HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-11-26-WSMayor:
David Grant
Councilmembers:
Brenda Holden
Emily Rousseau
Tena Monson
Kurt Weber
City Council Work Session
Agenda
May 11, 2026
5:30 p.m.
City Hall
Address:
1245 W Highway 96
Arden Hills MN 55112
Phone:
651-792-7800
Website:
www.cityofardenhills.org
City Vision
Arden Hills is a strong community that values its unique environmental setting, strong residential
neighborhoods, vital business community, well -maintained infrastructure, fiscal soundness, and our
long-standing tradition as a desirable City in which to live, work, and play.
Members of the public may attend a
meeting in -person at City Hall or they
may view the meeting remotely on the
City's website using the below link.
Meetings are also broadcast on Cable
Channel 16 for those that live in Arden
Hills.
https://cityofardenhills.org/320/`Watch-
City-Meetings
Some Councilmembers may be
participating in this meeting by
interactive technology/remotely.
This meeting will be streamed live on local Cable Channel 16 and available for playback on our
website.
CALL TO ORDER
1. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL
This is an opportunity for citizens to respectfully bring to the Council's attention any
items which are relevant to the City. In addressing the Council, you must first state
your name and address for the record. Comments shall be limited to three (3) minutes
or less. Written documents or other materials should be handed to the City Clerk for
distribution to the Council prior to or during the meeting. Council will generally not
respond at the same meeting where an issue is initially raised by a member of the
public but the Council may refer the issue to staff for further research and possible
report or action at a future Council meeting.
2. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC INQUIRIES
3. AGENDA ITEMS
3.A. State Of The City Policy
Jessica Jagoe, City Administrator
Documents:
MEMO.PDF
ATTACHMENT A.PDF
3.13. Overnight Parking Regulations
Jessica Jagoe, City Administrator
Documents:
MEMO.PDF
3.C. Twin Cities Gateway Funding
Jessica Jagoe, City Administrator
Documents:
MEMO.PDF
3.D. Parks, Trails And Recreation Committee (PTRC) Composition
David Swearingen, Public Works Director/City Engineer
Documents:
MEMO.PDF
ATTACHMENT A.PDF
ATTACHMENT B.PDF
ATTACHMENT C.PDF
ATTACHMENT D.PDF
3.E. Volunteer Recognition Policy
Julie Hanson, Assistant to the City Administrator/City Clerk
Documents:
MEMO.PDF
ATTACHMENT A.PDF
3.17. Public Hearing Agenda Format
Jessica Jagoe, City Administrator
Documents:
MEMO.PDF
3.G. Alternative Funding Sources Discussion
Joua Yang, Finance Director
Documents:
MEMO.PDF
ATTACHMENT A.PDF
3.1-1. H1 Human Rights Commission And H2 Immigration Enforcement Discussion
Jessica Jagoe, City Administrator
Documents:
MEMO.PDF
ATTACHMENT A.PDF
ATTACHMENT B.PDF
3.1. Code Of Conduct
Jessica Jagoe, City Administrator
Documents:
MEMO.PDF
ATTACHMENT A.PDF
ATTACHMENT B.PDF
ATTACHMENT C.PDF
ATTACHMENT D.PDF
3.J. Rice Creek Commons/TCAAP Discussion
Jessica Jagoe, City Administrator
Documents:
MEMO.PDF
3.K. Agenda Planning
Jessica Jagoe, City Administrator
Documents:
MEMO.PDF
ATTACHMENT A.PDF
ATTACHMENT B.PDF
4. COUNCIL/STAFF COMMENTS
ADJOURN
AGENDA ITEM - 3A
MEMORANDUM
DATE: May 11, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: Jessica Jagoe, City Administrator
SUBJECT: State of the City Draft Policy Discussion
Budgeted Amount: Actual Amount:
N/A
Council Should Consider
N/A
Funding Source:
N/A
Council should review the State of the City (SOTC) Policy draft (Attachment A) created by Staff
and be prepared to provide feedback on the policy draft.
Background
At the August 25, 2025, work session, City Council discussed the creation of a State of the City
(SOTC) Policy that would lay out the details of the event such as date, time, location, as well as,
processes for planning of information that will be included within the presentation. Staff would
use this policy as the outline for planning future events. This policy will reduce Council's yearly
multiple meeting review of event details. Rather staff will provide Council with event planning
updates and work with their respective presenters at the intervals outlined within the policy.
Discussion
Language within the draft policy is consistent with past practice for the "run of show" and
timeline needed for SOTC preparations. At the April 131h work session, Council requested Staff
distribute the following questions to gain feedback on specific sections within the draft policy.
Below is a summary of the Council responses:
Date and Time — the date and time of the event as written in the draft policy would be
held on the third or fourth Saturday in September.
Pagel of 2
o Questions:
■ Does Council want the SOTC event to be held annually?
• 4 —yes, I — odd years
Does Council want to set a permanent date and time for the event?
• 3 —yes, I — maybe, 1 - no
o If so, should this be in the spring or fall?
■ 3 — spring, 2 -fall
o Should timing change during election years?
■ 4 —yes, I —no
Location — the last two years the event has been held at City Hall. The draft policy as
written would set the location to be held annually at City Hall.
o Question: Does Council want to set a permanent location?
4 —yes city hall, I —no
Topics — the topics included in the draft policy are the typical areas for
Department/City updates. At the August work session, it was suggested that topics
could be rotated between Councilmembers and that staff would automatically shift
those each year rather than having Council annually pick topics that they would want to
talk about. Below are scenarios for Council consideration:
o Option #1— The Senior Communications Coordinator will ask Council annually
to pick their topics. Like previous years, first and second choice would be
given. If there are dual requests for the same topic: 1) staff could bring this
discussion to a work session for Council decision, or 2) staff could make sure
there is a rotation of topics and assign accordingly.
o Option #2 — All topics, except for the Introduction which would be presented by
the Mayor, would be rotated annually for Councilmembers to present. Each
year, staff would shift Councilmember names to the subsequent topic. In those
years when there is a new Councilmember, staff would slot that name into the
open topic(s) to maintain rotation.
■ Question: How does Council want the Presenter for topics to be
handled?
I — Option #1, 4 — Option #2
(Note: One Option #2 vote suggested that other specific
committee topics such as Rice Creek Commons and/or 75rh
Anniversary would also not rotate)
Council should review the draft policy and provide comments. Following discussion, Staff will
bring this forward to a future regular meeting for adoption based on feedback received.
Budget Impact
N/A
Attachment
Attachment A: Draft SOTC Policy
Page 2 of 2
State of the City Policy and Pr(_ Attachment A
Summary:
The State of the City is an annual event hosted by the Mayor and Councilmembers to update
residents, businesses and other stakeholders on the City's progress, priorities and future plans. It is
an opportunity to share future goals, display transparency and engage with the community.
Planning and Organization
Planning will take approximately three months with the following in mind:
Date and Time: Held mid -morning on the third or fourth Saturday in the month of September.
Location: City Hall
Topics:
• Introduction/General Administration - Org Chart
• Rice Creek Commons/TCAAP
• Public Works
• Community Development
• Public Safety
• City Finances
• Other initiatives that impact the community
Other details: Light refreshments will be available, including coffee, donuts, water.
Staff Point of Contact: Senior Communications Coordinator
Month 1 (June -July)
Marketing
Create a logo and begin advertising in city newsletter (July edition), city website, social media and
the cable channel. NineNorth manages and schedules items on the channel.
Design the mailer/invite to all businesses.
Presentation
Atemplate PowerPoint presentation will be established. While graphics, design or branding of the
event may change from year to year, the general format will not. Ensure the City's Org Chart is
correct.
The PowerPoint presentation will be broken into multiple documents - one for each topic.
Directors will receive a copy of their portion of the presentation and begin creating content for
their topic.
Option 8- Except for the Introduction topic, which is presented by the Mayor, the City Council will
be asked each year to notify the Senior Communications Coordinator which topic they are
interested in presenting. If there are dual requests for the same topic, staff will review who
presented from the previous year and make sure there is a rotation of topic assignments by
Council.
State of the City Policy and Procedures
Option � - All topics, except for the Introduction which would be presented by the Mayor, would
be rotated annually for the Council to present. Staff would shift Councilmember names to the next
topic each year. In those years when there are new Councilmembers, staff would slot them into
the open topics to maintain rotation.
Month 2 (July -August)
Presentation
The Senior Communications Coordinator will continue to work with Directors to provide accurate
and up-to-date information. A significant amount of time will be spent on updating each portion
of the presentation.
Marketing
Finalize the mailer/invite and send to all businesses. Work with Community Development to get
the most up-to-date addresses.
Continue advertising in the City newsletter (August/September edition), updates as needed to the
webpage, social media posts and the cable channel. Contact NineNorth regarding filming.
Month 3 (August -September)
Presentation
The presentation should be finalized by the last week of August/first week of September. A final
draft presentation will be shared with council members.
Prepare a "Run of Show"/Agenda for the event.
Scripts
Department directors will draft scripts, if requested by the designated member of Council, and
work with the Senior Communications Coordinator for finalization.
Marketing
Continue social media posts. One post the last week of August, one post the week before and one
post the week of the event. Confirm filming with NineNorth. Reshare details of the event and
when they should arrive.
Utilize "Newsflashes" and the email function of the website to promote the event to website
subscribers.
Other items
Set-up an online form for residents to submit their questions/comments in advance.
Draft a "sign in" sheet, a "sign up for updates" sheet and a "Questions/Comments" card to be
available the day of the event.
Week of Event
Marketing
Final social media post and email blast. Confirm with NineNorth they will film the event.
State of the City Policy and Procedures
Website
Close the Q&A form on the website. Collect responses and prepare one document for day -of
packets
Presentation
Combine PDFs into one "master" PowerPoint. presentation. Ensure scripts are finalized. Staff
should arrive approximately two hours prior to the start of the presentation.
PRINTING
Print approximately 20 copies of PowerPoint, with four slides per page.
Print sign -in, sign-up for and comment cards
AGENDA ITEM - 3B
MEMORANDUM
DATE: May 11, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: Jessica Jagoe, City Administrator
SUBJECT: Overnight Parking Regulations
Budgeted Amount: Actual Amount: Funding Source:
N/A N/A N/A
Council Should Consider
Council should discuss the city's ordinances regarding overnight parking and provide further
direction to staff.
Background
At the April 13th regular meeting, the Council gave direction to staff on requesting information
from the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department regarding overnight parking regulations and
penalties. Specifically, this agenda item pertains to parking regulations under City Code Section
800.03, Subd. 2, which states that "No vehicle shall be parked on any street between the hours of
2 a.m. and 6 a.m."
In Arden Hills, there are other regulations related to on -street and off-street parking that Council
may want to consider and/or discuss as part of this review.
Winter Parking Regulations Section 800.03, Subd 1 - Except in compliance with the
directions of a law enforcement officer or in compliance with regulatory parking signs,
no vehicle shall be parked on the improved portion of any street or highway in the City
immediately after the accumulation of two or more inches of snow and until snow
removal or plowing has been completed.
Parking in Driveways Section 800.03, Subd 4 — In all residential districts, there shall be
no more than four vehicles parked on a driveway.
Parking on Public Streets Section 800.03, Subd. 5 — Parking on public streets shall not
exceed six hours.
Page 1 of 2
The city code does allow for the City Administrator to grant variances (i.e. temporary parking
permits) that allow for deviations from the parking regulations when the circumstances will not
create a safety hazard and there is a specific time limit which that activity will occur. Residents
or businesses can apply online for a temporary parking permit for up to seven days. The City
does require 24 hour notice to process the parking permit and notify the Sheriff's Department.
Parking violations are enforced by the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department through
Administrative Citations. Those administrative fines (i.e. base fine amount) are set by the City
and range from $15.00 to $30.00 (not including State fees/surcharges) depending on the offense.
The general allocation for the administrative fine (base amount, not State fees) in Ramsey
County is 50% to the political subdivision and 50% to the State general fund. Administrative
fines are remitted by the District Court to the City on a monthly basis.
