HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-13-26-R Now-
Approved: May 11, 2026
CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
APRIL 13, 2026
7:00 P.M. -ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor David Grant called to order the regular City
Council meeting at 7:00 p.m.
Present: Mayor David Grant, Councilmembers Brenda Holden, Tena Monson,
Emily Rousseau and Kurt Weber
Absent: None
Also present: City Administrator Jessica Jagoe; Public Works Director/City Engineer
David Swearingen; Finance Director Joua Yang; Community Development Director Jake
Reilly; and Assistant to the City Administrator/City Clerk Julie Hanson
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Councilmember Holden requested Consent Agenda Item D be pulled for discussion as Item 9A.
Councilmember Rousseau requested Consent Agenda Item E be pulled for discussion as Item
9B.
Councilmember Rousseau requested Consent Agenda Item M be pulled for discussion as Item
9C.
Mayor Grant asked why Councilmember Rousseau was pulling these items from the Consent
Agenda.
Councilmember Rousseau explained she would like these items read aloud for the record.
Mayor Grant indicated he would be reading these items as part of the Consent Agenda.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—APRIL 13, 2026 2
Councilmember Rousseau commented she would then withdraw here request to remove Items E
and M from the Consent Agenda.
Councilmember Monson questioned if Councilmembers could pull items from the Consent
Agenda at the time the Consent Agenda was being considered.
City Administrator Jagoe reported after speaking with the City Attorney, she confirmed an item
could be pulled from the Consent Agenda up until a motion was on the floor.
Councilmember Monson thanked staff for providing clarity on this this procedural matter.
MOTION: Councilmember Monson moved and Councilmember Weber seconded a
motion to approve the meeting agenda as amended. The motion carried (5-0).
2. TCAAP/RICE CREEK COMMONS UPDATE
City Administrator Jagoe stated the Joint Development Authority met on March 10"'. Agenda
items included consideration of TRC Amendment Requests, review of the 2025 Annual Report,
and 2026 Road Map. In follow-up from the February meeting, Ramsey County along with its
consultant Kimley Horn continued the review of two TRC Amendment requests with the JDA.
The first TRC Amendment was to reduce the width of the multi-use trails in the TRC from 12 feet
to 10 feet and the second pertains to the required spacing for street lighting along Rice Creek
Boulevard. The TRC states that street lights shall be placed at an average of forty feet on center.
Kimley Horn reviewed their photometric layouts which were at spacing as required by the TRC
and as recommended per MnDOT Roadway Lighting Design Manual. Following this
presentation, the JDA approved a motion to have JDA staff bring forward the two TRC
Amendments to the City and County for consideration.
The second item on the agenda as required by the Joint Powers Agreement, the JDA
Administrative Director reviewed the JDA Annual Report for 2025. The report included
development progress highlights such as the Outlot A groundbreaking and the final plat approval
of the California parcel which allows for advancement of public infrastructure construction as
well as a number of clean energy and sustainability updates like adoption of the Sustainability
Design Guidelines, pursuing LEED for Communities certification, and the JDA hosting the first
webinar series in November on sustainability and clean energy goals.
The next meeting of the JDA scheduled for April 61h was canceled.
For the advisory committees there were several meetings. First, the JDA Advisory Committee
met on March 131h where JDA staff provided an overview of the analysis that is being completed
for taking the hybrid developer approach and how that might work. Staff is identifying the
critical parts of those upfront costs for each the City, County, and future development partners as
well as examining what are those traditional development costs that developers expect such as
infrastructure costs and development fees and how would those costs be divided between multiple
developers under the hybrid approach. Through the analysis that staff is preparing the City and
County will be able to examine the financial feasibility of a single developer versus the multiple
developer approach and where those risks are mitigated.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—APRIL 13, 2026 3
The Advisory Committee met again on March 261h to discuss the opportunities and challenges of
the Hybrid Developer approach. Staff reviewed with the Advisory Committee members the
Request for Information responses that the JDA received last December. City and County staff
are working to determine how sitewide infrastructure and amenities would be funded and paid for
under this approach. Staff updated the advisory committee that under this approach the site
would be divided into development areas and development partners would be sought through
competitive solicitations for each area. JDA staff is still reviewing timing of contracting with a
real estate development consultant to advise on the establishment of development areas, phasing
of development, real estate market conditions, and other factors.
