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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-13-26-R 75 Years • Approved: Au-ust 10, 2026 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JULY 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 Swearingen David Swearingen; Community Development Director Jacob Reilly; and Assistant to the City Administrator/City Clerk Julie Hanson PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION: Councilmember Monson moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to approve the meeting agenda as presented. The motion carried (5- 1 2. TCAAP/RICE CREEK COMMONS UPDATE City Administrator Jagoe stated the Joint Development Authority met for a special regular meeting on July Wh. The JDA received a presentation from Kimley Horn on the Rice Creek Boulevard infrastructure and landscaping, as well as an overview of the construction schedule for these improvements. Ramsey County shared that the Army Memorandum of Understanding for the TGRS Modifications is complete. Also on the agenda, the JDA reviewed their 2027 proposed budget, which included an increase from previous years to continue to support sustainability work and a potential real estate advisor. Immediately following that meeting, the Joint Development Authority met in a closed session to discuss attorney-client privilege related to litigation with Alatus Arden Hills, LLC. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JULY 13, 2026 2 Councilmember Holden commented on the history of TCAAP and expressed concern with the fact that the County and developer continued to meet to discuss how this property would develop and then told the City an agreement had been reached on how the property would develop. It was her hope this same situation would not occur under the new "hybrid" model that was being pursued for TCAAP. She asked how the City would be protecting itself. City Administrator Jagoe explained the work being done by the City and County staff on the cooperative agreement would address these concerns. She reported the County would still be responsible for the negotiation on land transactions, but noted part of the cooperative agreement would address land proceeds and fair market value. 3. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL Gregg Larson, 3377 North Snelling Avenue, reported he addressed the Council a month ago regarding how excess franchise fees would be managed by the City. He stated these franchise fees were another tax from the City. He indicated he was still waiting to receive an answer from the Council and encouraged the City to not over-tax residents and local businesses. He explained $270,000 was needed to cover the annual debt service for the fire station but an excess of $165,000 will accrue over the next 15 years as the bonds mature. He reported that when the bonds were approved, the public was assured that all excess fees would be directed towards the fire station bonds. It was his understanding the Council used the first $165,000 in excess revenue to augment the City's general fund. He explained over the next 15 years, residents and business owners will pay the City $2.5 million in unneeded taxes.He recommended the Council lower the franchise fee tax rate in order to properly reflect the amount needed for the fire department bonds. He encouraged the Council to keep its word and that all franchise fees collected be directed to the debt service for the new fire department. He recommended any excess revenue from franchise fees be dedicated to early the payoff of the bonds. He urged the Council to keep its word when it comes to the franchise fees. 4. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC INQUIRIES None. 5. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS None. 6. STAFF COMMENTS A. Transportation Update Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen reported Xcel Energy was progressing with the installation of the 20" gas main along Highway 96. He anticipated this project would continue throughout the remainder of the summer and would continue to have traffic impacts along Highway 96. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen stated for the 2026 PMP project, the contractor has begun spot utility repairs and curb removals within the Karth Lake neighborhood. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JULY 13, 2026 3 Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen explained the Highway 51 pavement project would have a southbound right lane closure from Old Snelling Avenue to Asbury Street through early August. He indicated this project has seen significant delays due to unforeseen utility conflicts. He reported construction would continue throughout the summer and into the fall. Mayor Grant questioned when the 20" line along Highway 96 would be buried. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen anticipated the line would be buried in the next week or two. Councilmember Jagoe inquired if the City had heard back from the church regarding the parking lot at Hazelnut Park. City Administrator Jagoe reported the City had not. B. Night to Unite Update Assistant to the City Administrator/City Clerk Hanson stated Night to Unite would be held on Tuesday, August 4. She commented that individuals interested in hosting a Night to Unite event are encouraged to register their gathering with the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office (RCSO) by Tuesday, July 21 and the RCSO will do their best to coordinate a visit from a deputy and fire department personnel. Registration can be completed online and find more information about Night to Unite in general on the Ramsey County Sheriffs Office webpage by visiting ramseycounty.us and typing night to unite in the search field. They may also call 651-266-7339 to speak with someone directly. In addition, the City has information about Night to Unite, including the County's link for online registration, available on our website's main page under News and Announcements. Residents wishing to donate school supplies can bring items to their local neighborhood event or drop the items off at the Ramsey County Sheriff's Patrol Station located at 1411 Paul Kirkwold Drive between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm Monday, August 3 