Other considerations for Council discussion:
Installation of additional signage for No Overnight Parking. Staff verified that there are
currently three signs posted within the community containing the 2 a.m. to 6 a.m.
prohibition for on -street parking. Council should consider installation of "no overnight
parking" signage for enforceability purposes in the same locations as the 25 MPH
signage. This would equate to 31 additional signs ranging in a total cost of $1,550 to
$2,325, depending on signage wording and whether the new signage can be attached to
an existing post or needs a new post.
Modify the Winter Parking Regulations. Several communities have adopted city
ordinances that prohibit on -street parking from November 1 st to April 30th from 2 a.m. to
6 a.m. Those city codes generally contain the same language about no parking in the
event of snow accumulation of two or more inches, which would apply any time, day or
night. If Council considers a modification to the year-round no overnight parking
regulations, staff would, at a minimum, request this or a similar timeframe for a winter
seasonal prohibition of on -street parking to allow for efficient and safe snowplow
operations without having impediments from vehicles on the roadway and it prevents an
incident where someone may not be aware that two inches of snow has accumulated
overnight.
The City Council is asked to discuss the city code regulations related to parking and provide
further direction, if any, on the next steps.
Budget Impact
N/A
Attachment
N/A
Page 2 of 2
AGENDA ITEM - 3C
MEMORANDUM
DATE: May 11, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: Jessica Jagoe, City Administrator
SUBJECT: Twin Cities Gateway Funding Discussion
Budgeted Amount: Actual Amount: Funding Source:
N/A N/A N/A
Council Should Consider
Council should provide further guidance on how to spend 2026 Twin Cities Gateway Grant
monies.
Background
For 2026, the City has received $15,800 from the Twin Cities Gateway (TCG) Visitors Bureau;
this money comes from a portion of the lodging tax that the City charges its hotels and remits to
the Visitors Bureau. Additionally, at the end of the 2025 period there was $3,682.25 in grant
dollars remaining which were carried over to this year for the 75th Anniversary Celebration.
Total dispersal for 2026 is $19,482.25.
Last year, the City chose to spend the money on Ribfest and the 75th Anniversary Event. For
2026, the Council has already allocated funds towards the MN Braille Challenge in the amount
of $460.25. This results in a remaining amount of $19,022 for 2026. It should be noted that
TCG has changed their program by no longer allowing money to be carried over to the
subsequent year (i.e. use it or lose it). Grant monies not used by the end of the year will go back
into the TCG Grant Pool for the following year.
The City Council should identify and discuss entities or activities it wants to potentially utilize
this money for. Staff has received a request from Ribfest for our continued support of their
annual event which has ranged in terms of funding from approx. $4,000 to $10,000 in the past
three years. Below are the stipulations put forward by TCG regarding how the money can be
spent; in short, the money is intended to bring outside visitors into the City.
Page 1 of 2
The City agrees to expend the grant funding in compliance with MN Statute 469.10 which states
that "gross proceeds from any tax imposed shall be used for the purpose of marketing and
promoting the City as a tourist or convention center" and
Whereas the Bureau has specified that grant funds must be used for advertising, marketing, and
promotional efforts to increase participation, attendance, or visitation to an event, activity, or
facility located within the City, and / or to add new activities to enhance existing events, and
Whereas the Bureau specifies that advertising, marketing, and promotional efforts for which said
grant funding is used must extend beyond the borders, or boundaries of the City and the Twin
Cities Gateway logo and/or link included in the marketing.
Budget Impact
N/A
Attachment
N/A
Page 2 of 2
AGENDA ITEM - 3D
MEMORANDUM
DATE: May 11, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
Jessica Jagoe, City Administrator
FROM: David Swearingen, P.E. Public Works Director / City Engineer
SUBJECT: Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee (PTRC) Composition
Budgeted Amount: Actual Amount: Funding Source:
N/A N/A N/A
Requested Action
Discuss potential changes to the PTRC Charter.
Background
The City of Arden Hills established a Parks and Recreation Committee in or before 1968. In 2000,
the committee was renamed the Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee. The committee's charter
and ordinance have been amended periodically, most recently in 2024.
The current ordinance allows for up to 12 regular members and 1 youth member. Compared to
neighboring and peer cities of similar size, the committee is relatively large.
The Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee discussed the committee size at both its January and
February 2026 meetings. At the February 2026 meeting, the committee passed a motion
recommending that the ordinance be revised to state that the PTRC may be comprised of up to seven
regular members and two youth members.
Attachment
Attachment A: Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee - Current Ordinance
Attachment B: Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee - Proposed Ordinance
Attachment C: Neighboring & Peer City PTRC Committee Sizes
Attachment D: February 2026 PTRC Meeting Minutes
Page 1 of 1
Attachment A
220.05 Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee.
Subd. 1 Establishment of Committee. The Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee is
hereby established to review and evaluate the City's Parks, Trails and Recreation Programs.
Subd. 2 Composition. The Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee shall consist of up to
twelve (12) members appointed by the City Council. The membership is open to any
resident, or non-resident affiliated with an Arden Hills business, non-profit, or community
organization that is interested in the City's Parks, Trails and Recreation Programs. At all
times, a majority of the Committee membership shall be current residents of Arden Hills.
Geographical balance may be used as criteria for selecting new members. One additional
member may be appointed by the City Council as a Youth Committee Member. The Youth
Committee Member will have the same voting rights as other members of the committee.
The Youth Committee Member's term will last for one year from September 1 st through
August 31 st. The Youth Committee Member must be a Sophomore, Junior or Senior
enrolled in a high-school or PSEO program; and be enrolled in a school district that serves
Arden Hills or a resident of Arden Hills attending a school outside of the City's typical
school districts. At no time shall there be more than two (2) members who meet the criteria
of Youth Committee Member serving on the Committee. (Revised 611012024)
Subd. 3 Duties and Functions. The duties and functions of the Committee shall be
included in the Annual Resolution appointing new members and may be changed by
Council Resolution, from time to time, based on the needs of the City.
Attachment B
220.05 Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee.
Subd. 1 Establishment of Committee. The Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee is
hereby established to review and evaluate the City's Parks, Trails and Recreation Programs.
Subd. 2 Composition. The Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee shall consist of up to
th e seven (7+2) members appointed by the City Council. The membership is open to
any resident, or non-resident affiliated with an Arden Hills business, non-profit, or
community organization that is interested in the City's Parks, Trails and Recreation
Programs. At all times, a majority of the Committee membership shall be current residents
of Arden Hills. Geographical balance may be used as criteria for selecting new members.
Two One additional members may be appointed by the City Council as a Youth Committee
Members. Each Th-e Youth Committee Member will have the same voting rights as other
members of the committee. Each The Youth Committee Member's term will last for one
year from September 1 st through August 31 st. Each Th-e Youth Committee Member must
be a Sophomore, Junior or Senior enrolled in a high-school or PSEO program; and be
enrolled in a school district that serves Arden Hills or a resident of Arden Hills attending a
school outside of the City's typical school districts. At no time shall there be more than two
(2) members who meet the criteria of Youth Committee Member serving on the
Committee.
Subd. 3 Duties and Functions. The duties and functions of the Committee shall be
included in the Annual Resolution appointing new members and may be changed by
Council Resolution, from time to time, based on the needs of the City.
Attachment C
Parks, Trails, Recreation, Natural Space, Forestry, and/or
Environment Commission and Committee Sizes
Arden Hills Neighboring and Peer Cities (as of January 2026)
Arden Hills
Arden Hills
Population: 10,000*
Committee Size: 13 - 12 members; 1 youth member
Member to Resident ratio: 1: 770
Peer Cities
Mounds View
Population: 13,250*
Committee Size: 7 members
Member to Resident Ratio: 1: 1,900
Little Canada
Population: 10,500*
Committee Size: 8 - 7 members, 1 youth member
Member to Resident Ratio: 1: 1,300
White Bear Township
Population: 10,500*
Committee Size: 7 members
Member to Resident Ratio: 1: 1,500
North Branch
Population: 10,500*
Committee Size: 5 members
Member to Resident Ratio: 1: 2,100
Neighboring Cities
New Brighton
Population: 23,500*
Committee Size: 9 members
Member to Resident ratio: 1:2,600
Shoreview
Population: 27,000*
Committee Size: 10 - 9 members; 1 youth member
Member to Resident Ratio: 1: 2,700
Roseville
Population: 36,250*
Committee Size: 12 - 10 members, 2 youth members
Member to Resident Ratio: 1: 2,600
*Population of each city has been rounded to the nearest 250.
'It Attachment D
EN HILLS
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS
PARKS, TRAILS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2026, 6:30 PM
ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL
CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Committee Chair SJ Julius called the February 17, 2026, meeting of the Parks, Trails, and
Recreation Committee to order at 6:30 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: SJ Julius, Dan Dietz, Ted Chresand, Lacy Loosbrock, Derek Hilding,
Nikhath Nazir Ahmed, Liz Johnson and Kate Olson
OTHERS PRESENT: Parks and Recreation Manager Jess Skalicky and Council Liaison Emily
Rousseau
ABSENT:. None
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Discussion about an alternate meeting date in March, due to spring break, was added to the agenda.
MOTION: Committee Member Olson moved and Committee Member Deitz seconded a
motion to move the March 17 meeting to Tuesday March 24, 2026. The motion carried
unanimously among members present.
MOTION: Committee Member Olson moved and Committee Member Deitz seconded a
motion to approve the agenda, as amended. The motion carried unanimously among
members present.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. January 20, 2026 PTRC Minutes
MOTION: Committee Member Olson moved and Committee Member Deitz seconded a
motion to approve the meeting minutes, as written. The motion carried unanimously among
members present.
3. REPORT
A. Council Liaison Update
Council Liaison Rousseau said City Council held a special council work session on January 31
where we talked about immgration enforcement. There is a resources page on the City website.
She encouraged Committee Members to share the information with anyone who may be in need.
She said Ralph Reeder is a key player for food resources.
Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee — February 17, 2026
Page 2
B. Parks and Recreation Report
Parks and Recreation Supervisor Skalicky provided the draft of the spring/summer activity
guide. She has been working with Staff to update the pricing.
Parks and Recreation Supervisor Skalicky said the City of Mounds View and the City of Arden
Hills is going to hire one coordinator for the Rec on the Go program. Last year there were three
coordinators. This year we have implemented more efficient processes and will only have the one
coordinator for both cities.
Parks and Recreation Supervisor Skalicky shared the flyers that were created for the 751h
Anniversary. She said the car show is free and anyone can enter any car. She said the center of the
activity guide will have the flyer, and an advertisement for the car show and the penny carnival on
the other side.
C. Trails and Parks Projects Update
Parks and Recreation Manager Skalicky provided the memo from Assistant Public Works
Director Miller. Generally, the items in bold are new. However, there is nothing new since the last
update.
Parks and Recreation Manager Skalicky said she attended the Roseville meeting regarding the
Hamline Trail. It is a project that is happening this summer.
4. NEW BUSINESS
A. Park System Plan Draft
Anna Springer with Bolton and Menk has been working with Staff and the Steering Committee
on this project. The goal is to present the plan today and open the discussion for questions and
comments. The final plan will be brought back to the next PTRC meeting where committee
members will be asked to recommend forwarding to Council for their consideration and approval.
Ms. Springer said the plan is organized into three chapters and has a full appendix. The first
chapter outlines existing conditions. The second chapter is the needs analysis. This lays out what
they heard from the community during the public engagement events, about what they want to see
in the parks. The third chapter is the action plan. It has a section for each park that breaks down
what is in the park and replacement timelines. There is also a section for trail connectivity
improvements and the 10-year CIP with some ongoing initiatives. The appendix contains meeting
summaries and the raw data collected from the online survey.
Ms. Springer said the introduction chapter lays out the project schedule and reviews the meetings
that were held with the Steering Committee and during the public engagement events. The table
in the existing conditions chapter is helpful by laying out each park and all of the facilities offered
at each. It's a good snapshot of everything in the system. Part of their analysis was to look at
distribution of different elements. There is a map that shows sports courts and playgrounds.