The JDA Advisory Committee meeting scheduled for April 101'was canceled.
The Energy Advisory Committee met on April 8`h. Ramsey County staff along with their
consultant from LHB shared with the committee updates on sustainability and clean energy-
related topics. Some of the key updates include:
• The Rice Creek Commons project received LEED for Communities precertification at the
Platinum level, and the project team will work toward full certification later this year.
• Planning and research for a future geothermal district energy system is ongoing —
including work by Ever-Green Energy and Darcy Solutions which is funded by the
Minnesota Department of Commerce Geothermal Planning Grant.
• Staff provided updates on a few different Xcel Energy items including utility coordination
associated with the Rice Creek Boulevard project and Xcel's forthcoming Thermal Energy
Network pilot project.
• An update was provided on solar tax incentives —though the tax credits will be phased out
sooner than originally planned, there are still ways to take advantage of them for the next
year and a half.
Lastly, the May 4th JDA meeting has been rescheduled to Wednesday, April 2901.
Councilmember Holden asked if the County had provided the City with a copy of the PFAS
(per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances)report.
City Administrator Jagoe explained the City had not received a copy of this report to date and
noted she would follow up with the County regarding this matter.
Councilmember Holden inquired how much water Micro Control would be utilizing at their
facility.
City Administrator Jagoe commented this was not something that was requested from Micro
Control as part of the land use development review process but noted she would follow up with
the building department regarding this topic.
Councilmember Holden requested further information on how TCAAP was being laid out since
changes have been made to the plans.
City Administrator Jagoe stated she could bring this information forward for the Council to
review.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—APRIL 13, 2026 4
3. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL
Kristine Poelzer, 1870 Indian Place, encouraged the City to educate the public regarding ADUs
or accessory dwelling units. She did not want lack of facts to deter residents from pursuing
ADU's. She thanked Community Development Director Reilly for his depth of knowledge and
for sharing his expertise with the community. She spoke to the rising costs of purchasing a home
and discussed how ADUs assist homeowners with creating multi-generational housing. She
suggested the City hold an open house regarding ADUs in order to educate the public and to
gather input from residents.
4. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC INQUIRIES
None.
5. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS
None.
6. STAFF COMMENTS
None.
7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. March 9, 2026, City Council Work Session
B. March 9, 2026, Regular City Council
MOTION: Councilmember Monson moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a
motion to approve the March 9, 2026, City Council Work Session minutes as
presented and the March 9, 2026, Regular City Council meeting minutes as
amended. The motion carried (5-0).
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Grant read in full for the record Items 8E and 8M.
A. Motion to Approve Consent Agenda Item - Claims and Payroll
B. Motion to Approve Resolution 2026-014 Authorizing the Submission of the 2026-
2028 Water Efficiency Grant Program Application to the Met Council
C. Motion to Approve Resolution 2026-015 Authorizing the Waiver of Utility System
Delinquency Penalties Assessed During Quarter 4 2025 and Quarter 1 2026
D. Motion t ppr- ye Resolution 2026 016 Relating to Mew Less s May for- Arden
Hills Residents and Businesses
E. Motion to Approve Proclamation Recognizing April as Fair Housing Month
F. Motion to Authorize Execution of Ramsey County Public Entity Innovation Grant
(PEIG) Agreement for Recycling Cart Purchase
G. Motion to Approve Resolution 2026-017 Accepting Donation from the Arden Hills
Foundation
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—APRIL 13, 2026 5
H. Motion to Approve 2026 Contract with the Minnesota Department of Corrections
Institution Community Work Crew (ICWC) Program
I. 2026 PMP Street and Utility Improvements Project
• Motion to Approve Resolution 2026-018 Awarding Contract to Bituminous
Roadways, Inc.
