Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout04 April 2026 Arden Hills Notescityofardenhills.org • April 2026 • 1 The Official City Newsletter for the Arden Hills Community April 2026 2026 Property Tax Information P a s t - P r e s ent - Futu r e A RDEN H I L L S 75 Years 20261 9 5 1 What does the City’s budget mean for a resident? There are several components to calculating a resident’s property taxes due: • A property’s Estimated Market Value • The City’s Tax Capacity (this is the maximum tax amount the City can place on its residents) • The City’s Tax Rate (this is derived from the City’s Gross Tax Levy or the amount needed to fund city services and operations) For example, in 2026, a $496,400 home in Arden Hills pays $125.55 of monthly City property taxes, which, in turn, funds services like Public Safety, Park facilities and programs, maintenance and repair of the City’s roadways, and general Government items (i.e., personnel costs, planning and zoning, maintenance of government buildings). Arden Hills continues to maintain one of the lowest property tax rates compared to other Ramsey County cities. Learn more about property tax rates at cityofardenhills.org/178/Property-Taxes. Continued on page 4 Little Canada 28.78% White Bear Twp 27.41% White Bear Lake 32.06% Vadnais Heights 33.19% Shoreview 34.04% Lauderdale 34.62% Gem Lake 36.94% Falcon Heights 37.61% Mounds View 39.34% Blaine 40.38% New Brighton 41.57% Roseville 42.13% Spring Lake Park 47.11% Maplewood 50.48% North Saint Paul 50.96% Saint Paul 54.00% Saint Anthony 70.73% Arden Hills (30.47%)Arden Hills ranks as the #3 LOWEST in municipal tax rates compared to other Ramsey County cities. A $496,400 homestead in Arden Hills pays $125.55 per month in property taxes to the City. *City property taxes do not include state, county or school levies and referendums $$$ 2 • Arden Hills Notes • April 2026 Service Directory City Hall 1245 West Highway 96 Arden Hills, MN 55112 cityofardenhills.org 651-792-7800 Office Hours Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Sheriff and Fire 911 - Emergency & Non-Emergency Water and Sewer Problems (During non-business hours) 651-767-0640 Mayor David Grant • 651-538-0747 dgrant@cityofardenhills.org City Councilmembers Brenda Holden • 651-636-2987 bholden@cityofardenhills.org Emily Rousseau • 651-792-7856 erousseau@cityofardenhills.org Tena Monson • 612-758-0695 tmonson@cityofardenhills.org Kurt Weber • 651-792-7857 kweber@cityofardenhills.org City Administrator Jessica Jagoe • 651-792-7810 jjagoe@cityofardenhills.org Sr. Communications Coordinator Laura Michlig • 651-792-7817 lmichlig@cityofardenhills.org Resident Resources cityofardenhills.org/resident-resources Council meetings are held at City Hall on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month at 7 p.m. Council meetings, Work Sessions and Planning Commission meetings are televised live on Cable Channel 16. Please visit cityofardenhills.org for information about archived meeting playbacks. Arden Hills Notes is the official newsletter of the City of Arden Hills, an equal-opportunity employer. 2 • Arden Hills Notes • April 2026 City News Early spring marks the beginning of the growing season and is a critical time for newly emerging native bees that are searching for food. In many urban and suburban areas, floral resources may be limited during this time. Allowing lawns to grow longer and avoiding the use of pesticides on flowering plants can provide important nectar and pollen that help pollinators thrive. Pollinators like bees also play an essential role in supporting a healthy ecosystem and helping produce many of the foods we rely on. Even small changes, such as mowing less, can make a meaningful difference in supporting pollinator health. Participation in Mow Less May is completely optional and no registration is required. To support the program, City Code enforcement related to long grass will be temporarily suspended from May 1 through May 31. Code enforcement will start taking action on any properties not in compliance after June 7. Mow Less May in Arden Hills