Ms. Springer said one key part of the needs analysis is the National Recreation and Parks
Association (NRPA) agency benchmarks. The NRPA pulls data from across the country and
Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee — February 17, 2026 Page 3
breaks it down into categories, by all agencies (city parks departments) and also by agencies that
have populations of communities that have less than 20,000. They made key takeaways and notes
for those benchmarks. They also look at the outdoor facility service standards to determine if a
community has what they need. There is a gap analysis for parks. They determined that all residents
have an Arden Hills park within a 10-15 minute walk. That is outstanding park access for the
community. They summarized the engagement touchpoints that they heard at each of the public
engagement events. They confirmed that trails are important. A lot of residents want to see a nature
playground and water features.
Ms. Springer said the action plan outlines the assets in each park, what condition they are in, a
replacement timeline and potential replacement cost. These costs are estimated and may not
include engineering or a wide range of finishes. That can affect the final cost.
Ms. Springer said the trails and connectivity improvements are in one table that highlights specific
projects and feedback from the community.
Ms. Springer said they refined all of the improvements with Staff, trying to spread out the
recommend improvement dollars. She said there is a list of ongoing initiatives that they heard from
the community that aren't related specifically to park upkeep and maintenance. Some examples
are a splash pad and single track mountain bike trails. Those initiatives are not included with hard
recommendations. They may be included in future park developments, potentially with park
dedication funds. It puts these initiatives on the radar for Staff to look for opportunities to consider
in the near future.
Ms. Springer said it wraps up with funding strategies, including grants and funding mechanisms.
Council Liaison Rousseau asked how PTRC members can affect the final document, if they
identify a gap or opportunity at a specific park.
Parks and Recreation Manager Skalicky said the next step, after approving the Park System
Plan, will be to prioritize specific parks to have their own mini park plan to make decisions on the
enhancements or features that would work well there. They will start with Royal Hills Park. It will
include the larger vision of what this individual park will be, based on community needs.
Ms. Springer said there is a section that outlines the parks that they think should be addressed
first. This plan is a snapshot in time, right now but is designed to be a living document that is
updated, as needed.
Chair Julius said it sounds like the current plan is a comment on existing assets. How do the
conversations had about what the community wants, show up in this document? We don't want to
be starting the conversation all over.
Ms. Springer said the priority was to maintain what exists and then use the planning process for
individual parks to decide what should go where.
Chair Julius asked if the mapping of proximity to parks included any demographic information.
Ms. Springer said that was not part of this process. You can get census level data, that just wasn't
part of this scope.
Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee — February 17, 2026 Page 4
Committee Member Hilding asked who will be responsible for implementing the plan once it's
finalized.
Parks and Recreation Manager Skalicky said this will be extremely helpful for parks and
recreation and specifically helpful for Staff in planning the CIP for the next 10-years. Public
Works, and Parks and Recreation under that, will own this document and make sure the upkeep,
maintenance and future planning all align. The Park System Plan has recognized a lot of things
that will need to be replaced in the next few years. Even if they are a few years out, we earmark
money for those improvements knowing we don't have a specific plan right now. Parks and
Recreation will own document moving forward.
Chair Julius added it will be a part of the PTRC Work Plan. Reviewing the future year Park CIP
is one of the core elements in our work plan.
Discussion ensued that one of the park photos is taken from Arden Hills by shows Roseville's land
and that the cover photo will be changed for the final version.
B. 2026 Public Works Maintenance Plan
Parks and Recreation Manager Skalicky said Public Works Superintendent Frid created this
maintenance plan and is seeking feedback from Staff. She has provided the parks portion for
today's discussion. This is the first draft. She doesn't anticipate there will be very many big
changes to this. The purpose of presenting it to PTRC is to look at the plan, using their specialized
knowledge and identify projects that should be done or possibly noticing projects that shouldn't
be done. For example, including an invasive species of trees to be planted.
Committee Member Olson would like to see a trash/recycling receptacle at Lindy's Park.
Chair Julius said the document outlines that Floral Park's softball field isn't going to be striped.
The Parks Plan talks about decommissioning it. She was curious if that is happening.
Parks and Recreation Manager Skalicky said that line needs to be crossed out. She noted
drainage in the Floral Park baseball field area need to be dealt with, whether there's a field there,
or not. That area hasn't been used as a ball field in a long time because of the drainage issues. She
told committee members to take it home and digest the information then email her any comments.
The plan won't be finalized for another week or so.
5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. 2026 PTRC Work Plan Discussion
Parks and Recreation Manager Skalicky thought the group can discuss which subcommittees
should continue to be on the list, if any should be removed and if any should be added.
Chair Julius said in looking at the draft annual work plan, the core elements will happen. Any
projects added are optional. If we sign up for a project, it will be included under the committees.
A project should not exist unless there is a committee member that will hold it down. We want to
have actionable language outlining the steps we will take.
Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee — February 17, 2026 Page 5
Parks and Recreation Manager Skalicky suggested the language for the trails group is "The
trails group partners with the City and local municipal partners on Arden Hills trail planning. The
trails group focuses on long term trail visioning and future trail improvements, providing input
well before projects enter planning or design. This work is intended to inform projects expected to
begin planning three or more years in advance. It does not apply to active or approved projects."
She thinks the trail group should be meeting about projects years in advance so their voice can be
heard. By that process, people may understand the intricate timing of these projects and learn why
you can't just make a change to the approved plan, even if it looks like no big deal on the surface.
Chair Julius asked how PTRC can be proactive so intentional discussion happens in advance and
not as a reaction.
Council Liaison Rousseau said Council has had some communication around this. There are
differing thoughts. She would love to bond for all of the trails but she knows that would harm a lot
of people in our community. They are trying to find a balance. Prioritizing Lake Johanna and Old
Highway 10 is the focus right now. There may be something in the queue like with the Snelling
project where there's an opportunity to get a financial advantage by partnering with MnDOT or
the County. She said maybe the trails group can touch base with Council at a work session.
Chair Julius said she thinks a touch -base with Council would make this more tangible.
Council Liaison Rousseau said it would be good for PTRC to hear what the other four
Councilmembers' perspectives are. They may feel different about bonding.
Committee Member Johnson appreciates the language for the work plan. That allows the group
to have an idea of how they can be productive. We don't want to propose things that just aren't
possible. We want to focus on, and have input on, what is possible. She said it will be good to have
someone looking for opportunities to work with the county or another city on a common project.
There are so many entities involved that things get missed. It will be good to provide input on trails
and connections before the planning stage. That allows us to point out opportunities that the
designers, who have one certain goal in mind, might have missed because that's not the main focus
of their project.
Parks and Recreation Manager Skalicky thinks it's a good idea to present at a work session. It
makes it more solid. In addition to that, she still suggests the group meet a few times a year to
make sure the PTRC voices are heard.
Committee Member Johnson said it's about education and connecting dots so everyone is on the
same page.
Council Liaison Rousseau said PTRC members can come to a work session with Parks and
Recreation Manager Skalicky and share the different plans they have. Then the trails group could
talk for a few minutes about what they are working on.
Committee Member Johnson asked if language outlining that process should be included as a
part of the PTRC Work Plan.
Parks and Recreation Manager Skalicky confirmed she would add that into the plan. She said
Chair Julius suggested another goal for this year could be a "Love Your Parks" Day.
Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee — February 17, 2026 Page 6
Chair Julius said she sent a draft of potential language. She thinks the specificity of the language
in the work plan will be important. She was hoping to discuss that and approve the goal be added
to the work plan. This would be an event to clean up and beautify the parks.
Parks and Recreation Manager Skalicky said the draft language reads "Coordinate a single day
in the beginning of the summer for a City-wide volunteer -led park clean up day at all Arden Hills
park locations. We would invite community members to show up to help clean up trash, remove
weeds/buckthorn and any other activities that can help make our parks better as we prepare for the
busy summer months." She thinks it makes sense to say we for sure want to have one event and
leave it open to having another one later in the year.
Committee Member Hilding remembers discussion about Earth Day but couldn't remember if
we should tie into or avoid Earth Day.
Chair Julius recalls the discussion being that Earth Day happens so early in the year. The parks
may still be covered in ice and snow or they could be really muddy. Is it better to do it at the
beginning of the summer or towards the end after the parks are used? She envisions hyper localized
networks. The park that residents care the most about are probably the one they live closest to.
Committee Member Deitz said we wouldn't want a lot of foot traffic in the park until the grass
is dry.
Parks and Recreation Manager Skalicky said we don't have to have a specific date on the work
plan. She will add the language to the plan.
Parks and Recreation Manager Skalicky said the subcommittee for volunteer coordination with
the Lions Club and Rotary is led by Committee Member Johnson. The draft language is "Partner
and prioritize building relationships with Lions Club and Rotary by offering more visibility into
our priorities as Arden Hills PTRC and request additional information on their priorities." She said
Committee Member Johnson is already doing that and asked if she had any updates.
Committee Member Johnson said she attended both groups' meetings earlier today. Both entities
are clubs that do volunteer projects for the community and help raise awareness on projects that
could help our communities. Each of the groups requested a liaison to represent the city to identify
what we do here and what our needs are. Then the PTRC can pair that with their goals, giving
them some exposure. They dedicate a lot of time in Arden Hills and this partnership would
highlight those efforts and help Arden Hills residents be aware of all that hard work.
Chair Julius said part of this should include expressing appreciation to both groups. It could be
as simple as a thank you card signed by PTRC members.
Parks and Recreation Manager Skalicky asked if there were any other items that members
wanted added to the annual work plan. Hearing none she said she will take the discussion from
this meeting and incorporate it into the final work plan. She will present the final PTRC Annual
Work Plan at the March meeting for adoption. She said the calendar in the draft needs to be
rearranged a little.
Chair Julius said the calendar will help us know what we need to look at in upcoming months.
Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee — February 17, 2026 Page 7
Committee Member Loosbrock noted that the Flashlight Pumpkin Hunt is on the calendar and
she thought the spring Egg Hunt should be added.
B. PTRC Charter Discussion
Chair Julius said the current PTRC Charter allows up to 12 members and 2 youth members. We
know surrounding cities don't have such a large number for similar committees.
Parks and Recreation Manager Skalicky said she can't find a document establishing the PTRC.
The oldest minutes she found were from 1968. Council Liaison Rousseau provided a document
that looked like a charter from 2013 but it turned out that it was part of the work plan.
Council Liaison Rousseau said the living document for PTRC will be the annual work plan and
the code of conduct.
Discussion ensued about if the Code of Conduct was something that was revisited annually.
Committee members sign it when they are appointed to the PTRC. However further discussion
ensued that there may need to be some revisions.
Parks and Recreation Manager Skalicky said the work plan is meant to be just for this year. She
thought the mission/vision document may be a separate item.
Council Liaison Rousseau said the EDC has a charter that is outside of the City Ordinance. They
went through the process when the group was reestablished a couple of years ago. They talked
through what they would focus on and what that looks like.
Parks and Recreation Manager Skalicky said there may be opportunity to discuss that further
at a later date. Today's discussion is about the size of our group.
Council Liaison Rousseau said we have fewer working groups this year.
Parks and Recreation Manager Skalicky said the work groups still exist but if there is no
activity, they will be left off of the agenda. She would like to know everyone's thoughts on the
number of PTRC members needed.
Discussion ensued on the calendar. It is still a draft and subject to change before the final version
at the March meeting. Further discussion ensued that the process could be started earlier in future
years so the calendar can be finalized by January.
Chair Julius said during the last discussion regarding membership everyone agreed it is optimal
to have an odd number since quorum is 50%. We increase our burden to reach a quorum with an
even number of members. There isn't any benefit in being too small and we want to be inclusive
to anyone who has a passion for this work.
Parks and Recreation Manager Skalicky said we could lower the youth slots to just one, then
the non -youth members would make it an odd number.