• Motion to Approve Professional Services Agreement for Materials Testing
with Braun Intertec
• Motion to Accept Karth Lake Improvement District Board Resolution
dated April 7, 2026
J. Motion to Authorize Recruitment of Temporary Public Works Maintenance
Worker
K. Motion to Approve Resolution 2026-019 — Request to Waive Landscaping Escrow
—Lake Johanna Fire Department Planning Case 24-009
L. Motion to Approve Resolution 2026-020 Authorizing Submittal of Livable
Communities Grant Application
M. Motion to Approve Resolution 2026-021 Adopting a City of Arden Hills Fair
Housing Policy Statement
N. Motion to Acknowledge Letter from Fishing for Life Related to the Previously
Approved Exempt Permit to Conduct a Raffle and a Corrected Event Date of April
18, 2026
MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Weber seconded a
motion to approve the Consent Calendar as amended and to authorize
execution of all necessary documents contained therein. The motion carried
fL2
9. PULLED CONSENT ITEMS
A. Motion to Approve Resolution 2026-016 Relating to Mow Less May for Arden
Hills Residents and Businesses
Councilmember Holden stated last year was a significant year as the City received a great deal
of rain. She asked that staff speak to the timeline on when yards should be mowed in Arden Hills.
City Administrator Jagoe explained if there are properties where residents had concerns
regarding the length of the grass, staff should be contacted or residents should visit the City's
website and submit a request tracker. She reported residents would have from June 1 to June 7 to
mow their grass. After this time, properties would be inspected and letters would be sent from the
City.
Councilmember Holden stated for the record properties may not be mowed until June 25 given
the timeline that was required to send letters and proper notice to homeowners.
Councilmember Weber commented he understood this may be a concern for some properties in
the city, but he believed it was important for residents to mow less in May. He then read a
statement in full for the record that spoke to the benefits of Mow Less May, which spoke to the
benefit of protecting native bees and other pollinators in the community.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—APRIL 13, 2026 6
Councilmember Holden indicated it was implied that she doesn't think this is important but that
she thinks this is a very important program. She simply wanted residents to understand the
timeline for mowing, because it is important that people know that compliance may not happen
until the end of June. People that called her weren't concerned with the program, they were just
concerned with their neighbor mowing their lawn. She hasn't heard of anyone against the
program. She wanted people to understand the process.
Councilmember Rousseau recommended this item move forward.
Mayor Grant stated for those new to Arden Hills, this may be a new program, but this was a
program the City has been following for quite some time. He believed it was important to
acknowledge why the City was following this program and why grass may not be mowed very
often in May.
MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Rousseau seconded a
motion to adopt Resolution 2026-016, Relating to Mow Less May for Arden
Hills Residents and Businesses. The motion carried (5-0).
10. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. 2026 PMP Street and Utility Improvements Project Draft Special Assessment
Roll
Brad Fisher, Bolton & Menk, stated on February 9, 2026, the City Council adopted Resolution
2026-006 Approving the Plans and Specifications and Ordering the Advertisement for Bids for
the 2026 PMP Street & Utility Improvement Project, which includes the Arden Manor Park
Hardcourt Improvements and the Arden Oaks Park ADA Improvements. Bids were solicited and
opened on March 4, 2026. A portion of the costs for the 2026 PMP Street & Utility Improvement
Project is proposed to be assessed against the benefitting properties according to the City's
Assessment Policy. In order to assess these costs, the City must follow the process outlined in
State Statute 429. On March 9, 2026, after the bids were opened, the City Council adopted
Resolution 2026-010 Declaring Costs to be Assessed and set today as the date for the assessment
hearing. A public hearing prior to adopting the assessments is a requirement of State Statute 429.