Share Your History! As part of Arden Hills’ upcoming 75th Anniversary Community Celebration, the City is looking to highlight the people, places and moments that have shaped our community over the years. Do you have historic photos, documents, newspaper clippings or other Arden Hills memorabilia you’d like to share? We would love to see them. Items shared may be featured as part of displays, exhibits or other elements of the celebration to help tell the story of Arden Hills over the past 75 years. If you have something you’d like to share, please contact us at celebrate75@cityofardenhills.org. Your piece of Arden Hills history will help bring the community’s story to life. Touch-a-Truck Do you have kids who love getting up close to big rigs? Join us in celebrating National Public Works Week on Saturday, May 16, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Perry Park (3700 New Brighton Road). Come explore a variety of vehicles and equipment, including a fire engine, squad car, snowplow and more. It’s a fun, hands-on way to learn about the important work that keeps our community running every day. The City’s annual Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) meeting will also take place during the event. Arden Hills Public Works is proud to host this event with the generous assistance of the Lake Johanna Fire Department, Ramsey County Sheriff’s Department, Allina Health and the National Guard. We hope to see you there! cityofardenhills.org • April 2026 • 3 cityofardenhills.org • April 2026 • 3 City Council Benchmarks March 9, 2026 City Council Meeting All votes 5-0 unless otherwise noted. • Approved Claims and Payroll • Approved Resolution 2026-008 related to Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry Plumbing Plan Review Agreement • Approved COBRA Administration Agreement with Benefits Extra • Acknowledged the Application of Ducks Unlimited North Suburban Chapter 239 for an Exempt Permit to Conduct a Raffle with the Event being April 11, 2026, with No Waiting Period • Acknowledged the Application of Fishing for Life for an Exempt Permit to Conduct a Raffle with the Event being May 18, 2026, with No Waiting Period • Approved Termination of Building Official • Approved Hiring of Building Official • Authorized Recruitment of Building & Code Enforcement Inspector • Approved Ordinance 2026-001 Amending Chapter 10 – Utilities, Section 1000 – Water, Subsection 1000.20 – Rates and Charges and Authorized Publication of Summary Ordinance • Approved Agreement Extension for Professional Services with Rainbow Tree Care for Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) and Two-Lined Chestnut Borer (TLCB) for Ash and Oak Trees • Approved Ramsey County 2025 Bulk Road Salt Purchase Invoice ($26,733.60) • Approved Updated Proposals for Professional Services Agreement with Bolton & Menk - Risk & Resilience Assessment (RRA) and Emergency Response Plan (ERP) • Approved Resolution 2026-009 Approving Grant Agreement between the Metropolitan Council and the City of Arden Hills for 2024 and 2025 Sanitary Sewer Lining Projects • Approved Resolution 2026-010 Declaring Costs to be Assessed, Ordering Preparation of Proposed Assessments and Calling for Hearing on Proposed Assessments – 2026 PMP Street and Utility Improvements Project • Approved 2026 Public Works Capital Equipment Purchases • Approved Planning Case 23-003 – 1174 Edgewater Avenue Extension of Timeline to Receive Permits • Approved Ordinance 2026-002 Amending the 2026 Fee Schedule and Authorized Publication of Summary Ordinance • Approved Resolution 2026-011 Authorizing Grant Application to Minnesota State Department of Commerce to Support Community Development Software Transition • Approved Resolution 2026-012 – Site Plan Review and Variance at 3628 Connelly Avenue – Planning Case 25-016 • Approved Resolution 2026-013 – Sign Standard Adjustment at 3535 Pine Tree Drive – Planning Case 26-001 • Approved Interim Ordinance 2026- 003 Establishing a Moratorium on Detention Facilities and Authorized Publication of Summary Interim Ordinance • Approved Ordinance 2026-004 