Committee Member Deitz said we currently have 7 members and 1 youth member serving on the
committee. Two committee members terms will end this year. He said this is pretty consistent to
Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee — February 17, 2026 Page 8
what he has seen during his time here. He thinks 7 is a good amount. That falls better in line with
the other cities. Additionally, with a really big group, everyone's voice isn't always heard, just
because we don't have time.
Committee Member Johnson thinks 7 is a good number.
Chair Julius thinks 7 regular members and 2 youth members or 8 members and I youth.
Committee Member Deitz likes having slots for 2 youth.
Chair Julius said she is hearing consensus that 7 members and 2 youth members will keep us at
an odd number. She asked if anyone had any other thoughts.
Committee Member Hilding said if we find someone who is really passionate and wants to join
is that an option? Is this a formal change?
Parks and Recreation Manager Skalicky said she is proposing that we formally change the
number. That would involve bringing it to Council and change the ordinance.
Council Liaison Rousseau said her understanding is that we have one youth committee position
and we can bring in one other member that would meet the criteria, as a youth member but they
aren't in the youth committee position. They would be a regular member with the recognition that
member may not fulfill an entire term, if going to college.
Parks and Recreation Manager Skalicky confirmed. The youth committee member has a wider
parameter than a regular member. A youth committee member doesn't have to reside in Arden
Hills. They have to attend school in the Arden Hills School District.
Chair Julius said we should make it clear. We should identify what the youth member is and
everybody else is a committee member.
Parks and Recreation Manager Skalicky said if there were no members of the PTRC and six
Mounds View high school students who also live in Arden Hills wanted to join, they can. There is
no limit. Youth committee members are only appointed for one year and can live in a different city
as long as they attend Mounds View or Irondale high schools.
Committee Member Hilding said in January we said we can go up to 12 but we can just operate
lower. If we are going to do a comprehensive rewrite we should simplify it. He thinks there should
be a cap of two high school students, regardless of where they live.
Discussion ensued that technically there could be all youth members. Someone would not be told
no just because they are 16 years old. Further discussion ensued that it can state that at no time can
there be more than two members that meet the criteria of a youth committee member.
Council Liaison Rousseau said she advocated for additional youth seats on a couple of our
committees and it is the opinion of at least one other council member that there should not be 3 or
4 on any committee.
Parks, Trails & Recreation Committee — February 17, 2026 Page 9
Committee Member Hilding felt the last discussion was informal and we were saying maybe we
should just have fewer people. Now we're amending an ordinance.
Parks and Recreation Manager Skalicky said she is obligated to interview each qualified person
who applies. If she chooses not to appoint someone she has to answer why. She isn't comfortable
saying that even though we can have 12, as a group we decided we're okay at 7.
Chair Julius said even with the current size it can be challenging to get through the agenda. The
goal is PTRC members are engaged residents who are passionate and want to exchange dialogue.
She thinks the smaller size makes sense. Right now we are sitting at 7 with two youth spots. That
means, currently, we have space for one more youth member. She asked if everyone is comfortable
with that.
MOTION: Committee Member Johnson moved and Committee Member Deitz seconded a
motion to recommend Council change the ordinance to amend the member size from 12
members and 2 youth members down to 7 members and 2 youth members. The motion
carried unanimously among members present.
6. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES
Committee Member Johnson wanted to talk about connectivity in the Park Improvement Plan.
One section states that Grey Fox plus Red Fox Trails, then a trail connection from Highway 96 to
Rice Creek North Trail. That doesn't make sense to her.
Staff will get clarification.
Committee Member Ahmed said she had requested a map of just trails from the Bolten and Menk
consultant she hasn't received it. There is a map that shows existing trails plus future trails. Having
one that shows only what exists would be helpful to her subcommittee.
Parks and Recreation Manager Skalicky said they are working on that map.
7. NEXT MEETING
A. Tuesday, March 24, 2026
EVOK11101DWYNAVaLVI
Chair Julius adjourned at 7:56 pm.
AGENDA ITEM - 3E
MEMORANDUM
DATE: May 11, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
Jessica Jagoe, City Administrator
FROM: Julie Hanson, Assistant to the City Administrator/City Clerk
SUBJECT: Volunteer Recognition Policy Discussion
Budgeted Amount: Actual Amount: Funding Source:
N/A N/A N/A
Council Should Consider
Council should review the attached Volunteer Recognition Policy draft and provide feedback.
Backiround
The City Council had previously given direction to bring this topic forward to the Personnel
Committee for discussion. At its meeting in April 2025, the Personnel Committee requested staff
provide a draft Volunteer Recognition Policy that sets forth guidelines for recognizing our
committee and commission members as well as others that donate their time by volunteering for
various projects. Staff had conducted a survey of other cities, asking for information regarding
their volunteer recognition policy/program and of the cities that replied, none have a formal
policy though some had an informal process that they generally follow.
An option that the Personnel Committee discussed was that in addition to the current practice of
sending a thank you letter from the City Administrator and a thank you card signed by the
Councilmembers, could the City purchase "thank you" gifts to show the City's gratitude and
appreciation for the time and effort our volunteers expend on behalf of the City. However, it was
also discussed that the City's public purchase policy states (expenditures must) "... serve a
public purpose when those expenditures are necessary for Arden Hills to ensure the efficient
operation of its programs/services, promote the availability and use of City resources, and
promote coordinated, cooperative planning activities among and between the public and the
private sectors." It should be noted the City Attorney's guidance was that thank you/recognition
gifts do not meet State statute nor the City's policy — and expenditures made by the City must be
for a public purpose, as indicated.
Page 1 of 2
Based on those discussions, Staff has drafted a basic policy (Attachment A) for Council
consideration which incorporates feedback and recommendations of the Personnel Committee.
Following discussion and direction from Council, Staff will bring the final Volunteer
Recognition Policy to a future regular Council meeting for adoption.
Budget Impact
N/A
Attachment
Attachment A: Draft Volunteer Recognition Policy
Page 2 of 2
� Attachment A
-AII�)ENJHILLS
Volunteer Recognition Policy
Statement of Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to establish a formal method for recognizing volunteers and to show
the City's appreciation for their contributions, time and dedication; to encourage continued
involvement; and to attract new volunteers. Having a strong volunteer program has many benefits,
including increased morale and positive community image.
Recognition
The City strives to create a welcoming and inclusive culture and will formally recognize the
dedication of its volunteers.
Annual Committee and Commission Appreciation Picnic
An appreciation picnic will be held annually to recognize members of the City's Committees and
Commissions for their public service.
• All Committee and Commission Members and their families are invited to attend the
Annual Committee and Commission Appreciation Picnic which is held in July at
Cummings Park.
Committee/Commission Member Term(s) Fulfillment/Resi nation
A Committee or Commission member is appointed to a term of three (3) years. Members may
complete one three-year term, be appointed to an additional three-year term, fulfil the maximum of
three three-year terms (total of 9 consecutive years) or even resign mid-term. The City will show
its gratitude for these appointed members' contributions as follows:
• Upon completion of a term(s) or any portion thereof upon resignation, the City will send a
letter of appreciation to the Committee or Commission member that is signed by the City
Administrator. In addition, a thank you card signed by the Councilmembers will be mailed
to the member.
• Recognition in an established edition of the City newsletter, Arden Hills Notes.
General Volunteer Recognition
The City may receive a request from an individual or group regarding various volunteer
opportunities. The City also occasionally recruits volunteers to help at a single event or for a
short-term project. These non -Committee and non -Commission volunteers will be recognized as
follows:
• A thank you card signed by the Councilmembers will be mailed to the individual or group.
• Recognition in an established edition of the City newsletter, Arden Hills Notes.
Conclusion
Establishing a Volunteer Recognition Program reflects Arden Hills' commitment to build an
inclusive and engaged community by recognizing the individuals who dedicate their time and
efforts to enhancing the quality of life in our city.
Initial Draft 4125
Updated 1211125 and 2127126
AGENDA ITEM - 3F
MEMORANDUM
DATE: May 11, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: Jessica Jagoe, City Administrator
SUBJECT: Public Hearing Agenda Format
Budgeted Amount: Actual Amount:
N/A
Council Should Consider
N/A
Funding Source:
N/A
Council should discuss the public hearing agenda format at City Council meetings and provide
further direction to staff.
Background
At the April 131h work session, the Council gave direction to staff to bring forward the discussion
regarding consideration for rearranging future City Council meetings to have agenda items that
require a public hearing to be reviewed as one action rather than splitting the review between Public
Hearings and New Business. It was noted that this would allow for the public to hear the result of the
public hearing without having to wait through additional public hearings in those instances when
there are two or more public hearings in the same meeting.
The current agenda format of holding public hearings with subsequent Council consideration and
action under New Business was established in 2018. Before this, the City Council did hold the public
hearing and consider the motion as one item under Public Hearings.
For this discussion, staff reached out to a number of cities and received 10 responses (i.e. New
Brighton, Roseville, Vadnais Heights, Little Canada, Mounds View, Shoreview, White Bear Lake,
Bloomington, Savage, and Willmar). All responders indicated that their Council action is handled
with the public hearing. Additionally, the review format for all seven was similar with a staff
presentation, Council asking clarifying questions, public hearing held, Council deliberation, and
Council vote.
Budget Impact
N/A
Attachment
N/A
Page 1 of 1
MEMORANDUM
DATE: May 11, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
Jessica Jagoe, City Administrator
FROM: Joua Yang, Finance Director
SUBJECT: Exploring Alternative Funding Sources
Budgeted Amount: Actual Amount:
N/A
Background
N/A
AGENDA ITEM - 3G
Funding Source:
N/A
As part of the City's 3 Year Strategic Plan, the City is evaluating its long-term fiscal strategy, with a
specific focus on alternative revenue sources and exploring federal and state funding opportunities to
supplement property tax levies and ensure the long-term fiscal sustainability of the City. Staff has
compiled a list of funding opportunities for further discussion. Some of these funding opportunities
would require state legislative action. Staff recommends that the City Council review the attached
preliminary data and provide direction on which revenue categories warrant further financial
analysis. Staff will continue to refine this list as new options are identified. Based on Council
direction, staff will bring back, at a future Council work session, recommendations based on current
staff resources.
• Local Option Sales Tax (LOST): Implementation of a city -specific sales tax (typically
0.5%) to fund designated capital projects of regional significance, such as Rice Creek
Commons.
• Franchise Fees: Implementation or adjustment of fees for utilities (electric/gas) using the
public right-of-way. The City implemented electric franchise fees in 2025 to fund the new
fire station.
• Grant Opportunities: Targeting county, state, and federal grants.
• Bonding: Borrowing obligation that incurs interest and requires repayment, typically used
for larger capital projects.
• Municipal Liquor/Cannabis Store
• Public EV Charging Stations
Page] of 3
Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) or Service Fee — Tax-exempt entities (30% of City
properties are tax-exempt) make voluntary annual payments to the City to cover wear and
tear on roads and for police/fire services (Saint Paul and Minneapolis)
Municipal Advisory & Feasibility Studies: Engagement with the City's municipal advisor
to conduct formal gap analyses and feasibility studies on alternative revenue streams
o Utility Rate Study — the last rate study was conducted in 2018
o PIR Funding — Building a long-term financial plan, by implementing sustainable
revenue strategies (grants, cash, and bonding/debt service outlook) for Streets, Parks,
and Trail improvement projects, while preserving the City's AAA bond rating.
Following the 2026 budget process and discussions on strategic planning initiatives, staff is seeking
Council feedback on reengaging the Financial Planning and Analysis Committee (FPAC). GFOA
Best Practices suggests that financial policies should be monitored, reviewed, and updated as needed
in a systematic way. In Arden Hills, there is no set schedule, and some of our policies are reviewed
more often than others. At Ramsey and Washington counties, that practice is done every 3-5 years.