Mr. Fisher explained the project is proposed to be assessed consistent with the City's Assessment
Policy and past practices, which states that 50% of the costs for roadway improvements will be
assessed in residential areas, 70% in industrial areas, and the remaining portion financed by City
funds. The current assessment policy states that the typical overhead rate for a public
improvement project is 37% of the construction costs. Staff believes this percentage is higher than
necessary and recommends that approximately 27% of the construction costs be used as overhead
when calculating the assessment rates. Staff has made this recommendation on the past PMPs
since 2021. The Council must establish the interest rate at tonight's Council Meeting. Many cities
set their interest rate for assessments at two (2) percentage points over the bond interest rate. The
City's assessment policy states that the interest rate used for the assessment shall be designated at
the prime rate plus two (2) percentage points. For the past four PMPs, the assessment interest
rates were set at two (2) percentage points over the assumed bond interest rates, which were based
on current market conditions at the time, the City's AAA bond rating, plus 15 basis points.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—APRIL 13, 2026 7
Mr. Fisher reported the City's current assumed bond interest rate is 3.70% and the prime rate is
6.75%. Staff would recommend following the City's assessment policy and setting the assessment
rate at 5.70%. The total project costs were analyzed for the assessable cost. The calculation of the
amount to be assessed as approved by Council Resolution 2026-010 is shown below. The
assessments related to the project are calculated in accordance with the City's Assessment policy,
is 50% of the street project cost for residential properties, 70% for industrial properties and
dependent on the type of pavement rehabilitation.
Mr. Fisher stated the Council should hold the Assessment Hearing. After the Assessment
Hearing is closed and as part of New Business, Council should consider adopting Resolution
2026-023 Adopting the Assessment Roll for the 2026 PMP Street & Utility Improvement Project
with any changes they deem appropriate. If questions or concerns are received at the assessment
hearing that require further investigation, staff recommends that Council amend the proposed
assessment roll to remove the property or properties, then approve the Resolution as amended.
This will allow staff time to research questions and objections raised at the hearing before
bringing discussion back at a later Council meeting. Following the assessment hearing, also under
new business, staff will be recommending award of the contract to Bituminous Roadways, Inc. as
the lowest responsible bidder.
Councilmember Rousseau asked if Gateway Fiber would be installed in coordination with this
proj ect.
Mr. Fisher explained it was his understanding there was interest but noted a franchise agreement
would have to be put in place.
Councilmember Weber noted he spoke with the attorney at North Suburban Cable Commission
and he had asked whether requiring franchises was cooling interest in fiber installation. The
attorney responded that he did not believe that to be the case.
Councilmember Rousseau inquired if residents could coordinate with the contractor to have
their driveways redone.
Mr. Fisher reported the City would not be taking on the coordination efforts, but noted residents
could speak with the contractor on their own. He explained some contractors were willing to take
on this private work and some were not.
Councilmember Rousseau asked when neighbors would be provided with further information on
the project timeline.
Mr. Fisher anticipated this would occur in May when the City would be hosting a neighborhood
open house for this project.
Councilmember Rousseau questioned who residents could contact if they had concerns
regarding the project.
Mr. Fisher encouraged residents to contact Bolton & Menk with construction related questions.
He provided further information on the notices that would be provided to residents throughout the
construction project as roadway and utility improvements occur.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—APRIL 13, 2026 8
Mayor Grant asked if the project would use surmountable or barrier curbing.
Mr. Fisher explained the project curbing would vary noting the contractor would match the
curbing that was in place for the spot curb replacement.
Mayor Grant inquired if the bituminous mix was different between the base and wear courses.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen reported the same mix would be used
throughout the project area.
Councilmember Weber asked if the Karth Lake work was included in the assessment roll.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen explained this work was approved on the
Consent Agenda.
Councilmember Weber questioned if the City had a policy in place specific to moratoriums
when it comes to the installation of utilities on new roadways and roadway excavation.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen stated the City manages this through the
right of way permitting process noting the City does not like to cut into new roadways for at least
five years. However, he noted requests are reviewed on a case by case basis.
Councilmember Holden requested staff speak to the appeals process.
Mr. Fisher explained all appeals would have to be submitted to the City in writing by the end of
this hearing.
Councilmember Holden encouraged staff to speak with the contractor in order to have a
sandwich board that communicated what work would be completed each day, noting this worked
well during the Crystal neighborhood street improvement project. She asked what work would
have to be done in May, noting she did not want the contractor to be disrupting graduation parties
or other family events.
Mr. Fisher explained utility work had to be done within Ramsey County right of way before the
street project could commence. He encouraged residents that would be hosting a graduation party
this spring to reach out to Bolton & Menk in order to make him aware of the date so he can work
with the contractor to ensure the area was cleaned up as much as possible and accessible on the
date of the event.
Councilmember Monson requested further information on how the Karth Lake District meeting
went.