Amending City Code Chapter 9 – Building Regulations Related to Plumbing Plan Review Delegation and Authorized Publication of Summary Ordinance • Approved Ordinance 2026-005 Amending City Code Chapter 11 – Subdivisions, Section 1140.08; Chapter 10 – Utilities; and Chapter 15 – Erosion and Sediment Control and Authorized Publication of Summary Ordinances (related to Municipal Storm Sewer System (MS4)) – Planning Case 26-003 For a complete listing of recent City Council actions, visit cityofardenhills.org and click on “View Agendas and Minutes.” Park Facility Rentals Looking for a great spot to host your next celebration? Arden Hills offers picnic shelters and pavilion spaces perfect for birthday parties, graduations, reunions and other community events. Reservations are available on a first come, first served basis and can be made in person at City Hall or online at cityofardenhills.org. Cummings Park and Perry Park pavilions require a $300 deposit. All rentals are full day. Rental Rates Arden Hills Residents*Non-Residents*Arden Hills Non-Profits Non-Profits (outside Arden Hills) Park Name Full Day: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.Full Day: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.Full Day: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.Full Day: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Cummings $140 $225 $95 $125 Perry $140 $225 $95 $125 Picnic Shelters $10 $35 $10 $35 *Includes for-profit businesses 4 • Arden Hills Notes • April 2026 Fair Housing Month 2026 Property Tax Information, continued At their upcoming April 13 meeting, the City Council will be reading a fair housing proclamation, officially recognizing April 2026 as Fair Housing Month. The proclamation serves as a reminder of the City’s commitment to the mission and intent of Congress to provide fair and equal housing opportunities for all, echoing the principles set forth in the Fair Housing Act of 1968. Arden Hills is an inclusive community committed to fair housing and promoting appropriate activities through private and public entities to provide and advocate for equal housing opportunities for all residents and prospective residents of Arden Hills. For additional homebuyer and homeowner programs available through Ramsey County, please visit www.ramseycounty.us/residents/property-home/ homebuyer-homeowner-programs 2026 City Tax Rate Calculation The City’s property tax rate is calculated first by calculating a property’s Taxable Market Value. For example, the Taxable Market Value takes the Estimated Market Value of a Median Household in Arden Hills ($496,400) and subtracts out any homestead exclusion ($1,900). The Taxable Market Value is then multiplied by the Property’s Class Rate (1%) to get to the Tax Capacity ($4,945). Then, by multiplying the City Tax Rate (30.47%) against the Tax Capacity ($4,945), this determines the property’s annual city taxes payable ($1,507). 2026 CITY PROPERTY TAXES (1) Determined by Metropolitan Council. Twin Cities tax-base sharing program that spreads the fiscal benefits of commercial-industrial growth. (2) Determined by Ramsey County Assessor’s Office. YEAR CITY PROPERTY TAX LEVY -FISCAL DISPARITY DISTRIBUTION 1 =LOCAL PORTION OF LEVY ÷ LOCAL TAXABLE VALUE 2 =CITY TAX RATE 2025 6,028,012 -407,849 =5,620,163 ÷ 20,327,226 =27.6484% 2026 6,781,514 -488,174 =6,293,340 ÷ 20,656,543 =30.4666% Percentage change 12.50%10.19% HOW THIS IMPACTS YOU A $496,400 homestead in Arden Hills pays $125.55 per month in City property taxes. Taxable Market Value Market Value less Homestead Exclusion ($1,900) $494,500 Tax Capacity 1% of Taxable Market Value $4,945 Approx. Annual Taxes Tax Capacity times City Tax Rate (30.47%) $1,507 Approx. Monthly Taxes Annual Taxes divided by 12 $125.55 cityofardenhills.org • April 2026 • 5 cityofardenhills.org • April 2026 • 5 Habitat Restoration Seeding Completed at Hazelnut and Floral Parks Metro micro is a bus that comes to you! Get connected with Metro micro service and go anywhere within the Roseville service area, including portions of Arden Hills. Metro micro pairs the comfort