through Friday, August 7. Donations can also be dropped off at City Hall during regular business hours. As of July 1st, there were 8 parties registered in Arden Hills. A final list will be provided to Council once received and also published on the City's website. C. Elections Update Assistant to the City Administrator/City Clerk Hanson provided an update on the upcoming elections. She explained there would be three seats on the November 3 general election ballot, that of the mayor and two Councilmembers. She indicated these seats all have four year terms. She reported candidate filing packets can be found online from the Minnesota Secretary of State's website, Ramsey County elections website or paper packets were available at City Hall. She noted the filing period begins July 14 and runs through July 28. She provided further information regarding the August 11 primary election and discussed how to apply for an absentee ballot. D. 751h Anniversary Event Update Assistant to the City Administrator/City Clerk Hanson reported the City's 75`' Anniversary Celebration event would be held on Friday, July 17 at Cummings Park from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. General parking for the event will be held at the Boston Scientific parking lot. She commented on the events that have been planned for this event and encouraged all to attend. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JULY 13, 2026 4 Councilmember Rousseau thanked staff for all of their hard work in planning this event. She asked where the drone show would be held. Assistant to the City Administrator/City Clerk Hanson stated the drone show staging area would be on the soccer field and explained this area of the park would be sectioned off. ,I Councilmember Holden reported the City had received over $45,000 from sponsors and she thanked the businesses in the community for their generous contributions. She encouraged residents bring water to the event, because it would be hot. She indicated she was looking forward to attending the drone show. Mayor Grant thanked the 75 h Anniversary Committee for all of their efforts to plan and make this event possible. He also thanked all of the individuals and businesses for their generous donations. 7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES None. 8. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Motion to Approve Consent Agenda Item - Claims and Payroll B. Motion to Approve Resolution 2026-034 Appointing Council Liaison to Cities for Safe and Stable Communities C. Motion to Approve Resolution 2026-035 - 2026 Annual Street Maintenance Project-Award Construction Contract D. Motion to Approve Pay Request No. 3 — Bituminous Roadways—2026 PMP Street & Utility Improvement E. Motion to Authorize the City Administrator to Execute a Lease Agreement with Karon Holdings for Parking Lot Use on Friday, July 17 MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Weber seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar as presented and to authorize execution of all necessary documents contained therein. The motion carried Lqh 9. PULLED CONSENT ITEMS None. 10. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. Special Assessment Hearing and Approval of Resolution 2026-035, Adopting the Assessment Roll for the Lexington Avenue and Target Road Signal System Improvements Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen stated the 2013 Master Planned Unit Development (PUD) agreement, for the Lexington Station commercial site includes access and cost participation requirements related to the proposed Target Road traffic signal. The master ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JULY 13, 2026 5 PUD agreement states that full development of the Lexington Station commercial property will include a new access driveway aligned with Target Road to replace the current access point along Lexington Avenue. The new access is required to include the proposed traffic signal at Target Road based on a completed traffic study. The master PUD agreement further requires the developer of the Lexington Station site to pay for or accept an assessment against the project property for the cost of the access improvements, including the traffic signal. On August 9, 2021, City Council approved Resolution 2021-044, receiving the feasibility report for the potential traffic signal system as part of the Lexington Avenue Reconstruction Project and ordering the Improvement Public Hearing. The feasibility report was prepared for the Cities of Shoreview and Arden Hills to document proposed improvements, project costs, funding, and assessments for a new traffic signal system installed as part of the Ramsey County Lexington Avenue Reconstruction Project. The full feasibility report is on file and can be reviewed upon request to City staff. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen reported on August 23, 2021, the City Council conducted an Improvement Public Hearing for the proposed Lexington Avenue and Target Rd Traffic Signal System project in accordance with City Council Resolution 2021-044. Following the Improvement Public Hearing on August 23, 2021, the City Council approved Resolution 2021-047 ordering improvement and preparation of plans & specifications for the Lexington Avenue and Target Road traffic signal system improvements. The traffic signal improvements were constructed as part of Ramsey County's Lexington Avenue Reconstruction project. On January 12, 2026, the City approved the final payment to Ramsey County for its portion of the project costs. With final values determined for the traffic signal, the actual construction costs of$164,369.52 are proposed to be assessed to the benefiting properties. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen explained on June 8, 2026, the City Council adopted Resolution 2026-028 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. Within the feasibility report, it outlines two scenarios for benefiting properties. The final as constructed design is applicable to Scenario 2, where the three properties Parcel ID 27-30- 23-41-0022, 27-30-23-41-0023, and 27-30-23-41-0024 are the benefitting properties; therefore, the assessment roll was created accordingly. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen commented 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. The interest rate related to the 2026 PMP Street & Utility Improvement project was set at 5.7%. The Finance Director recommends the same interest rate be applied to the Lexington Avenue and Target Road. Traffic Signal System Improvements. No property owners have submitted an objection at the time of creating this memo. Any other written objection received prior to Monday evening will be provided to the City Council at the assessment hearing. 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 was reviewed with the Council and recommended for approval after holding a public hearing. Councilmember Weber inquired if the signal prices were included in the bid. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen commented these were the final as constructed costs. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JULY 13, 2026 6 Councilmember Weber discussed the objections the City received, noting the properties in Shoreview were being equally assessed for this signal. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen reported this was the case, noting there was a 50150 split for the expenses for this signal between the Shoreview and Arden Hills properties. Councilmember Holden explained that Nick Roberts, the developer of Lexington Station, wanted this light in place. She asked if Target would be paying their fair share on this light. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen stated both Target and Raising Cane's would be paying their share of the assessments. Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 7:27 p.m. With no one coming forward to speak, Mayor Grant closed the public hearing at 7:28 p.m. MOTION: Councilmember Monson moved and Councilmember Rousseau seconded a motion to approve Resolution 2026-036, Adopting Assessment Roll for the Lexington Avenue and Target Road Traffic Signal System Improvements. The motion carried (5-0). 11. NEW BUSINESS None. 12. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 13. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Rousseau explained the Rotary Club would be meeting the second and fourth Saturdays throughout the remainder of the summer at Floral Park and would appreciate gardening support from the neighbors. She commented she would like to see the City promoting these events as well as the adopt a park program. Councilmember Rousseau stated she would like the Council to hold a works session discussion regarding the lessons learned when planning the 75`h Anniversary celebration. Councilmember Rousseau reported she attended the League of Minnesota Cities Conference and shared further information on the sessions she attended. Councilmember Weber stated he supported the Council having a discussion at a future work session regarding the lessons learned from the planning of the 75th Anniversary celebration event. Councilmember Weber provided an update from the Planning Commission, which was held on Wednesday, July 8. He noted this meeting was five hours long and four hours were spent discussing the Roers planning case item. He commented on how the Planning Commission voted ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JULY 13, 2026 7 on this item, stating the Commission was concerned with the loss of the tree buffer, shading of the neighboring property, and placement of the building. Councilmember Holden thanked Flaherty's for the investment they made by putting a fresh coat of paint on their building. She also thanked Mike's Pro Shop, which was located within Flaherty's, for providing the City with trophies for the upcoming car show. Councilmember Holden requested the Perry Park Trail from Brightwood Way be discussed at a future work session. Councilmember Holden stated she attended the League of Minnesota Cities Conference as well. Councilmember Holden encouraged people to not trespass on the AHATS property. Councilmember Monson reported she supported the Council discussing the lessons learned from planning the 75t' Anniversary event at a future work session, along with sharing information on the City's Facebook page about the upcoming Rotary events. Councilmember Monson addressed the comment made during Public Inquiries noting the Council would be discussing franchise fees at the upcoming budget meetings. Councilmember Rousseau indicated the City does not have a finance director at this time and once the interviews were completed the Council would be able to move forward with the budgeting process. Councilmember Weber noted it appears Mr. Larson would like a response from the City. Mayor Grant agreed staff should provide Mr. Larson with a response noting this topic would be addressed during the budget season. He explained the bonds could not be paid off prior to nine years. He commented on the fire station renovations that were proposed for the Turtle Lake Station. Mayor Grant stated the Platinum 55 development (Trident Development project near North Heights Church) paid all permit fees and associated costs to the City, which was approximately $2.2 million. He understood signs had been posted and construction would begin shortly on this project. Mayor Grant reported there was misinformation out there claiming he did not respond to residents regarding the Roers project. He noted this was not true. He explained he responded and attended the resident meeting where concerns were voiced to the developer. He commented he also attended the Planning Commission meeting. Mayor Grant indicated he met with the Regional Council of Mayors this afternoon noting this group discussed e-bikes and a-motos as well as planning for the 2050 Comprehensive Plan. City Administrator Jagoe explained there was Council direction for staff to advertise the Rotary Club events through a Facebook post and there was consensus to bring forward future work session items for Perry Park and to allow for the discussion of the lessons learned from planning the 751h Anniversary celebration. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—JULY 13, 2026 8 ADJOURN MOTION: Mayor Grant moved and Councilmember Weber seconded a motion to adjourn. The motion carried (5-0). Mayor Grant adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 7:51 p.m. e JL.,j eHanson David Grant it Clerk Mayor