This committee was originally formed in 2007 to provide modeling, projections, and suggest fiscal
policies surrounding the longer -term impact of current and near -term decisions. A main
responsibility was to provide advice to the City Council and staff concerning long-term financial
planning as well as make recommendations on city financial policies and procedures. The last
meeting for FPAC occurred in 2020. In 2022, Council direction was not to dissolve FPAC but rather
consider it an ad -hoc task force/work group that would be utilized as needed.
2018 Work Plan summary of Purpose:
The Financial Planning and Analysis Committee's purpose is to provide modeling, projections, and
suggest fiscal policies surrounding the longer -term impact of current and near -term decisions. This
includes: build versus lease decisions; future Fire/Police capital facilities/equipment; fund balance
policies and capital improvement plans. Use of public financing to achieve these objectives is
included in this mission/purpose. Review of operating expenses and annual budget are explicitly
excluded from the scope and responsibility of this committee, provided however, that this committee
will depend upon financial reports and actual financial history of the City.
Past agenda items:
• Business Subsidy Policy and made recommendations on language/offerings
• Purchasing Policy (current policy revised 7/28/14) and Fund Balance Policy (current policy
revised 4/28/14)
• Health insurance renewal (this is currently facilitated through personnel committee),
Comp/Pay study
• Review of Recreation Programs (i.e., revenue history, financial info, and history of personnel
allocations to rec programs)
Staff believes that, with the strategic planning initiatives approved by the City Council, the timing is
opportune to consider the role of this committee and the potential value it might bring to future
budget planning strategy discussions and policy reviews. The City Council, as part of the discussion
on alternative funding sources, is asked to consider and provide direction on FPAC.
Budget Impact
None. This memorandum is for informational and discussion purposes only. There is no immediate
fiscal impact. However, the successful implementation of any alternative revenue source would be
Page 2 of 3
designed to provide a net positive impact to the General Fund, Capital Improvement, or specific
Enterprise Funds.
Attachment
Attachment A: Alternative Funding Sources
Page 3 of 3
Attachment A
City of Arden Hills, MN
� err• rrr><•rs ar.T-�
Option Description
Local Option Sales Tax Minnesota Statute gives cities the authority to levy a local sales tax by an
election process for specific capital improvements.
Franchise Fees A local funding tool authorized by state law that allows cities to charge a fee to
utilities (gas/electric) for using city -owned right-of-way
Bonding Borrowing obligations that incur interest and require repayment at a specific
date. These are typically issues to pay for larger capital projects.
Municipal Liquor Store
Municipal Cannabis Store
Public EV Charging Stations
Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT)
Municipal Advisory & Feasibility Studies
Grants
Invasive Species Eradication Funding
Opportunity
Clean Water Funding
Conservation Partners Legacy Grant
Program
Environment and Natural Resources Trust
Fund
Fields for Kids
Fishing Pier and Shore Fishing Area
Program
No Child Left Inside
Outdoor Recreation Grant Program
Parks and Trails Legacy Grant Program
Source
Sales tax addition
Xcel Energy
Annual appropriation bonds, revenue
bonds
City -owned and operated retail store for off -sale alcohol; profits are restricted to Retail Enterprise
the General Fund or specific CIP projects per MN Statute 340A.
City -operated dispensary model.
Retail Enterprise
City -owned infrastructure.
User Fees
Voluntary annual financial contributions made by tax-exempt entities (non-
Negotiated Voluntary Contribution
profits, universities, or hospitals) to offset the cost of city services like fire,
police, and road maintenance.
A formal financial gap analysis conducted by a third -party fiduciary to stress -test
Internal Fund Reallocation - Cash,
the PIR fund, optimize debt structures, and validate 10-year CIP funding paths.
Grants, and Bond Proceeds
Description Source
Provides funding for projects that seek to eradicate invasive species (part of
U.S. Department of the Interior/
Ithe Bipartisan Infrastructure Law)
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Provides hands-on environmental stewardship and service -learning
Minnesota Board of Water and Soil
opportunities to youth and young adults while providing low-cost labor to
Resources (BWSR)
eligible applicants
Provides funding to restore, protect, or enhance prairies, wetlands, forests, or
Minnesota Department of Natural
habitat for fish, game or wildlife in MN
Resources (MNDNR)
Aims to protect, conserve, preserve, and enhance Minnesota's air, water,
Legislative -Citizen Commission on
land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources
Minnesota Resources (LCCMR)
Provides financial support to improve baseball and/or softball facilities for
Minnesota Twins Community Fund
youth in the Upper Midwest and Southwest Florida
Joint Power Agreement with the DNR for installation, operations and
Minnesota Department of Natural
maintenance
Resources (MNDNR)
Aims to support and increase efforts to expand programming that connects
Minnesota Department of Natural
youth to the outdoors
Resources (MNDNR)
Provides funding to increase and enhance outdoor recreation facilities in local
Minnesota Department of Natural
and community parks throughout the state
Resources (MNDNR)
Provides funding for parks and trails of regional significance outside of the
Minnesota Department of Natural
seven county metropolitan area
Resources (MNDNR)
PeopleForBikes Community Grant Program Provides funding that supports bicycle infrastructure projects and targeted (Other - Minnesota
advocacy initiatives that make it easier and safer for people of all ages and
Community Vitality & Arts
abilities to ride
AARP Community Challenge Grant
Small grants to fund quick -action projects that can help communities become
AARP
more livable for people of all ages
America Walks Community Change Grants
Awards stipends to communities for projects related to creating healthy,
Foundation
active, and engaged places to live, work, and play
Community Development Block Grant
Provides annual grants to support the development of
U.S. Department of Housing and
Program
infrastructure and public facilities in urban communities
Urban Development
Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant
Provides affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in rural
U.S. Department of Agriculture
areas
(USDA)
Natural and Scenic Area Grants
Provides funding to increase, protect, and enhance natural and scenic areas
Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources (MNDNR)
Our Town Grant Program Supports projects that integrate arts, culture, and design activities into efforts
that strengthen communities by advancing local economic, physical, and/or I National Endowment for the Arts
social outcomes
Minnesota Festival Support Grant Program Provides arts experiences through festivals celebrating arts, building
community, and exposure to diverse art forms Other - Minnesota
Federal Recreational Trail Grant Program
Funding for motorized and non -motorized trail projects;
Federal via Minnesota Department of
maintenance/restoration of existing recreational trails;
Transportation (MNDOT)
development/rehabilitation of recreational trail linkages including trailside and
trailhead facilities; environmental awareness and safety education programs
American Trails Trail Fund
Assists the trails community with funding to support maintenance, research,
Foundation
_
and stewardship training needs
Local Trail Connections Program
Provides funding to promote short trail connections between where people live
Minnesota Department of Natural
and significant public resources
Resources (MNDNR)
Regional Trail Grant Program
Provides matching grants to local governments for the acquisition and
Minnesota Department of Natural
development of trails with regional or statewide significance. This program
Resources (MNDNR)
focuses on creating high -priority recreational destinations and significant new
trail segments that complement the state trail system
Grants I Description Source
Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance (Supports community -led natural resource conservation and outdoor recreation National Park Service
Prociram
Active Transportation & Pedestrian Safety
projects across the nation
Safe Routes to School
Provides funding for the development and
Minnesota Department of
Infrastructure Grants/Safe Routes to School implementation of infrastructure projects which enable students to walk and
Transportation (MNDOT)
Planninq Assistance Grants
bike to and from schools
Transportation Alternatives Program
The Transportation Alternatives solicitation for the seven -county Twin Cities
Met Council/Transportation Advisory
metro area is conducted by the Metropolitan Council and its Transportation
Board (TAB)
Advisory Board. Funds pedestrian facilities, bicycle infrastructure, Safe Routes
to School projects, and scenic byways. Biennial cycle.
Active Transportation
Provides funding to increase safety/access for walking, biking, and rolling
Minnesota Department of
Transportation (MNDOT)
Carbon -Reduction Program
Provides funding to reduce COz emissions from on -road highway sources
nnesota Department of
Critical Infrastructure & Systems Maintenance
Transportation (MNDOT)
Local Road Improvement
Provides funding to assist local governments with Construction Ready road
Minnesota Department of
projects
Transportation (MNDOT)
Bridge Investment Program
Provides funding for communities to replace, rehabilitate, and preserve bridge
U.S. Department of Transportation
The Rapid Response Fund Provides financial resources to assess and support response actions for quick National Park Service
containment or eradication of newly detected species
Rural Initiative Grant Fund Program Provides funding to encourage collective and involved endeavors among Foundation
citizens in rural communities
State Park Road Account Program Provides funding to assist local governments in improving access to public Minnesota Department of
Livable Communities Act Grants (LCA) Provides funding for innovative development that uses land efficiently and Met Council
links people to opportunities
AGENDA ITEMS - 3HI AND H2
MEMORANDUM
DATE: May 11, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: Jessica Jagoe, City Administrator
SUBJECT: Human Rights Commission and Immigration Enforcement Discussion
Budgeted Amount: Actual Amount: Funding Source:
N/A N/A N/A
Council Should Consider
Council should discuss topic areas below and provide direction to Staff on next steps.
Background
At the February 9th Work Session, the City Council requested a recurring work session agenda
item to allow for discussion on topics related to immigration enforcement. Below are topics that
Council requested be brought back for discussion by the City Council related to immigration
enforcement. Council is asked to discuss these topics and provide direction to Staff on next steps
and/or removal of any particular topic(s) from the list and/or other topics that should be brought
forward under this agenda item for future discussion.
Human Rights Commission
At the March 9th Work Session, the City Council directed staff to bring back information on
establishing a Human Rights Commission using the City of Shoreview as an example.
In researching this topic, Staff found that the City of Arden Hills adopted Ordinance 169
(Attachment A) in 1973 establishing a Human Rights Commission. This Commission shall
consist of ten regular members with appointments ranging from one to three year terms based on
years of age (under 21 years old and over 21 years old, respectively). Additionally, the
Commission allows for Ad -hoc members that may be appointed for one year terms. These
members are appointed by the Mayor and with the advice and consent of the Council.
Page l of 2
Similarly in Shoreview, their Commission is comprised of nine to 11 members and allows for
two to three youth representatives with full voting privileges. Members are appointed by the
City Council for three year terms. Duties and responsibilities include:
In fulfillment of its purpose, the human rights commission serves in an advisory capacity to
the city council. New programs and policies must receive the approval of the city council
prior to implementation. Specific duties and responsibilities include:
• Adopting bylaws and/or rules of conduct for its affairs.
• Developing, in cooperation with the state department of human rights, programs of
formal and informal education.
• Formulating human rights programs for the city, subject to review and approval by
the city council. These programs shall direct and encourage the work of all
individuals and agencies involved in planning, policy making and educational
programming in the area of civil and human rights and shall aid citizens in bridging
cultural and other differences.
• Coordinating efforts with the human rights commissions of neighboring cities.
• Making recommendations to the city manager and city council in regard to the
planning or operation of any city department on issues of civil and human rights and
making recommendations regarding the adoption of such specific policies or actions
as are needed to provide for full equal opportunity in the city.
• Advising and making recommendations to the city council in regard to human rights
issues.
Staff is seeking direction from Council on potential updates to the ordinance in terms of
membership composition or appointments prior to recruitment efforts. Additionally, Council
should discuss if there is a desire at this time to appoint a Council and Staff Liaison to the
Human Rights Commission. If necessary, a draft ordinance and/or resolution for committee
liaisons would be brought forward to a future regular meeting for approval. The Human Rights
Commission would be added to city code along with our other active committees/commissions
as applicable to Section 220 - Boards, Committees, and Commissions.
Other topics for further discussion
• Use of City Property Policy/Ordinance (i.e. stains area)
o Staff is working with the City Attorney and will be bringing draft language
forward to a future work session for discussion.
• Sharing of Data Policy
o Based on City Council direction at the March 9th Work Session, staff is preparing
a policy that will be brought forward to a future city council meeting for adoption.
Budget Impact
N/A
Attachment
Attachment A: Ordinance 169
Attachment B: Shoreview Human Rights Commission
Page 2 of 2
Attachment A
STATh OF MINNESOIA
COUNTY OF RAMSEY
VILLAGE OF ARDEN PILLS
ORDINANCE NO. IZ-
AN ORDINANCE AFENDING ORDINANCE NO.