Councilmember Weber reported the low bidder did not have the lowest bid for the Karth Lake
work. He indicated this led the Karth Lake board to hold a meeting to reassess whether or not to
move forward. He stated the board did opt to move forward with the work but had concerns. He
noted the group wanted the Council to consider a more favorable split, but it was his
understanding a 50150 split has been done in the past. He commented one of the board members
had the impression of one of the Councilmembers that because these individuals lived on a lake
they were wealthy and could afford the additional expense. He reported this board member stated
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—APRIL 13, 2026 9
not all of the individuals that live on Karth Lake were wealthy and that some no longer worked
and were retired.
Councilmember Rousseau indicated she spoke with several residents that live on Karth Lake as
well and noted this was not a recreational lake. She explained at best, residents on Karth Lake can
put in a kayak. She noted there was a concern around flooding in Karth Lake given how the level
of the lake rises and falls. She thanked the lake owners for paying for the pump and for mitigating
the flood risk.
Mayor Grant asked if the mailboxes would be relocated as necessary.
Mr. Fisher stated mailboxes will be relocated if necessary. He commented given the scope of the
work the majority of mailboxes will not need to be relocated.
Mayor Grant requested staff provide the residents with information on how trash and recycling
will be managed throughout the street improvement project.
Mr. Fisher reported residents are to put their trash and recycling out as normal and the contractor
will ensure to work the trash haulers have access.
Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 8:16 p.m.
With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 8:17 p.m.
B. Quarterly Special Assessments for Delinquent Utilities
Finance Director Yang stated water customers whose accounts are 90 days past due were
informed that the City intends to certify delinquent charges to Ramsey County to be collected
with property taxes. These customers have the right to a hearing in front of the City Council to
discuss this matter prior to certification.
Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 8:18 p.m.
With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 8:18 p.m.
11. NEW BUSINESS
A. Resolution 2026-023 Adopting Special Assessment Roll — 2026 PMP Street
and Utility Improvement Project
Public Works/City Engineer Swearingen stated this item was presented to the Council under
Agenda Item 10A.
MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Rousseau seconded a
motion to adopt Resolution 2026-023 —Adopting Assessment Roll for the 2026
PMP Street & Utility Improvement Project with an interest rate of 5.7%.
Councilmember Weber asked if the proposed interest rate was staff s recommendation.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—APRIL 13, 2026 10
Finance Director Yang reported staff sets the interest rate at 2% above prime and prime was
currently 3.7%.
The motion carried (5-0).
B. Resolution 2026-022 Adopting and Confirming Quarterly Special Assessments
for Delinquent Utilities
Finance Director Yang stated this item was presented to the Council under Agenda Item 1 OB.
MOTION: Councilmember Monson moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a
motion to adopt Resolution 2026-022 — Certifying Delinquent Utilities to
Ramsey County. The motion carried (5-0).
C. Resolution 2026-024 Adopting the Arden Hills Park System Plan
Anna Springer, Bolton & Menk, stated a Park System Plan is a long-range planning document
that provides a comprehensive inventory and needs assessment of a community's parks, trails, and
recreational facilities. The Plan is intended to guide decision-making, capital investment, and
system priorities over the next ten years to ensure that the City's park system continues to meet
the evolving needs of residents. On April 14, 2025, the City Council approved a professional
services agreement with Bolton & Menk to complete the Park System Plan.
Ms. Springer explained the project began in May 2025 and has included a structured planning
process consisting of three Steering Committee meetings, two community engagement events,
one community open house, and one online community survey. The Park System Plan builds
upon the City's previous Parks, Trails and Open Space Plan, adopted in 2002, which no longer
reflects current park system conditions. The updated Plan evaluates existing park assets,
amenities, and service levels, and identifies gaps, priorities, and opportunities for improvement
based on community input, demographic trends, and best practices in park system planning.
Ms. Springer reported community engagement was a central component of the planning process.
