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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-09 Aug/Sept 2026 Arden Hills Notescityofardenhills.org • August/September 2026 • 1 The Official City Newsletter for the Arden Hills Community August/September 2026 Lake Johanna Fire Department Celebrates New Headquarters 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 Trident Development has begun site preparation necessary to construct a 119-unit multi-family housing development marketed to adults aged 55 and older adjacent to North Heights Church at 1700 Highway 96 W. The project, named Platinum 55, offers market-rate rental units and includes a trail connection to Royal Hills and additional parking for North Heights Church. The developer received final approvals in May 2025 and executed the required development agreement in June 2026. Trident Development held an official groundbreaking event on Wednesday, Aug. 26. City officials joined Trident Development and North Heights Church to celebrate the milestone after several years of planning and collaboration. The development will add another housing option for older adults who wish to remain in Arden Hills as they downsize or their housing needs change. The address of the new building is 1750 Highway 96 W. Platinum 55 Senior Housing Update On Wednesday, July 29, the Lake Johanna Fire Department celebrated the grand opening of its new headquarters with a public open house. Community members were invited to tour the new facility, meet firefighters and learn more about the department's services and the features of the new building. The event included remarks from Fire Chief Tim Boehlke and local elected officials before guests toured the station, viewed emergency vehicles and equipment and learned about the building's capabilities and day-to-day operations. Firefighters were available throughout the event to answer questions and share how the new headquarters will support emergency response across the communities they serve. The new headquarters is designed to improve emergency response, support firefighter training and provide modern facilities for the department's operations. The Lake Johanna Fire Department provides fire protection and emergency medical services to the communities of Arden Hills, North Oaks and Shoreview. The new headquarters was completed on budget at approximately $13 million after receiving $6 million in state funding for construction of this facility. The new Arden Hills facility, located at 3535 Pine Tree Drive, will help support these services for years to come. Above: Guided tours of the new building. Below: LJFD's new headquarters. Photo courtesy of the City of Shoreview 2 • Arden Hills Notes • August/September 2026 Service Directory City Hall 1245 West Highway 96 Arden Hills, MN 55112 cityofardenhills.org 651-792-7800 Regular 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. General Election Day is Tuesday, November 3 There are three seats up for election this fall. Voters will elect a Mayor and two Councilmembers for four-year terms. The following seats will appear on the 2026 ballot: • Mayor (4-year term: 2027–2030) • Two Councilmembers (4-year term: 2027–2030) Each candidate's personal statement is included in the following pages. The profiles are listed by seat, alphabetically. These statements are also available at cityofardenhills.org/CouncilCandidates. Candidate Information CANDIDATE PROFILES Four-Year City Council Seats Jess Birken Ben Lindau David Radziej listed by seat, alphabetically Mayoral Election David Grant Emily Rousseau The General Election is Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. Two Arden Hills City Council seats and the Mayoral seat will be on the ballot. Absentee voting begins on Friday, Sept. 18 and early/direct ballot voting (where you place your ballot directly into the voting machine yourself) begins on Friday, Oct. 16. All voters can vote early in Minnesota, but if you wait to vote on Election Day, you must do so in person at your designated polling place. Below is a snapshot of the remainder of this year’s election schedule: • September 18: Absentee Voting opens • October 13: Last day to pre-register • October 16: Early/Direct Ballot Voting opens • November 3: General Election Day (vote at your local precinct) Visit cityofardenhills.org/134/Elections-and-Voting for up-to-date information. To find your polling place on the day of the General Election, visit pollfinder.sos.mn.gov. Door-to-Door Canvassing As election season approaches, residents may notice candidates and campaign volunteers going door-to-door to speak with voters. Residents are never required to answer the door or talk with campaign workers. If you prefer not to speak with canvassers, simply let them know or do not answer. League of Women Voters Candidate Forum On Saturday, Sept. 19, the League of Women Voters of White Bear Lake Area (LWV-WBL) will hold a Mayor/City Council Candidate Forum featuring the candidates running for Arden Hills City Council. This forum is not open to the public to attend. A video recording will be posted within a few days of the forum on the LWV-WBL website at https://lwv-wbla.org/candidate-forums. cityofardenhills.org • August/September 2026 • 3 After earning my MBA, my wife Linda and I chose to move to Arden Hills. Our children attended Mounds View Public Schools. I chose to serve in local government to give back, and I am grateful to have served as your mayor since 2011. I believe strong leadership means staying connected. I listen to your ideas and concerns by attending neighborhood gatherings, and through personal interactions. I will continue adding trails and enhancing parks to protect our quality of life for future generations. PUBLIC SAFETY My top priority is Safety for you, your family, your home, and our community! I work for Fast Response times and strong readiness for police and fire. I serve on the Ramsey County 911 Dispatch Committee. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Businesses love Arden Hills! Low taxes, great location, streets plowed, a skilled workforce and our high quality of life. I am the Leader who has brought you Tavern Grill, Lexington Station, Chick-fil-A and more. I worked to secure Boston Scientific’s expansion and I negotiated with Land O’Lakes to keep its headquarters here. I will continue to work with developers and businesses to preserve and enhance our community. RICE CREEK COMMONS/TCAAP My commitment is to advocate for the Arden Hills vision that residents developed —not the county’s. My leadership will protect the long-term financial stability of TCAAP, with environmentally sound practices, minimizing financial risk, and require full transparency. I will not support additional increases in density. Our community deserves certainty, not last-minute changes that reshape burdens and expectations. TAXES I believe in responsible spending through sound fiscal policy. A focus on long-term planning, maintenance, taking advantage of cost sharing opportunities when they present themselves. Keeping taxes low for residents and businesses is key. My leadership in growing the City's strong business climate has helped keep taxes low. PARKS AND TRAILS I will continue to be a champion that creates new trails, parks, recreation programs and safe pedestrian crossings. My long-term planning and partnership with county and state officials will add 5 additional trails in the next 3 years, with Old Snelling/10 and Lake Johanna Blvd. being the longest. MAYORAL CANDIDATE: DAVID GRANT Let’s start with something we all agree on: we love Arden Hills. It’s why this election matters. Loving our city isn’t just about honoring the past—it’s about preparing for the future. The question before us is not whether we love Arden Hills, but who is best equipped to lead it through the challenges and opportunities ahead. For too long, we lost valuable time as commissions struggled, partner relationships deteriorated, and opportunities like Rice Creek Commons (RCC) stalled. Thank you for electing me as your Councilmember. I’m proud of the progress we’ve made rebuilding those foundations. We reinvigorated commissions, made progress stabilizing our finances, created a comprehensive park system plan, updated our ordinances, restored our relationship with municipal partners, and RCC development has started. We cannot afford to go backwards now. Our council needs proactive leadership with a steady hand. We need a mayor who can navigate complexity, bring people together, and maintain a strong foundation for the future while preserving what makes Arden Hills special. I am a leader who listens first, works hard, and never forgets who government is meant to serve—you, the people of our community. Leadership is about protecting trust, solving complex problems, making thoughtful decisions, and delivering results. This election will shape Arden Hills for generations. True leadership doesn't just listen to the loudest voices in the room—it creates space for fresh perspectives, unites our residents, and ensures every voice is heard. As Mayor, I will champion responsible development, strengthen neighborhoods, support local businesses, enhance our parks and trails, and ensure a secure future for everyone. I hold an MBA and have worked for small businesses, the government sector, and a multinational corporation. I serve on the nonprofit board of Northeast Youth & Family Services and chair its Governance Committee. My husband, Matt, is a 17-year employee at Boston Scientific. Our daughter Kaya, a MVHS graduate, is completing her elementary education degree. Our soccer player, Jacquelyn, is a devoted playground patron and attends Island Lake. To learn more about me, my family, and my vision for the city, visit www.emilyforardenhills.com or email emilyforardenhills@gmail.com. MAYORAL CANDIDATE: EMILY ROUSSEAU The candidate profiles are listed alphabetically. Candidate statements were provided by the candidates and have not been edited by the City. Election 2026: Candidate Profiles 4 • Arden Hills Notes • August/September 2026 Election 2026: Candidate Profiles Hi I'm Jess Birken! A parent, homeowner, attorney and local nonprofit board member. I've lived in the area for over 20 years, and my kids and I have called Arden Hills home since 2020. I'm running for Arden Hills City Council because our town is worth investing in. I'm an experienced attorney, recognized by my peers as one of the nation’s leading experts on nonprofit law and governance. I love to find win win solutions for my charity clients. I teach others through my podcast "Charity Therapy" and through continuing ed for lawyers. I worked in environmental conservation grants and real estate with Pheasants Forever and I'm a trained mediator. I also work with Irondale’s robotics team, KnightKrawler. We moved here for the excellent schools - both my kids (17 and 20) grew up through ISD 621. We have beautiful parks, mature trees and absolutely the best neighbors. I'm grateful to have such a wonderful place to live! Over the past year our sense of connectedness and community has been amazing! Now, we need good people who put community first to care and to get involved. I’ve been serving on the Planning Commission and I’m ready to do more. As your council member I will keep Arden Hills nice and work to keep our taxes reasonable. To do this, we must move into the future carefully and make good choices. We must make space for young professionals like my daughter to bring their vital energy into Arden Hills. And space for our seniors to downsize as they age gracefully in the city they know