and convenience of a private ride with an efficient, affordable shared ride on a minibus. Use it to connect with regular transit routes – including the METRO A Line – or take door-to-door trips, like getting to work if you live and work in the area. Metro micro uses ADA-accessible minibuses, so it can travel on city and neighborhood streets, providing fast, safe and convenient service with minimal wait times. It’s easy to get started. Download the Metro micro app from your mobile device’s app store. Set up a free account and book your ride through the app. No smartphone? Call us at 651-602-1170 to arrange your ride. Metro micro is a shared ride service. Each trip may be shared with others, and other customers may be picked up or dropped off during your trip. Find all the details at metrotransit.org/micro-roseville and get riding! Great River Greening staff and volunteers recently completed native seed installation at Hazelnut Park and Floral Park as part of ongoing natural resource restoration work. The effort focused on establishing diverse native plant communities that will improve habitat quality and support long-term ecological health at both sites. At Hazelnut Park, volunteers helped seed the northern woodland area. In about two hours, the group distributed 42 pounds of native seed across approximately 5.5 acres. At Floral Park, volunteers joined Great River Greening staff to seed open upland areas throughout most of the restoration units, spreading 52.5 pounds of native seed across roughly eight acres. Great River Greening staff will monitor how the new seed establishes throughout the growing season. Monitoring will also track herbaceous weeds to determine where management may be needed to reduce competition with native plants. If necessary, additional volunteer events or staff workdays may be scheduled to address weed pressure. Some neighbors and volunteers have already noted burdock beginning to develop along the northern edge of the Floral site. Any management actions, such as pulling, cutting or targeted herbicide treatment, will be coordinated with volunteers and the City to ensure efforts are aligned and not duplicated. Great River Greening also seeded the biochar burn area at Floral Park and will evaluate how that area responds this spring. Additional restoration activities are planned in the future. Larger volunteer planting events are anticipated this fall and again next winter or spring, when native plant plugs may be installed and additional seeding considered based on how the sites develop this year. The City appreciates those who volunteered and will continue sharing updates as restoration efforts move forward. Metro Micro in Arden Hills The Larry McDonald bench next to the walking path at Hazelnut Park Walking bridge at Hazelnut Park Volunteer prepares native vegetation seeds for distribution 6 • Arden Hills Notes • April 2026 2026 Public Works/City Construction Projects !? !? !?"T "T STOWE AVE L A K E VA LE NTIN E R D RED FOX RD GREY FOX RD INGERSON RD ROUND LAKE RD W A M B L E D R SIEMS CT SNELLING AVE N COLLEEN AVE GLEN PAUL AVE TILLER LN H A M LIN E VENUS AVE THOM DR ARDEN VIEW DR GLENARDEN RD C H A T H A M A V E AMBLE RD NOBLE RD GRAMSIE RD ARDEN PL GRANT RD OAK AVE EDGEWATER AVE JERROLD AVE DUNLAP ST N HARRIET AVE FLORAL DR W GLENVIEW AVE KARTH LAKE DR GATEWAY BLVD W Y N C R E S T CARLTON DR F O R E S T L N PRIOR AVE N CUMMINGS PARK DR ROYAL LN KATIE LN PINE TREE DR FAIRVIEW AVE N RIDGEWOOD RD CRYSTAL AVE PLEASANT DR ARDEN OA KS DR V A L E N T I N E AV E BENTON WAY INDIAN OAKS TRL SKILES L N B R I A R BECKMAN AVE LAMETTI LN M C C R A C K E N L N KEITHSON DR ASBURY AVE N NURSERY HILL LN BUSSARD CT DAWN CIR W JAMES AVE JANET CT CANNON GLENHILL RD NORMA AVE A R D EN VIEWCT R O Y KATIE CT G L E N A R DE N C T RIDGEWOOD CT K A R T H L A K E C I R GALE CIR MCCLUNG DR W Y N C R E S T L N S A N D E E N R D PARKSHORE DR EIDE CIR NORTH- WOODS DR NURSERY HILL CT C U M MIN G S L N V A L E N T I N E C T INGERSON CT C O L L E E N C T GLENVIE W CT HUNTERS CT SHORELINE LN PASCAL AVE N LAKE LN N CONNEL L Y AVE THO M CT AMBLE CIR