:16 p.m. With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 8:17 p.m. 11. NEW BUSINESS A. Adoption of the 2026 Budget and Tax Levy • Resolution 2025-079 Setting the Final Tax Levy for Taxes Payable in 2026 • Resolution 2025-080 Adopting the Proposed 2026 Budget ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—DECEMBER 8, 2025 8 Finance Director Yang stated this item was presented to the City Council under agenda Item 10A. Councilmember Holden responded to some of the public comments. She explained the Council has been working to address the needs of the community while also investing in future improvement projects. She asked if the City Council worked inflation into the proposed budget. Finance Director Yang reported the City had inflation incorporated into the budget. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen explained his estimates include inflationary expenditures. Councilmember Holden discussed how significant budget increases from the Lake Johanna Fire Department and Ramsey County Sheriff's Department were out of the City's control. She reported the parks plan assisted the City with planning for the future. She commented on how it was not important to her what other City's tax rates were, but rather she was focused on meeting the needs of this community. She reported the dollars being transferred to the fire department would cover the expense of the new station. She indicated the City could not make an early payment on the bonds until year nine. She discussed how the City operates with a very lean mix of staff members and noted 'the City needs staff members to complete inspections, code enforcement as well as replacing the Community Development Director. She commented on how the proposed step increases and raises were assisting the City with retaining staff members. Mayor Grant stated the City could not pay off the bond before year nine. He explained the City did not anticipate having $165,000 surplus each year from the franchise fees. He indicated the City worked to get the number as close as possible to the bond payment. He reported the excess funds would be going toward the fire department staffing increases. He commented further on how the City Council and staff plan for upgrades and improvement projects in the community. He discussed how Arden Hills was different from surrounding communities, noting Arden Hills does not receive LGA or driver's license bureau revenues, nor does the City have a community center to fund. He was of the opinion 18.3%was too high for the levy. Councilmember Rousseau explained she would like to have more conversation around the budget given the information the City Council now has regarding the 2025 surplus. She thanked staff for the detailed information that was provided on the proposed levy at 15.97%. She stated she had an interest in discussing a further reduction to the levy bringing it down to 13.97%. Councilmember Monson commented she supported the tax levy being set at 13.97% which included an allocation of$780,000 to the general fund reserves, pays for the permit software and pays for the comp plan one time payments. She indicated supported using reoccurring revenues for reoccurring costs. She discussed how a community has to be growing in order to have new revenue streams coming in. She reported Arden Hills was a mature community, aside from Rice Creek Commons. She explained she supported the City Council moving forward with a 13.97% tax levy. Mayor Grant addressed the statement that was made regarding the fact the City underfunded the 2025 budget. He discussed how the City ended up with a $900,000 surplus in funding which meant the City had not overtaxed its residents. He supported the City being conservative with its ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—DECEMBER 8, 2025 9 revenue projections but stated it was safe to say the City's revenues could be increased by $60,000 which would lower the levy by 1%. Councilmember Weber asked why the Mayor believed revenues were projected $60,000 lower. Mayor Grant stated revenues were a projection and he understood there was one large project on the horizon and larger projects help the City's revenues. Councilmember Weber explained he was not interested in underfunding the budget for 2026. He explained he could support moving forward with a reasonable and justified budget and tax levy increase that would keep the City solvent. Councilmember Rousseau reported the Mayor supported reducing the levy by at least 1% and Councilmember Monson and Councilmember Weber supported reductions also. She suggested the EDA levy be omitted and recommended the INET expenditure be paid down through the surplus. Councilmember Weber reported using the surplus would reduce the 2026 budget. He stated he would be willing to cover the INET expenditure through the surplus. Councilmember Holden stated the capital improvement fund has deficits over the next 10 years. She indicated Ramsey County was changing the formula for what the City pays for sidewalks and trails on County roads. She discussed how the PIR Fund would be needed to cover placeholder items in the future but noted none of the items listed were guaranteed purchases. She explained she was uncertain that should be able to approve the $300,000 loader expenditure. Councilmember Weber questioned if the PIR Fund covered the purchasing of equipment. Finance Director Yang reported the City had a separate fund for equipment. Councilmember Weber inquired if the $300,000 loader was included in this budget. Finance Director Yang stated the $300,000 loader was not included in the 2026 budget. Mayor Grant commented this Council would need to have more detailed discussions regarding the PIR Fund in early 2026. Councilmember Monson strongly disagreed with the Mayor's comment noting the Council has been discussing the future of the PIR Fund. She explained she supported Councilmember Rousseau's recommendation to move forward with the tax levy at 12.97%. She stated she would like to put a motion on the floor to this effect because she had to leave the meeting in ten minutes. She was of the opinion the Council should be able to run its meetings and be done by 9:00 p.m. Councilmember Holden stated she would like the summary to be from the Mayor and that she knows Councilmember Monson is in a hurry. Mayor Grant said he knows Councilmember Monson is in a hurry and he's sorry she has to go. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—DECEMBER 8, 2025 10 Councilmember Monson said that 9:00 p.m. is a reasonable time for the Council and the public. For the Council to go until 10:00 p.m. for any meeting is, in her opinion, very unreasonable and if the meeting is run well, they should be able to be finished well before 9:00 p.m. Councilmember Holden stated isn't that just wonderful. Councilmember Monson replied yes it is. We should be able to run a meeting. Councilmember Holden commented people come in at the last minute and comment on the hundreds of hours that we put into the TCAAP project and all that, it's ridiculous. Now we have a serious thing and people are trying to talk about the levy. She stated she would like to further discuss this topic. Councilmember Weber asked for a point of order. Mayor Grant said hold on, a real point of order? Councilmember Weber replied yes, absolutely. This is not what we are discussing. Councilmember Monson said it's not an agenda topic. Councilmember Weber asked for a point of order again. Councilmember Holden said really? How did the 9:00 p.m. come up? Councilmember Weber asked that the Mayor please get control of this Council. Mayor Grant replied that Councilmember Holden has the floor. Councilmember Weber stated that's off topic. Councilmember Monson said there's an agenda topic for the public. Councilmember Holden stated clarification, point of order. I didn't bring up the timing. I didn't bring up people running meetings poorly. I didn't do that. Where were you jumping on that band wagon. Some of us want to talk about this, so lets. Mayor Grant indicated he was not going to cut people off if they wanted to further discuss the budget or tax levy. He stated Councilmembers could leave the meeting early if they had to leave early, but that doesn't mean cutting off the other four of Council. MOTION: Councilmember Monson moved and Councilmember Weber seconded a motion to adopt Resolution 2025-079 Setting the Final Levy at 12.97% for Taxes Payable in 2026. Councilmember Holden asked if Councilmember Rousseau had any other cuts to propose for 2026. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—DECEMBER 8, 2025 11 Councilmember Rousseau stated she did not have any other proposed cuts but would be willing to hear from the remaining Councilmembers. AMENDMENT: Mayor Grant moved and Councihnember Holden seconded a motion to amend the Final Lew to 11.97% by raising the revenue projections by$60,000 evenly between permits and investment income. Councilmember Weber inquired if there was any documentation that supports an increase in revenues as suggested by the Mayor. Finance Director Yang stated she did not know of anything specifically for 2026,but noted 2025 came in higher than anticipated for permit revenues. Councilmember Weber reported revenues came in higher than anticipated in 2025 because of the construction on Outlot A. He explained he did not support the City relying on permit revenue income. He stated he would not be supporting the Mayor's amendment. Mayor Grant indicated the City would be considering a development for 119 units of residential housing in the next six months. He noted the investment earnings was also lowered from $80,000 to $50,000. Finance Director Yang stated this decrease was made because investment earnings are typically volatile. She also indicated that the $50,000 investment budget was a conservative estimate. Further discussion ensued regarding the projected investment earnings for 2025 and 2026. Mayor Grant was of the opinion staff s estimate for investment earnings was too conservative and could be increased by $30,000. Councilmember Monson called the question. A roll call vote was taken. The amendment motion failed 1-4 (Councilmembers Rousseau, Weber, Holden and Monson opposed). Councilmember Holden stated another large permit that may be coming to the City was for the redevelopment of the hotel property. She agreed that the permit revenues should be increased for the City. She suggested the levy be set at 12.5%. Councilmember Rousseau indicated she could support a levy increase of 12.5%. AMENDMENT: Councilmember Rousseau moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to amend.the Final Levy to 12.5%. A roll call vote was taken. The amendment motion carried 3-2 (Councilmember Weber and Councilmember Monson opposed). Councilmember Nionson called the question. A roll call vote was taken. The amended motion carried (5-0). ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—DECEMBER 8, 2025 12 MOTION: Councilmember Monson moved and Mayor Grant seconded a motion to adopt Resolution 2025-080 Adopting the Proposed 2026 Budget amending the permit revenue, reducing the EDA levy and reducing the $120,000 one time costs. A roll call vote was taken. The motion carried (5-0). Councilmember Monson excused herself from the meeting at 9:07 pm. B. Economic Development Authority (EDA) Membership • Resolution 2025-078 Amending Resolution 96-08 Enabling the Establishment of an Economic Development Authority (EDA) • Ordinance 2025-005 Amending Chapter 2 Related to EDA Membership • Authorization to Publish Summary Ordinance 2025-005 Assistant to the City Administrator/City Clerk Hanson stated earlier this evening the City Council held the required public hearing related to increasing the EDA's composition from the current membership number of five to seven (five being the City Council and two being from the Economic Development Commission (EDC)). Copies of the required public hearing notice and previous Council discussion items were provided under Public Hearing item lOB. The City Attorney has drafted the necessary documents which include Resolution 2025- 078 amending Resolution 96-08 (the resolution originally establishing the EDA membership and guidelines) as well as Ordinance 2025-005. This proposed Ordinance provides for a text amendment to increase the number of EDA members from five to seven and provides that two of those members shall be appointed from the City's EDC. City staff is requesting that Council consider Resolution 2025- 078 and Ordinance 2025-005. Should Council approve such, staff also requests authorization to publish a Summary Ordinance of 2025-005. MOTION: Mayor Grant moved and Councilmember Rousseau seconded a motion to adopt Resolution 2025-078 Amending Resolution 96-08 Enabling the Establishment of an Economic Development Authority (EDA). A roll call vote was taken. The motion carried 3-1 (Councilmember Holden opposed). MOTION: Mayor Grant moved and Councilmember Rousseau seconded a motion to adopt Ordinance 2025-006 Amending Chapter 2 — Administration, Section 220 — Boards, Committees, and Commissions, Section 220.02 — Economic Development Authority (EDA). A roll call vote was taken. The motion carried 3-1 (Councilmember Holden opposed). MOTION: Mayor Grant moved and Councilmember Rousseau seconded a motion to direct staff to publish a Summary Ordinance of Ordinance 2025-005. A roll call vote was taken. The motion carried (4-0). 12. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 13. COUNCIL COMMENTS ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—DECEMBER 8, 2025 13 Councilmember Rousseau explained in recent weeks there has been an increase in immigration enforcement in the Twin Cities. She understood two individuals were removed from a roofing company vehicle in the southern portion of Arden Hills. She stated the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office was not receiving information about ICE and their enforcement activity in the community. She reported the City knows about this incident and indicated the City was trying to be transparent regarding these activities. Councilmember Rousseau stated on Saturday, December 6 she attended the Town Hall at Mounds View where twelve parents from Annunciation were given the chance to speak with the public regarding their experiences. She encouraged residents to view this programming as Nine North had recorded the entire event. She supported more information being provided to the public regarding DANCO orders. Councilmember Rousseau stated that there is a new resource and supported more information being provided to the public about Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPO). Although Arden Hills has not had an active shooter, Council does receive daily reports from RSCO and DANCO (Domestic Abuse No Contact Orders) do occur. There are also many people in our community who have been impacted by the loss of loved ones to suicide and this could be another tool for families. She thanked Angie Lewis-Dmello of NYFS for all of her efforts and for working with the parents and children who were involved in the school shooting. Councilmember Rousseau thanked Finance Director Yang for all of her efforts on the budget and tax levy. She thanked the City Council and Mayor for all of their efforts as well. Councilmember Weber commented on the ICE activity that occurred in the community at Valentine Hills Elementary School today. He asked that Ramsey County officers provide the City with information if and when it is received from ICE. Councilmember Weber explained the Planning Commission met last week and reviewed a request for a sound wall at Boston Scientific. He noted action on this item was tabled for further information. Councilmember Weber reported the Planning Commission would be holding a Special meeting this week on Wednesday, December 17 where a proposed cannabis warehousing use would be discussed. Councilmember Holden reported the 75 b Anniversary Committee would be meeting on Tuesday, December 9. She indicated this group was seeking sponsors at this time. Councilmember Holden explained she did not anticipate ICE would be sharing information with Ramsey County given how ICE was not sharing information with any other organization in the country. Councilmember Holden stated Coffee with a Cop would be held on Wednesday, December 17 at Cub Foods. Mayor Grant stated the Twin Cities Gateway Visitor Bureau would be meeting on Tuesday, December 16. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—DECEMBER 8, 2025 14 Mayor Grant wished everyone a Merry Christmas and safe travels throughout the holiday season. City Administrator Jagoe commented the applicant has withdrawn the application that was reviewed by the City Council at the second meeting in November for the property at 1622 Lake Johanna Boulevard. ADJOURN MOTION: Mayor Grant moved and Councilmember Weber seconded a motion to ad'ourn. The motion carried 4-0 . Mayor Grant adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 9:23 p.m. JA Hanson David Grant Clerk Mayor