and love. I'll help keep Arden Hills moving in the right direction. I'll take my duty seriously and always put our community first. I value people's privacy, private property rights and protecting our natural resources. I respect the rule of law and I’m a no-nonsense leader. My legal career was built on people skills and solving complex problems. I’ll work hard to balance the needs of all members of our community. Learn more about me by visiting www.votejess.org CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE: JESS BIRKEN The candidate profiles are listed alphabetically. Candidate statements were provided by the candidates and have not been edited by the City. Dear Neighbors, I'm running for City Council to give back to our community in a meaningful way. I'm a parent, planning commissioner, architect, builder, and sustainability expert. My family and I moved here 10 years ago for the schools, parks, trails, safe neighborhoods, and high-quality housing, and I want to keep it all that way! The main concern that we all have is no surprise: it's Rice Creek Commons (RCC), and the main "spine" road will be built next year. I've worked for over 30 years as an architect and builder, and I want to use my "insider knowledge" to protect and preserve the following values with RCC moving forward: EXCELLENT SCHOOLS: I support our schools, coach the Mounds View mountain bike team, and have two boys at Highview Middle School. Fortunately, ISD 621 has capacity for RCC, reallocated from currently open-enrolled students. Let's get regular public communication going to track this and protect the quality of our schools. PARKS AND TRAILS: I support our new Parks and Trails Master Plan and more trail connections. While serving on the Planning Commission, I had Boston Scientific address the source of noise instead of tearing down more trees on a park trail and putting up a huge sound wall. For RCC, let's work with the County to get the approved skiing, hiking, and off-road biking trails built. SAFE, QUIET, AND FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOODS: I want to protect our single-family neighborhoods from potential state-mandated density increases. Let's get a collective voice going with our region to keep control of our own neighborhoods! HIGH-QUALITY HOUSING: I built my home, love my neighborhood, and worked to simplify and modernize the zoning code. My neighbors want more housing options to meet the multigenerational needs of today, and RCC can achieve this if we guide it right. INCREASING PROPERTY VALUE AND KEEPING TAXES LOW: I want to lower the tax burden on single-family homeowners by carefully supporting the businesses and services we need. Let's align RCC with these values! Let's protect and preserve Arden Hills together – so vote for me in November! Sincerely, Ben Lindau CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE: BEN LINDAU cityofardenhills.org • August/September 2026 • 5 You may place a sign: • Of any size and in any number during election season. • On private property with the owner's permission. • In the city right-of-way, at least five feet back from the edge of the roadway or curb. • On the house side of a trail or sidewalk where five foot buffer would otherwise land on the walk. Do not place a sign: • On public land — City, County, State, Federal or school district property. • On utility poles, trees, street signs, stoplights or fences. • In the clear-vision area at a corner, where it blocks a driver's view. • If it moves or rotates, or is made to imitate a traffic sign. As the election approaches, many residents will be showing their support for candidates by displaying campaign signs. Before placing a sign, please take a moment to review the guidelines below to help ensure signs are placed safely and in accordance with Minnesota law. Campaign signs may remain in place for up to 10 days following the general election, as allowed by Minnesota State Statute 211B.045. Below are some dos and don'ts regarding political campaign signs during the election season: If you have questions, contact City Hall at 651-792-7800. Learn more about signage and placement at cityofardenhills.org/m/newsflash/home/detail/1406. Campaign Sign Reminders Election 2026: Candidate Profiles Dear Residents - I am David Radziej - pronounced Raw-Gee. Having previously served on the Arden Hills City Council, I have the experience, and I am running to bring civility, fiscal accountability, and common-sense stewardship back to our city issues. My approach is rooted in balanced community growth developed from over 40 years of non-profit management in the construction industry. While my personal style favors slow, steady progress, I am fully prepared to advocate for rapid, strategic expansion when it serves our city’s best interests. Together, we can preserve our residential charm while building a future for residential and commercial projects. My wife of 41 years, Kathy and I have lived in the Arden Hills area for the last 34 years, living on Karth Lake, then near Crepeau Nature Preserve and now we call the Townhomes near TCAAP our home. We have raised our four kids here, sending them through St. Odilia school and Mounds View High school. On Council I voted for the creation of Dog Parks, I supported a city-wide pavement inspection system that led to the creation of the "worst first" maintenance plan to rebuild the 30 miles of city roadways. I pushed for park improvements and bike/walking trail connections. Public safety makes up nearly half of our city’s general fund budget. I firmly support our cost-effective shared service agreements with Ramsey County Sheriff's Department and Lake Johanna Fire Department. Furthermore, Kathy and I are proud supporters of the military, especially the citizen soldiers of the Minnesota National Guard. I