Input gathered through multiple outreach efforts helped identify community priorities and areas of
need, ensuring that the Plan reflects the values and expectations of Arden Hills residents. The
draft Park System Plan was presented to the City Council at a Work Session on December 8,
2025. At that meeting, Anna Springer from Bolton & Menk presented an overview of the findings
to date, reviewed initial recommendations, and outlined the next steps in the planning process. At
this meeting, Anna will provide a brief overview of the final Park System Plan. The final Park
System Plan was presented to the Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee (PTRC) on March 24,
2026. The Committee reviewed the Plan and recommended that the City Council adopt the Park
System Plan. The Park System Plan is intended to serve as a guiding document for the City
Council, PTRC, and staff as they plan for future investments in parks, trails, and recreational
facilities. Adoption of the Plan positions the City to make informed, strategic decisions that
support long-term sustainability and community benefit.
Councilmember Monson stated she fully supported the City having this document in place. She
discussed how this document would assist the Council by providing a wholistic approach for
improvements for every City park going forward. She indicated she also liked the fact the City
would have a natural resources master plan in place. She commented on how this document
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—APRIL 13, 2026 11
would also assist the Council with planning for parks in Rice Creek Commons. She commented it
appears the City has the proper number of parks and trails per resident, but does not have enough
staffing and budget. She requested comment from staff on this matter.
Ms. Springer explained the budgetary component was a reflection of the City having a lot of
amenities which required more funding to maintain. She reported the City had six FTE's to
manage the City's parks, but noted these individuals were assigned to other tasks as well. She
discussed how the comments received from the public were that the City's parks were clean and
well maintained, which was a good reflection on the City and its staff members.
Councilmember Holden stated the national report that was used as a comparison had data from
California and Florida and in these states the parks had to be maintained for twelve months
instead of six months, which may be why the City's staffing numbers appeared to be off.
Ms. Springer commented this was a good consideration. She stated in general communities in
Minnesota have more parks than other areas of the country.
Councilmember Holden reported she was proud of the results from the study noting the City had
more excellent and outstanding ratings than poor. She was proud of how the City had maintained
the parks.
Councilmember Rousseau stated she loved living in Minnesota because this State had high
quality park systems. She appreciated walking in the City's parks. She noted she was pleased
with the park system master plan that had been created and she supported the plan being adopted.
She asked what the next steps for the City would be once the plan was adopted.
Ms. Springer explained there were some projects that were queued up for the next several years
and it would be great for the City to continue with the momentum that has been created. She
reported the Council would have to consider when to bring the community back in for specific
input on a specific park project for a mini master plan. She suggested the PTRC continue to
review the implementation chapter going forward.
Mayor Grant thanked everyone who had input on this document, which included staff, the
Council, PTRC and public. He asked if the seasonal employees were included in the 6.3 number.
Ms. Springer stated this does include the seasonal employees.
Mayor Grant questioned how many of the City's public works employees were included in the
6.3 number.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen reported every employee that works at the
City that has time dedicated to parks was included in this number.
Mayor Grant inquired if the ICWC crew was included in the number.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen explained the ICWC crew was not included
in this number.
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—APRIL 13, 2026 12
Mayor Grant supported the City looking at areas within the parks where pickleball courts could
be added. He understood the community was also looking for a splash pad and noted this amenity
may fit best within TCAAP. He appreciated how the City had worked to find synergies on park
projects with developers and the County and hoped this could continue going forward.
Councilmember Monson asked if there would be water access to Round Lake in the future.
Councilmember Weber stated this was part of the long term plan through fish and wildlife. He
commented on how this document was an inventory of what the City has and what the City needs.
He supported the City seeking funding in order to assist with completing projects in the future. It
was his hope this document would be viewed as an indication of desire and obligation when it
comes to park improvements. He questioned what fund was used to cover the expense for park
improvements.
Finance Director Yang reported the PIR Fund covers the cost for park improvement projects.
Councilmember Weber stated given the concerns facing the PIR Fund he did not believe the
City would be able to implement the proposed park improvements. He supported the City looking
at its low employee counts and low revenue generation from parks. He reported the only way for
the City to implement this plan would be to improve the health of the PIR Fund.
Councilmember Rousseau explained some cities have a director parks and recreation and Arden
Hills has parks managed by the Public Works Director. She questioned if the City had to create a
new line item for parks.
Finance Director Yang indicated the City has a separate parks fund and these funds could be
segregated for more visibility from the PIR Fund.