105, RELATING TO THE HUMAN RIGHTS
COM14ISSION, BY ENLARGING THE COMPO-
SITION THEREOF AND PROVIDING SPEC-
IFIC QUALIFICATIONS FOR REGULAR AND
AD HOC MEMBERS THEREOF; AND REPEALING
ORDINANCE NO. 115.
The Village Council of the Village of Arden Hills does
hereby ordain as follows:
Section 1. Amendment of Ordinance No. 105.
Section 4 of Ordinance 105, relating to the Human Rights
Commission, is hereby amended in its entirety to read as fol-
lows:
Section 4. Composition of Commission. The Commission
shall consist of ten 10) regular members to be appointed
by Mayor and with the advice and consent of the Council.
Additional ad hoc members, requested by the Chairman of
the Commission for special projects, may also be appoint-
ed to serve thereon by the Mayor and with the advice and
consent of the Council. Both regular and ad hoc mem-
bers of the Commission shall be an--.)ointed with due re-
gard to their fitness for the efficient dispatch of the
functions, powers and duties v(:s t:', i in and imposed upon
the Commission.
At least eight (8) of the regular mer-bers of the Conmis-
sion shall be a minimum of twenty-one (21) years of
age and each such adult member, after the original ap-
pointments, shall be appointed for a term of three (3)
years, except that any person appointed to fill a vacancy
occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which
his predecessor was appointed shall be appointed only
for the remainder of such term. The regular members of. the
Commission who are less than twenty-one (21) years of
age shall be appointed for one (1) year terms. Upon the
expiration of his term of office, a regular member shall
continue to serve until hi-s successor is apnoi.nted and
shall have qualified. To insure regularity in the com-
position of the Commission, the first year of any term of
a regular member shall be deemed to end at the expiration
of the calendar year in which the appointment is made.
Ad hoc members shall be appointed for one year (1) terms,
which shall be deemed to have expired at the end of the
calendar year in which the appointment is made.
-1-
The first Commission shall consist of two (2) regular
members appointed for a term of three (3) years, two
(2) regular members for a term of two (2) years, and
two (2) regular members for a term of one (1) year.
Both regular mrribers and ad hoc members of the Com-
mission shall serve with out compensation and may be
removed from office for cause by the Mayor.
Section 2. Repeal of Ordinance No. 115.
Ordinance No. 115, which amended Section 4 of Ordinance
105 to enlarge the composition of the Human Rights Commission
and provided specific qualifications for the members thereof
and which was passed by the Council on the 30th day of June,
1969, is hereby repealed in its entirety.
Section 3. Effective Date.
This rrdinance shall be in effect from and after its
passage and publication.
d
Passed by the Council of Arden Hills this 12- day of
February, 1973.
Henry J. re , Jr.,
Mayor
Attest:
Charlotte McNiess h
Acting Clerk -Administrator
-2-
STATEMI S
COUNTYUNTY RA OF RAMSEYEY
VILLAGE OF ARDEN HILLS
ORDINANCE NO. 169
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 105,
RELATING TO THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION,
BY ENLARGING THE COMPOSITION THEREOF
AND PROVIDING SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS FOR
REGULAR AND AD HOC MEMBERS THEREOF;
AND REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 115.
The Village Council of the Village of Arden Hills does
hereby ordain as follows: -
Section 1. Amendment of Ordinance No. 105,
Section 4 of Ordinance 105, relating to the Human
Rights Commission, !.hereby amended in its entirety to
read as follows:
Section 4.' Composition of Commission. The Com
mission shall consist of ten (III) regular members to be
appointed by Mayor and With the advice and Consent of
the Council. Additional ad hoc members, requested by
the Chairman of the Commission for speclal projects,
may also be appointed to serve thereon by the Mayor
and with the advice and consent of the Council- Both
regular and ad hoc members of the Commission shot I be
appointed with due regard to their fitness for the ef-
ficient dispatch of the functions, powers and duties"
vested in and imposed upon the Commission.
At least eight .(8) of the regular members of the
Commission shall be a minimum of twenty-one (21)
years of age and each such adult member, after the
original appointments, shall be appointed fora term of
three (3) years, except that any person appointed to fill
a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term
for which his predecessor was appointed shall be ap-
pointed only for the remainder of such term. The
regular members of the Commission who are less than
twenty-one (21) years of age shal I be appointed for one
(1) year terms. Upon the expiration of his term of office,
a regular member shall continue to serve until his
successor is appointed and shall have qualified. To
insure regularity in the composition of the Commission,
the f irst year of any term of a regular member shall be
deemed to end at the expiration of the Calendar year in
which the appointment is made.
Ad hoc members shall be appointed for one year (1)
terms, which shall be deemed to have expired at the end
of the calendar year in which the appointment is made.
The first Commission shall consist of two (2) regular
members appointed for a term of three (3) years, two
12) regular members for a term of two (21 years, and
two (2) regular members for a term of one (II year.
-
Both regular members and ad hoc members of the
Commission shall serve with out compensation and may
be removed from office for cause by the Mayor.
.Section 2. Repeal of Ordinance No. 115.
Ordinance No. 115, which amended Section 4 of Or.
dinance 105 to enlarge the composition of the Human
Rights Commission and provided specific qualifications
for the members thereof and which was passed by the
Council on the 30th day of June, 1969, is hereby repealed
in its entirety.
Section 3. Effective Date.
This Ordinance shall be in affect from and after Its
passage and publication.
Passed by the Council of Arden Hills this 121h day of
February, 1973.
Henry J. Crepeau, Jr.,
Mayor
Attest:
Charlotte MCNiesh
Acting Clerk -Administrator
(Bulletin: Feb. 15, 1973)
C
0
STATE OF MINNESOTA
COUNTY OF RAMSEY
VILLAGE OF ARDEN HILLS
ORDINANCE NO. 169
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 105,
RELATING TO THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION,
BY ENLARGING THE COMPOSITION THEREOF
AND PROVIDING SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS FOR
REGULAR AND AD HOC MEMBERS THEREOF;
AND REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 115.
The Village Council of the Village of Arden Hills does
hereby ordain as follows:
Section 1. Amendment of Ordinance No. 105.
Section 4 of Ordinance 105, relating to the Human
Rights Commission, is hereby amended in its entirety to
read as follows:
Section 4. Composition of Commission. The Com-
mission shall consistof ten (10) regular members to be
appointed by Mayor and with the advice and consent of
the Council. Additional ad hoc members, requested by
the Chairman of the Commission for special projects,
may also be appointed to serve thereon by the Mayor
and with the advice and consent of the Council. Both
regular and ad hoc members of the Commission shall be
appointed with due regard to their fitness for the ef-
ficient dispatch of the functions, powers and duties
vested in and imposed upon the Commission.
At least eight (a) of the regular members of the
Commission shall be a minimum of twenty-one (21)
years of age and each such adult member, after the
original appointments, shall be appointed for a term of
three (3) years, except that any person appointed to fill
a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term
for which his predecessor was appointed shall be ap.
pointed only for the remainder of such term. The
regular members of the Commission who are less than
twenty-one (21) years of age shall be appointed for one
(1) year terms. Upon the expi ration of his term of office,
.a regular member shall continue to serve until his
successor is appointed and shall have qualified. To
insure regularity in the composition of the Commission,
the first year of any term of a regular member shall be
deemed to end at the expiration of the calendar year In
which the appointment is made.
Ad hoc members shall be appointed for one year (1)
terms, which shal I be deemed to have expired at the end
of the calendar year in which the appointment is made.
The first Commission shall consist of two (2) regular
members appointed for a term of three (3) years, two
(2) regular members for a term of two (2) years, and
two (2) regular members for a term of one (11 year.
Both regular members and ad hoc members of the
commission shall serve without compensation and may
be removed from office for cause by the Mayor.
Section 2. Repeal of Ordinance No. 115.
Ordinance No. 115, which amended Section 4 of Or.
dinance 105 to enlarge the composition of the Human
Rights Commission and provided specific qualifications
for the members thereof and which was passed by the
Council on the30th day of June, 1969, is hereby repealed
in its entirety.
Section 3. Effective Date.
This Ordinance shall be in effect from and after its
Passage and publication.
Passed by the Council of Arden Hills this 12th day of
February, 1973.
Henry J. Crepeau, Jr.,
Mayor
Attest:
Charlotte MCNiesh
Acting ClerkAdministrator
(Bulletin: Feb. 15, 1973)
1�
u
DIVISION 5. - HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
Attachment B
Sec. 2-215. - Policy.
It is the public policy of the city, in cooperation with the state department of human rights, to secure for all citizens equal opportunity in housing, employment, public accommodations, public services and education,
and to work consistently to improve the human relations climate of the city.
(Prior Code, § 308.010)
Sec. 2-216. - Establishment and composition.
The commission shall be composed of nine to 11 members and shall be advisory to the city council. The city council may, at its own discretion, appoint two to three youth representatives with full voting privileges.
Youth representatives must be high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors. Youth representatives may be nonresidents from a school district servicing the city. Members shall be appointed by the city council. Any
member of the commission may be removed by a majority vote of the city council.
(Prior Code, § 308.020; Ord. No. 812, 3-19-2007; Ord. No. 1016, 4-17-2023)
Sec. 2-217. - Terms.
Members shall be appointed for three-year terms beginning February 1 and ending January 31 of the third year following. Members of the commission may receive compensation as the city council shall provide by
resolution.
(Prior Code, § 308.030)
Sec. 2-218. -Vacancies.
In case of a vacancy during the term of any member of the commission, the city council shall appoint a new member to serve the remainder of the term.
(Prior Code, § 308.050)
Sec. 2-219. - Organization.
The commission shall elect co-chairs to serve staggered two-year terms. The co-chairs are responsible for presiding at meetings, working with staff on meeting agendas, and attending city council meetings as needed to
represent the commission. The administration department shall maintain all records of the commission and bring forward any recommendations to the city council.
Sec. 2-220. - Meetings and reports.
The commission shall hold monthly meetings as needed. It shall follow the city's committee handbook procedures for formal actions and keep a public record of all motions, resolutions, findings, minutes and reports
which shall be reduced in writing and a copy forwarded to the city council. The assistant city manager shall be the official advisor.
Sec. 2-221. - Duties and responsibilities.
In fulfillment of its purpose, the human rights commission serves in an advisory capacity to the city council. New programs and policies must receive the approval of the city council prior to implementation. Specific
duties and responsibilities include:
(1) Adopting bylaws and/or rules of conduct for its affairs.
(2) Developing, in cooperation with the state department of human rights, programs of formal and informal education.
(3) Formulating human rights programs for the city, subject to review and approval by the city council. These programs shall direct and encourage the work of all individuals and agencies involved in planning,
policy making and educational programming in the area of civil and human rights and shall aid citizens in bridging cultural and other differences.
(4) Coordinating efforts with the human rights commissions of neighboring cities.
(5) Making recommendations to the city manager and city council in regard to the planning or operation of any city department on issues of civil and human rights and making recommendations regarding the
adoption of such specific policies or actions as are needed to provide for full equal opportunity in the city.
(6) Advising and making recommendations to the city council in regard to human rights issues.
(Prior Code, § 308.070)
AGENDA ITEM - 3I
MEMORANDUM
DATE: May 11, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: Jessica Jagoe, City Administrator
SUBJECT: City Council Code of Conduct/Norms of Behavior Discussion
Budgeted Amount: Actual Amount: Funding Source:
N/A N/A N/A
Council Should Consider
Council should review Resolution 2016-022 for City Council Norms of Behavior and provide
direction to Staff on next steps.
Background
At the April 141h Work Session, the City Council reviewed Resolution 2016-22 which is the City
Council Norms of Behavior. Council requested that staff verify if the League of MN Cities had a
template Code of Conduct policy that could be a starting point for this discussion. Additionally,
there was a reference to the Elected Officials Guide that LMC also produces. Staff were asked to
gather some of these resources together and share those with the Council for future discussion.