CHATHAM CT COLLEEN CIR ROLLING HILLS RD ARDEN OAKS CT NORMA CIR I N D I A N P L EDGEWATER AVE NORMAAVE TILLER LN S N E L L I N G A V E N DUNLAP ST N ARDEN P L S K I L E S L N FAI R V IE W AVE N HAMLINE AVE N G L E NH I L L RD WYNRIDGE PLEASANT CIR ARDEN INDIAN OAKS CT JAMES CIR DELLVIEW AVE DELLVIEW AVE DELLWOOD ST GATEWAY CT VALENTINE CREST RD BRUEBER R Y LN BRIARKNOLL CIR DELLW OO D AVE LAMETTI CIR WALDEN PL WEDGEWOOD CIR P RIO R A V E INDIAN OAKS CIR C H AT H A M CIR L A K E J O H A N N A B L V D LAKE JOHANNA BLVD RIDGE EDGEWATER AVE FAIRVIEW AVE N FERNWOOD ST SNELLING AVE N SHORELINE LN K A T I E L N COUNTY ROAD D W SHOREWOOD DR LAKE LN COUNTY ROAD E W LAKEJ O H A N N A BLVD GLEN PAUL AVE CLEVELAND AVE N N E W B R I G H T O N R D NEW BRIGHTON RD HUDSON RD T H O M D R CLEVELAND AVE N BRIGHTON WAYNEW BRIGHTON RD INTERSTATE 35W COUNTY ROAD E2 W C O U N T Y R O A D E 2 WLAKEVIEWCT C H A T H A M A V E SIEMS CT ARDEN PL GLE N A RDENRD OLD SNELLING ARDEN OAKS DR SNELLING AVE N OLD HIGHWAY 10 OLD SNELLING VENUS AVE INTERSTATE 35W LAKE VALENTINE RD INTER STATE 35W ROUND L A K E R D W O L D HIG H W A Y 10 LAKESHORE PL INTERSTATE 694 INTERSTATE 694 HI G H W A Y 1 0 COUNTY ROAD 96 W COUNTY ROAD 96 W LEXINGTON AVE N KNOLL DR VISTA CT DAWN CIR E C OLLEEN AV E ARDEN V I E W DR COUNTY ROAD F W INNOVATION WAY (Private) FERNWOOD ST PLEASANT DR A M B L E D R COUNTY ROAD 96 W LEXINGTON AVE N LEXINGTON AVE N D R CT BOSTON SCIENTIFIC DR (Private) COUNTY ROAD E W LEXINGTON AVE N BENTON WAY AVE INGERSON RD AVE N WOOD RD COUNTY ROAD E HAMLINE AVE N HAMLINE AVE N P r iv ate KATIE LN KEITHSON DR AL HILLS DR Tony SchmidtRegional Park Crepeau NaturePreserve Hazelnut Park IngersonPark Freeway Park Tony SchmidtRegional Park Sampson Park Lindey's Park Charles Perry Park Tony SchmidtRegional Park Valentine Park Floral Park Royal Hills Park CummingsPark Arden Manor Park Johanna Marsh Arden OaksPark CommunityGardens Lake Josephine Lake Johanna Valentine Lake Round Lake Karth Lake Sun Fish Lake Marsden Lake Source: Esri, Vantor, Earthstar Geographics, and the GIS User Community 2026 Infrastructure Projects 0 2,000 Feet Ü Document Path: P:\PR&PW\Engineering\City Projects\2026\2026 Infrastructure Projects.mxd Pavement Projects 2026 MnDOT Paving Project 2026 County Paving Project 2026 PMP Project 2026 Street Maintenance 2026 Trail Improvements 2026 Trail Maintenance Potential Spine Rd Construction Parking Lot Hazelnut Parking Lot Trunk Watermain Upgrade "T Booster Station No. 2 Buckthorn Removal !? Park Improvements Arden Manor Hardcourt 2026 PMP Project Trunk Watermain Upgrade; Hamline Ave. Trail Improvements; Hamline Ave. Paving New Booster Station Hazelnut Parking Lot Improvements MN-51 Trail Improvements Great River Greening Great River GreeningGreat River Greening Arden Manor Park Hardcourt Improvements Arden Oaks Park ADA Improvements Round Lake Remediation cityofardenhills.org • April 2026 • 7 cityofardenhills.org • April 2026 • 7 2026 Public Works/City Construction Projects Arden Oaks Park ADA Improvements In 2025, Arden Oaks Park received a new play structure and hardcourt which were due for replacement. This year, the park will receive an ADA trail which will allow users to safely wheel up with chairs or strollers from Arden Oak Drive to the new park amenities. Arden Manor Park Hardcourt Improvements Arden Manor Park in 2023 received a new play structure, pavilion and other new park features. This season, the park will receive a new hardcourt which will improve the basketball facilities and include pickleball court striping at that location and compliment the rest of the new park amenities from the first phase of the project. Great River Greening This project consists of Hazelnut Park Understory Restoration and Chatham Park Natural Resource Management Brief Project and Floral Park Woodland and Prairie Habitat Restoration. Activity began in mid-January 2025; follow-up buckthorn control will continue this summer and fall, and into spring 2027. Additional volunteer efforts beyond this contracted work will dovetail within these years for native species establishment