Councilmember Weber stated he loves this document and thanked all of the individuals that
worked on this plan.
Councilmember Holden appreciated how this plan piggybacked on the previous plan the City
had in place. She reported she did not view this plan as an obligation but rather viewed it as a
living document on how to proceed with projects but noted the document could be reviewed and
amended on a yearly basis noting the needs in the community may change.
MOTION: Councilmember Monson moved and Councilmember Rousseau seconded a
motion to adopt Resolution 2026-024, Adopting the Arden Hills Park System
Plan.
Mayor Grant commented he appreciated the positive review of the City's parks and the positive
feedback that was received from residents on the City's parks.
Councilmember Holden recommended this plan be posted on the City website.
Councilmember Monson stated she would also like to see the park by park map matching the
table included on the website.
The motion carried (5-
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—APRIL 13, 2026 13
12. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilmember Rousseau thanked staff member Matt Johnson for his efforts on the Spring egg
hunt.
Councilmember Rousseau suggested the Council discuss the ice plunge at a future work session.
Councilmember Rousseau reported the overnight parking citations were becoming a concern for
residents, noting warnings are no longer being offered. She asked if the proactive visits into the
community counted on the City's calls for service.
City Administrator Jagoe reported the proactive visits do not count on the City's calls for
service.
Mayor Grant indicated he had this same concern and noted Ramsey County was patrolling the
City's streets between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. and were writing tickets, but an officer was not
dispatched for a chargeable call for service.
Councilmember Rousseau commented she would like to know why the Ramsey County
Sheriff s Office has been so focused on handing out parking tickets in recent weeks.
City Administrator Jagoe explained she was uncertain why there was an uptick but noted she
could speak with the Sheriff s Department and could report back to the City Council.
Councilmember Rousseau stated she would like to know what the cost for the parking citations
was and if the City received a portion of the proceeds.
Councilmember Rousseau reported the City tree sale was underway at this time and information
regarding the sale was available on the City's website.
Councilmember Weber stated the Planning Commission met last week and held a lengthy
discussion on the City's inclusionary housing policy and recommended the AMI table be
amended. He appreciated all of the research the group did prior to the meeting.
Councilmember Holden reported AHATS was having a Stewardship Clean Up Day on April 24
from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Councilmember Holden thanked staff for their efforts on the Spring egg hunt.
Councilmember Holden asked if staff had any information on the Ramsey County trail share.
Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen commented he did not have an update for
the Council at this time.
Councilmember Monson reported she heard from residents regarding the parking citations as
well. She indicated one resident suggested the ordinance be rewritten in order to allow residents
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—APRIL 13, 2026 14
to park on the street at certain times. She stated she would be happy to discuss this matter further
at a future worksession meeting.
Councilmember Monson explained this year was Arden Hills 751h Anniversary and an event was
being planned for July. She noted the planning committee was seeking business sponsors at this
time.
Mayor Grant stated last month the Council joined the Safe and Stable Communities Coalition.
He commented on how this group was requesting $10 million be set aside by the State to assist
communities and businesses that have been impacted by ICE actions. He asked if the Council
supported this action. The Council offered their support.
Mayor Grant reported he was elected Chair of the Ramsey County 911 Dispatch Policy
Committee.
Mayor Grant explained at the last meeting the Council requested a copy of Roberts Rules of
Order and asked if staff had provided this information.
City Administrator Jagoe indicated she had given a copy to Mayor Grant as well as at the dais
for the City Attorney.
Councilmember Weber reported he had requested a copy of Roberts Rules of Order from the
dais at the last City Council meeting.
Mayor Grant stated with respect to the parking citations, the City's ordinance states cars are not
to be parked on street from 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.
City Administrator Jagoe reported she would add the ice plunge to a future work session agenda
and asked if the Council wanted to discuss the City's overnight parking ordinance at a future
meeting. The Council supported adding this item to a future work session agenda.
ADJOURN
MOTION: Mayor Grant moved and Councilmember Monson seconded a motion to
adiourn. The motion carried (5-0).
Mayor Grant adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 9:25 p.m.
,/ 1,d �
Ju Hanson David Grant
Ci Clerk Mayor