LMC states that generally policies will take one of two forms: either a values statement
expressing core principles for ethical conduct or a formal code of conduct. From the Minnesota
Mayors Handbook produced by the League of Minnesota Cities there is the following
suggestion:
Codes of conduct are written more like bylaws or regulations for an organization.
Generally, they prescribe explicit standards of behavior and provide for formal
complaints, hearings, and censure. For example, a code of conduct might state, "No
member may knowingly violate the Open Meeting Law."
Included as Attachment D is a sample Code of Conduct created by the League of Minnesota
Cities Ethics Advisory Panel from the Minnesota Mayors Handbook.
Pagel of 2
For Resolution 2016-22, the City Council should review to determine if this remains sufficient or
provide Staff with direction on updates for the Norms of Behavior.
Budget Impact
N/A
Attachments
Attachment A: Resolution 2016-22
Attachment B: January 3, 2024 Special Work Session Minutes
Attachment C: April 14, 2025 Work Session Minutes
Attachment D: LMC Sample Code of Conduct
Page 2 of 2
Attachment A
-z3 [� HILLS
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS
COUNTY OF RAMSEY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO. 2016-022
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING CITY COUNCIL NORMS OF BEHAVIOR
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL THAT THE NORMS OF
BEHAVIOR ARE HEREBY ESTABLISHED AS FOLLOWS:
1. Speak only for yourself, not for other Councilmembers — unless specifically tasked by your
colleagues to speak for the group.
2. Don't question motives. Assume others have positive intentions, even when you disagree.
3. Be respectful of one another, and the public process, at all times. Do not criticize Staff or others
in public.
4. Aim of consensus, but accept decisions of the majority once made.
5. Stay focused on the elected official role — policy, prioritization, and citizen representation.
6. Work primarily through the City Administrator or a Department Head, and through line staff with
prior arrangement. May work with the writer of a memo in a packet to request information for
clarification. Refrain from attending staff meetings, trainings, "rides -along" or group staff
functions unless specifically invited or cleared by the City Administrator.
7. Respect Staff and the fact that they work for the Council as a whole. Don't expect or ask them to
engage in the fray (secrets, gossip, triangulation), make your individual case (to take sides), or to
be your "insider" (informant).
ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARDEN HILLS THIS 27th
DAY OF DUNE, 2016.
David Grant, gayor
TT T:.
J ie Hanson, City Clerk
'It Attachment B
,-ARZEN HILLS
Approved: February 12, 2024
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
JANUARY 3, 2024
5:30 P.M. - ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Grant called to order the Special City
Council Work Session at 5:30 p.m.
Present: Mayor David Grant, Councilmembers Brenda Holden, Emily Rousseau,
Tena Monson and Tom Fabel
Absent: None
Also present: City Administrator Dave Perrault and League of Minnesota Cities Insurance
Trust (LMCIT) Collaboration Services Manager Aimee Gourlay
1. AGENDA ITEMS
A. Council Discussion with LMCIT Collaboration Services
Ms. Gourlay said the goal is to give them the opportunity to discuss what they might like to do or
change about the Norms of Behavior/Code of Conduct, and what the process would be for
moving forward. She reviewed the items they hope to achieve; productive and efficient Council
meetings, improved teamwork and agreement on process. She asked if anyone wanted to add
anything else.
Council also requested to talk about respect and decency.
Ms. Gourlay said she would add that under meeting management. She explained the agenda and
said she had brought a short Code of Conduct summary from the League of Minnesota Cities. She
said the League doesn't have a standard code as they are specific to each community. Some cities
have very detailed codes and Duluth has one paragraph. She expanded on the items they would be
discussing. The idea was to share and hear others ideas and incorporate as many considerations as
they could. The goal of a Code of Conduct is to increase their ability to have positive conflict that
helps get good outcomes, and decrease the likelihood of interpersonal negative conflicts that can
detract from making good decisions.
Ms. Gourlay explained the Norms of Behavior 2016 could be a starting point because it already
exists. Discussion was probably more important than the paper at this point.
ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION - JANUARY 3, 2024 2
Council discussed issues in the past related to processes and how they have or have not come to
agreement on items.
Ms. Gourlay said it was about perceptions and how you're feeling about the discussion. What
they seem to agree on the need to balance the meeting efficiency with making sure everyone's
voice is heard and making sure the conversation is appropriate to the topic. They could talk about
how to move on when all opinions have been voiced. If they feel like they're hearing the same
thing and want to move on for efficiency sake, how does the Mayor know?
Council discussed how side comments or underhanded remarks affect decorum.
Ms. Gourlay said you're probably not listening well if there are side comments, and people will
shut down if they're hearing things as attacks. That is a part of meeting decorum. It can be
difficult if Councilmembers are speaking for long periods of time. So how do they balance
making sure everyone has a voice? Maybe everyone says their initial thoughts and has longer to
speak after that.
Ms. Gourlay thought there was already a divide about how they were feeling about respect. She
wondered if only some people were experiencing that or if it was a council -wide consideration.
Council discussed past issues or events that they have felt contributed to feelings of disrespect or
mistrust.
Ms. Gourlay thought getting to a point of understanding that could be another piece of the code.
And whatever code they come up with everyone has to be willing to go along with. She watched
a video of a meeting but she didn't see much of this dynamic.
Ms. Gourlay said there may be a need to address some of the past hurt in some way however,
something that can be helpful is to look at places they've been more successful and see how they
can take what is working and build on that.
Council discussed teamwork and their perspectives on information sharing.
Ms. Gourlay stated they're talking about Code of Conduct, but it really keeps coming back to
this one issue. She asked what they needed to move forward.
Council discussed better communication moving forward and past issues, also discussed looking
forward not at the past when making decisions.
Council discussed adding agenda items to formally report back to Council, such as,
Committee/Commission updates.
Ms. Gourlay said one thing they were talking about was committee reports and separating that
from Council Comments. They also talked about agreeing to disagree about the past and not
bring it up going forward. They talked about annual committee updates and sharing City goals.
Ms. Gourlay commented that one of the things she's observing is that it's hard to get to
consensus because what they're talking about keeps shifting.
ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION - JANUARY 3, 2024 3
Ms. Gourlay reiterated they wanted efficient meetings, to stay on appropriate topics, everyone's
voice be heard, and to avoid personal comments. Some of the items they are considering would
address some of that list.
Ms. Gourlay said sometimes councils have struggles with how to get things on the agenda,
what's the complaint process, or the process for taking something off the consent agenda.
Oftentimes it has to do with how things get heard. She wondered what's the process for assigning
committees, is there an assumption that everyone gets a committee and similar types of things.
Council discussed adding committee/commission reports to future agendas, and about tying it into
committee/commission liaison responsibilities.
Ms. Gourlay recommended they have a work session item for discussion of committee updates
before it be brought for a vote at a regular meeting so there is no misunderstanding of what the
policy will be. She asked if this session was a useful conversation.
Council discussed not bring up past issues when making decisions affecting the present and
future.
Ms. Gourlay said they should move forward with discussing the issues they talked about at work
sessions and if they would like her to come back she could. She could also arrange for not full
group discussions.
Ms. Gourlay said they remind her of good people with knowledge coming together from
different places but the team can't come together.
Council thanked Ms. Gourlay for her time.
2. COUNCIL/STAFF COMMENTS
City Administrator Perrault said he had emailed two questions to the Council. The 2024 PMP
was at 80% plan and was scheduled to be an item on the upcoming work session, did they prefer
to leave it on that meeting. Also, did they want to schedule a retreat, if so he will find a date.
Councilmember Rousseau would rather do a special work session on January 22 for the PMP,
and she would love to have a retreat in March or April.
Councilmember Monson was comfortable with having the PMP discussion on either date but
she could make January 22 work.
Mayor Grant explained there's what they go in at and then there's the bid. So, 80% was
probably close enough.
Councilmember Monson said then she was fine with it being on January 8 at 80%. She would
like to have city goals at a retreat but didn't think they needed the personality piece.
Mayor Grant felt a retreat was the wrong way to approach it. He thought it would be better for
the group to look at some strategic topics and discuss them. He didn't know if they needed
ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION — JANUARY 3, 2024 4
someone else to help them do that. He thought a facilitator would make it more touchy-feely and
they would probably waste time with ice breaker type stuff.
Councilmember Fabel agreed.
Councilmember Monson said she found Ms. Gourlay to be valuable in these discussions.
Councilmember Rousseau asked if they were going to go through the list of work session topics
at the next work session and prioritize them.
Mayor Grant was thinking more strategic than chickens or food trucks; he was worried more
about bigger things like trails and the fire station.
City Administrator Perrault said he was planning to include the list of work session priorities
on the next work session so Council can let staff know what they want to bring forward in what
order.
Councilmember Rousseau explained that things they see on the list as a priority could be what
they base a strategic plan on.
Councilmember Holden asked if they were going to update the Council Tracker.
City Administrator Perrault said past practice was they only removed things at Council
direction.
Councilmember Rousseau asked how they were moving forward with a Code of Conduct for
committees.
Ms. Gourlay said she had examples from other cities to send to the Mayor and Councilmember
Rousseau.
ADJOURN
Mayor Grant adjourned the Special City Council Work Session at 7:09 p.m.
_4j. J��J
David Grant
Mayor
Attachment C
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — APRIL 14, 2025 14
regarding how PTRC are going to pay for the parks is a priority, above some of the other items on
the list. We need to decide what is most important.
Councilmember Rosseau asked if it could be two Fridays vs. a Friday and Saturday.
Councilmember Holden can't do 14 hours. Back to back days doesn't work. In the past, it was
nice to take a step back and think about what was discussed.
Councilmember Weber asked if it had to be consecutive days.
City Administrator Jagoe didn't ask that question. Her experience was the Friday/Saturday. She
will ask if there is an option to do a Friday and then a second Friday a month later.
Councilmember Weber said he could support that, with Hue Life. He is not interested in the
other proposal.
Councilmember Holden asked when it was decided it would be a Friday.
City Administrator Jagoe said she heard Council talk about a Friday.
Councilmember Monson said they did a similar session with the Fire Board. There were three
months between sessions. We can't spread it that far because we will want this complete in time
for budgeting. It was nice to have that space between sessions.
Mayor Grant said we should try to keep the hours down, maybe not two full days.
City Administrator Jagoe will follow up with the consultant to see about scheduling two
sessions with some time between. She sought clarification if Council wanted to agree on
availability and see if it works for the consultant, or should we schedule it when they can fit us in.
Councilmember Holden said everyone needs to be at the first one.
Councilmember Weber said we will probably have to have the consultant say when they are
available and then move on it when we find a date that works for everyone.
City Administrator Jagoe said she will follow up on dates. She wanted to confirm that Council
plus the Directors and City Clerk should attend. She asked if there was anyone else that should be
included in the invitation.
Discussion ensued regarding start time, possible dates and what items will be focused on.
City Administrator Jagoe will discuss availability with the consultant and send out dates to
Council.
C. Council Norms of Behavior
City Administrator Jagoe said on March loth, this item was brought to the Work Session along
with the Committee/Commission Code of Conduct Policy. The Council Norms of Behavior,
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — APRIL 14, 2025 15
Resolution 2016-22 is being brought back for Council review. She asked Council if there are any
updates or changes, they want to make.
Councilmember Monson thinks the Norms of Behavior is a good place to start but she feels that
reading it, it was written in response to the dynamics that were happening at that time. She
provided something previously that more broadly discussed honesty and integrity. She thought we
could check with LMC to see if they have a template. She thinks the items are very specific.
Councilmember Weber said he went through all the chapters of the Elected Officials Guides on
the LMC site. He thinks the information is very comprehensive guidance for elected officials and
ethics guidance. He provided the information to City Administrator Jagoe. He requested she
share that information with the rest of the Council.
City Administrator Jagoe said she will pass that along to the entire council.