and continued buckthorn control. Round Lake Remediation Round Lake is a 120-acre lake located southwest of the TCAAP site across the intersection of Highway 96 and Highway 10. The lake’s sediment was contaminated due to stormwater runoff from the TCAAP site. The U.S. Army, the USFWS, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency are currently investigating options to remediate contamination in the lake, which include a large dredging operation to remove the soils and sediment to the lakebed through pumping, barge and trucking operations. This operation will start as early as Spring 2026, and will be ongoing in the warm months. The lake and its surrounding shoreline are owned by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, however their point of access for this operation will be primarily on the northwest portion of the lake near Round Lake Road and County Road 96. 2026 MnDOT Highway 51 Paving Project To provide better ride quality and service life of the pavement, MnDOT will repair and resurface Highway 51/Snelling Avenue between Highway 36 in Roseville and Grey Fox Road in Arden Hills. In addition to resurfacing work, this projects also includes signal repairs and upgrades, drainage improvements and culvert repairs, guardrail replacement, ADA improvements and removing the uncontrolled pedestrian/bicycle crossing of Snelling Avenue at the intersection of Hamline Avenue. Highway 51 Trail Improvements In addition to the 2026 MnDOT Highway 51 Paving Project, MnDOT in coordination with Arden Hills and Roseville, will construct a trail along the west side of Snelling Avenue between Lydia Avenue and Old Snelling Avenue. This will complete the connection of the two trail systems and help pedestrians safely across Highway 51 at a signalized intersection at Lydia Avenue. 2026 Ramsey County Paving Project Ramsey County will resurface New Brighton Road from County Road E2 down to County Road D, as well as County Road E W from New Brighton Road to Lake Johanna Boulevard. This project is primarily focused on the service life of the pavement and to replace an aging pavement surface. 2026 PMP Street and Utility Improvements Arden Hills as part of its Pavement Management Program will be performing street pavement rehabilitation around the Karth Lake neighborhood. Other improvements include replacement or repairs to trail pavement, water main, sanitary sewers and drainage infrastructure. 8 • Arden Hills Notes • April 2026 Inside Arden Hills, MN . 55112-5734 ECR-WSS PRST STD U.S. Postage Paid TWIN CITIES, MN Permit #1710 2026 Property Tax Information Upcoming City Events Mow Less May City Council Benchmarks Park Facility Rentals Fair Housing Month Metro Micro in Arden Hills Habitat Restoration at Local Parks 2026 City Construction Projects and more! Postal Customer Beware of Scam Emails The City of Arden Hills has been made aware of scam emails circulating that appear to be official City invoices. These messages often look legitimate and may request payment through wire transfer or other urgent methods. With the increased use of artificial intelligence (AI), scam emails are becoming more realistic. Fraudulent messages resemble official City communications by using logos, formatting and language that is professional and convincing. Please be advised: The City of Arden Hills will NEVER request payment via wire transfer. All official City emails will come from an email address ending in @cityofardenhills.org. If you receive a message claiming to be from the City that originates from any other email domain, it is fraudulent. Residents and businesses are encouraged to verify any questionable communication by contacting City Hall at 651-792-7800. Protecting our community from fraud is a shared responsibility. When in doubt, contact the City to confirm the legitimacy of any request. If you receive a suspicious email: • Do not click on links or open attachments. • Do not provide personal or financial information. • Delete the message immediately. • You may also report the scam to the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office.