Councilmember Rousseau asked if City Administrator Jagoe would share that along with
Councilmember Holden's notes, as well.
Councilmember Holden said in item #3, there is language regarding public testimony. She
believes the word `immoral' should be removed. We shouldn't use that word. We talk about being
respectful of one another but we also have to include resident interactions.
D. Twin Cities Gateway Funding Discussion
Mayor Grant said there is just under $20,000 plus some roll-over from the previous year. He is
grateful the Visitor's Bureau allowed that. These funds need to be used to advertise and promote
events that will bring people into Arden Hills to use hotels and patronize our businesses. He
believes the ice swim event would qualify. We've used it for Rib Fest and Bethel Homecoming.
He reminded that we have the 75th Anniversary of Arden Hills coming in 2026. He asked Council
if they had any preference for prioritizing the list.
Councilmember Rousseau said she is interested in using half of the amount for Rib Fest and the
other half for the ice swim. She would like John Connelly to talk with Al Stauffacher to help
shepherd the process of the Regional Grant for the ice swim event. She understands they will do
that for a newer event. Mr. Stauffacher seemed interested in the ice swim. She said it seems like
we typically discuss this funding source in April. She wondered if the 75th Anniversary should be
on the list for next year, with all of the 2026 funds going towards that event.
Mayor Grant said that is the Council's decision to make. He said the grant awards are based on a
formula. He said the numbers are holding and we can probably expect about the same amount
next year.
Councilmember Holden would like to use a little of the 2025 money to advertise a save the date
for the 75th Anniversary. She thinks we should send out one big flyer. A mailing is $2,000. She
thinks we should send out a mailing announcing that 2026 is the 75th Anniversary. Something that
advertises us as a City to all the residents and businesses. She isn't willing to give it to Bethel.
They never even thanked us.
Mayor Grant isn't aware if Staff has received any communication.
Attachment D
For example, "I serve the public interest when I recognize and support the
public's right to know the public's business." Values -based codes generally set
aspirational "do's," while codes of conduct stress "don'ts," as discussed below.
You can find a sample Statement of Values in Appendix F at the end of this
memo.
b. Codes of conduct
See Appendix G: Sample Code Codes of conduct are written more like bylaws or regulations for an
of Conduct.
organization. Generally, they prescribe explicit standards of behavior and
provide for formal complaints, hearings, and censure. For example, a code of
conduct might state, "No member may knowingly violate the Open Meeting
Law." You can find a sample Code of Conduct in Appendix G at the end of this
memo.
C. Enforceability
i. Values statements
Because of the aspirational and sometimes subjective nature of values -based
codes, formal enforcement might be difficult and likely counterproductive.
Compliance is better left to the individual's conscience.
ii. Codes of conduct
Minn. Stat. § 410.20. Charter cities may provide for recall of elected public officials in their charter.
However, recall of public officials is not possible in statutory cities. In addition,
there is no authority in state statute to provide for removal of a council
member by vote of the council or through application of a city -based ethics
policy. There is also no authority to levy fines for violations.
As a result, city codes of conduct for elected officials are generally enforced
through censure. Censure is a formal resolution of council stating that a
council member has violated the city's ethical rules and expressing disapproval
of their actions.
IV. Mayor -council relationship
Because mayors of statutory cities lack significant individual authority, the key
to a successful mayor -council relationship often lies in recognizing the mayor's
role (and its limits) and working from there to build productive partnerships
with fellow council members.
A. Meetings and the mayor -council relationship
Minnesota
Mayors Chapter 1 -36
Association
Appendix G: Sample Code of Conduct
Created by the League of Minnesota Cities Ethics Advisory Panel — October 2009; Revised December 2017
.01. Purpose.
The City Council of the City of determines that a code of conduct for its members, as well
as the members of the various boards and commissions of the City of , is essential for the
public affairs of the city. By eliminating conflicts of interest and providing standards for conduct
in city matters, the City Council hopes to promote the faith and confidence of the citizens of
in their government and to encourage its citizens to serve on its council and commissions.
.02. Standards of conduct.
Subd. 1. No member of the City Council or a city board or commission may knowingly:
a. Violate the Open Meeting Law.
b. Participate in a matter that affects the person's financial interests or those of a business
with which the person is associated, unless the effect on the person or business is no
greater than on other members of the same business classification, profession, or
occupation.
c. Use the person's public position to secure special privileges or exemptions for the person
or for others.
d. Use the person's public position to solicit personal gifts or favors.
e. Use the person's public position for personal gain.
£ Except as specifically permitted pursuant to Minn. Stat. 471.895, accept or receive any
gift of substance, whether in the form of money, services, loan, travel, entertainment,
hospitality, promise, or any other form, under circumstances in which it could be
reasonably expected to influence the person, the person's performance of official action,
or be intended as a reward for the person's official action.
g. Disclose to the public, or use for the person's or another person's personal gain,
information that was gained by reason of the person's public position if the information
was not public data or was discussed at a closed session of the City Council.
h. Disclose information that was received, discussed, or decided in conference with the
city's legal counsel that is protected by the attorney -client privilege unless a majority of
the City Council has authorized the disclosure.
i. Represent private interests before the City Council or any city committee, board,
commission, or agency. (optional)
Subd. 2. Except as prohibited by the provisions of Minn. Stat. § 471.87, there is no violation of
subdivision 1 b. of this section for a matter that comes before the council, board, or commission
if the member of the council, board, or commission publicly discloses the circumstances that
Minnesota
Mayors 74
Association
would violate these standards and refrains from participating in the discussion and vote on the
matter. Nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit a contract with a member of the City
Council under the circumstances described under Minn. Stat. § 471.88, if proper statutory
procedures are followed.
.03. Complaint, hearing.
Any person may file a written complaint with the city clerk alleging a violation of the standards
of conduct in section _02. The complaint must contain supporting facts for the allegation.
The City Council may hold a hearing after receiving the written complaint or upon the council's
own volition. A hearing must be held only if the City Council determines:
1) upon advice of the city attorney, designee, or other attorney appointed by the council, that
the factual allegations state a sufficient claim of a violation of these standards or rise to
the level of a legally recognized conflict of interest, and
2) that the complaint has been lodged in good faith and not for impermissible purposes such
as delay.
The City Council's determination must be made within 30 days of the filing of the allegation
with the city clerk. If the council determines that there is an adequate justification for holding a
hearing, the hearing must be held within 30 days of the City Council's determination.
At the hearing, the person accused must have the opportunity to be heard. If, after the hearing,
the council finds that a violation of a standard has occurred or does exist, the council may
censure the person, refer the matter for criminal prosecution, request an official not to participate
in a decision, or remove an appointed member of an advisory board or commission from office.
Minnesota
Mayors 75
Association
AGENDA ITEM - M
MEMORANDUM
DATE: May 11, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: Jessica Jagoe, City Administrator
SUBJECT: Rice Creek Commons/TCAAP Discussion
Budgeted Amount:
N/A
For Council Consideration
Actual Amount:
N/A
Funding Source:
N/A
Council will have the opportunity to comment on any TCAAP related items they so choose.
Background
N/A
Budget Impact
N/A
Attachment
N/A
Page 1 of 1
AGENDA ITEM - 3K
MEMORANDUM
DATE: May 11, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: Jessica Jagoe, City Administrator
SUBJECT: Agenda Planning
Budgeted Amount: Actual Amount: Funding Source:
N/A N/A N/A
Council Should Consider
Council should discuss its next Work Session agenda.
Background
Per Council's adopted policy on agenda setting, please find the proposed agenda below for the
upcoming meeting.
May_ 261h Work Session
• Sign Code Updates
• Zoning Code Updates
• Immigration Discussion
• Agenda Planning (time sensitive)
• RCC/TCAAP Discussion
June 81h Work Session
• To Be Determined
• Immigration Discussion
• Agenda Planning (time sensitive)
• RCC/TCAAP Discussion
Attachment A is the list of topics that have yet to be discussed by Council and the ranking of
priority topics. Staff will begin to work on the higher priority items into upcoming Work
Sessions sooner while putting the lower priority items to later discussions. Please note, this does
not reflect all items at Work Sessions as Staff will have necessary items for discussion, such as,
Page 1 of 2
budget discussions, concept plan reviews, or Public Works projects that need timely direction.
Council may want to discuss whether any items need to be added to this list for future discussion
or assign a future meeting for some of these items. This would need to be done by a majority
consensus of Council.
Below is a running list of things Staff brings forward to Work Session annually, in recent years,
we have shifted away from bringing some items forward unless needed, such as, the Pavement
Management Update from Public Works. Note, these timelines may shift year to year. Most
items discussed at Work Sessions are one-off items that may require multiple meetings but are
usually not recurring.
• January
o Legislative priorities
• February
o None
• March
o
Initial guidance on next year's Public Works projects
• April
o
None
• May
o
None
• June
o
Follow up on next year's Public Works projects
• July
o
Capital improvement planning
• August
o
Operating budgets
• September
o
Operating budget and levy discussion
o
Committee/Commission Work Plans
• October
o
State of the City (if planned for early following year)
• November
o
City-wide budget and fee schedule
o
Follow up on next year's Public Works projects
• December
o
Committee and commission appointments
Budget Impact
N/A
Attachment
Attachment A: Council Priorities
Attachment B: Agenda Setting Policy
Page 2 of 2
Attachment A
Topic for Consideration
Short-term Rental Ordinance
Likely Responsible DepartmeAnrotal
CD/Admin
MEOW
15
-
Average
3.00
Majority Next Steps
Council WS
Rental Licensing Program
CD/Admin
15
3.00
Council WS
Accessory Dwelling Units
CD
121
2.40
Council WS
Funding for Lake Johanna Boulevard Trail
PW/Fin
9
1.80
Council WS
Climate Action Plan
Admin
9
1.80
Council WS
Code of Conduct
Admin
8
1.60
Council WS
Encroachment Discussion (2025)/Adopt A Spot
PW
8
1.60
Staff Recommendation
Volunteer Recognition (to Personnel first)
Admin
8
1.60
Staff Recommendation
Cannabis Discussion
CD/Admin
8
1.60
Council WS
Energy Audit
Admin
7
1.40
Staff Recommendation
Temporary Goats/Buckthorn
CD
7
1.40
Staff Recommendation
Buy Nothing Day/Clean Up Day
Admin
6
1.20
Staff Recommendation
Community Survey
Admin
6
1.20
Council WS
Committee/Commission Liaison Role Policy
Admin
5
1.00
Council WS
EV Fleet Analysis
pW
5
1.00
Staff Recommendation
Added Items:
Data Center Moratorium
PTRC Composition
Lake Johanna Cold Plunge
Attachment B
It
"ENILLS
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS
Agenda Setting Policy
The purpose of this policy is to establish a method for agenda setting that allows for Council to
review and have control over its agendas and decide as a Council how it wants items for
consideration to be brought forward.
For regular worksession agendas:
• Prior to concluding each regularly scheduled worksession, the City Council shall review
its next regularly scheduled worksession agenda and direct Staff on any changes.
• Should an individual Councilmember want to raise an item for discussion at the next
meeting or in the future, they would do so during this review period. The item would
need at least one other Councilmember to agree to having the item considered for future
discussion, and then Council, by majority, would direct to have it placed on a future
agenda or not.
Staff will have flexibility to add or remove items to the worksession as needed to
maintain operational efficacy.
For regular City Council meeting agendas:
• Agendas will be largely Staff driven based on approvals needed for normal operations.
• Items coming from the City Council shall first be discussed at a worksession and can
direct Staff at said worksession to bring items forward for formal approval if needed.
• In rare instances, if a Councilmember brings forward an item that needs approval prior to
going to a worksession, they may request the City Administrator add the item to the
agenda. The City Administrator shall have the discretion to determine if the issue should
be added or not, but Councilmembers will make every effort to having the item first
discussed at a worksession.
Special meetings and emergency meetings:
• Special meetings and emergency meetings may still be called at the discretion of the
Mayor or any two Councilmembers, and the members calling the meeting shall set the
agenda.