truly appreciate our businesses as their growth brings good jobs to our community. My primary focus is protecting our infrastructure, ensuring safe drinking water, clean air, maintaining our tree canopy, and connecting our parks via trails. I will listen to ALL Residents! My Prussian name – Radziej -means “trusted advisor”, and I intend to be exactly that for you. I would appreciate your vote. Learn more at www.RunningRad.com CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE: DAVID RADZIEJ Visit cityofardenhills.org/vote to read these statements and find additional election information. The candidate profiles are listed alphabetically. Candidate statements were provided by the candidates and have not been edited by the City. 6 • Arden Hills Notes • August/September 2026 ZONING + SUBDIVISION CODE UPDATE The City of Arden Hills is updating its Zoning and Subdivision Codes to ensure regulations reflect modern development standards and are consistent with the goals, policies and maps in the City’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The project not a complete overhaul but rather is intended to: • Improve organization and formatting to make the code easier to use • Remove inconsistencies • Modernize standards to reflect current trends and community desires • Improve usability through additional graphics • Improve alignment of the code with the City’s priorities and land use goals • Ensure consistency with state and federal law Project Schedule The City is currently reviewing the draft zoning and subdivision codes. Formal consideration of the proposed codes will be considered in September and October. What is a Zoning Code? The zoning code is the part of city code that controls how individual properties can be used and how buildings can be constructed. The zoning code divides the city into districts with different allowable uses and standards for each district. The zoning code also includes standards which apply to all types of development, such as landscaping, parking, lighting, architectural design, and signage. Highlights of proposed zoning changes: • Districts renamed and purposes updated to better reflect intended uses and character (for example, the B-2 General Business District is becoming the MU Mixed Use District) • Added “permitted with standards” to save property owners’ time by allowing the City to administratively review uses which meet pre-identified requirements • Updated use specific standards to include additional uses (such as animal veterinary clinic, car wash, cottage courtyards, nursery, etc.) and address community concerns • Modified parking regulations to reduce some minimum parking requirements, allow for shared parking, encourage electric vehicle charging stations and bicycling parking, and minimize impacts of freight and commercial parking • Included standards to encourage energy efficient buildings and to address building orientation in the Neighborhood Business District • Updated landscaping requirements to encourage innovation, and high-quality site design while continuing to meet screening, buffering, and aesthetic objectives. • Added regulations to ensure trash enclosures addressed in site design • Enhanced exterior lighting standards to minimize impacts on adjacent properties. • Added standards for screening in order to protect adjacent residential properties through enhanced buffering and compatibility measures What is a Subdivision Code? The subdivision code shapes how properties can be divided into smaller parcels for development or sale. It also includes standards for street design, trails and sidewalks, infrastructure, and the dedication of parks. Highlights of proposed subdivision changes: • Update definitions to ensure consistency with the zoning code • Updated standards to support pedestrian connectivity • Clarified use of outlots and easements • Ensured consistency with the Public Works Design Manual How can I learn more? Visit the project website by scanning the QR Code https://www.cityofardenhills.org/1242/ Zoning-and-Subdivision-Code-Update Examples of graphics created as part of the project 6 • Arden Hills Notes • August/September 2026 cityofardenhills.org • August/September 2026 • 7 July 13, 2026 City Council Meeting All votes 5-0 unless otherwise noted. • Approved Claims and Payroll • Approved Resolution 2026-034 Appointing Council Liaison to Cities for Safe and Stable Communities • Approved Resolution 2026-035 2026 Annual Street Maintenance Project-Award Construction Contract ($163,085) • Approved Pay Request No. 3 – Bituminous Roadways – 2026 PMP Street & Utility Improvement ($57,377.38) • Authorized City Administrator to Execute Lease Agreement with Karoun Holdings, LLC for Parking Lot Use on Friday, July 17th July 27, 2026 City Council Meeting All votes 5-0 unless otherwise noted. • Approved Claims and Payroll • Approved the State of the City Policy • Approved Professional Services Agreement with SRF Consulting Group, Inc. – Snelling Avenue and Royal Hills Trail Improvements Project ($133,768) • Approved Quote from Electric Pump for Rehabilitation Project Parts – Lift Stations No. 1 and 4 ($51,173) • Approved Cooperative Agreement between Ramsey County and City of Arden Hills for Rice Creek Boulevard • Approved Adoption of Election Sign Policy • Approved Arden Hills Public Works Design Manual 2026 • Approved Resolution 2026-037 Approving a Conditional Use Permit to Allow for the Addition of 6,098 Square Feet of Pavement for a New Internal Drive Lane • Adopted Ordinance 2026-014 Amending Chapter 13, Section 1320.16 – Requirements for Affordable Housing to Clarify Applicability to Rice Creek Commons and Authorized Publication of Summary Ordinance • Adopted Ordinance 2026-015 Amending Chapter 13, Section 1380 TCAAP Redevelopment Code to Amend Clear Height Definition and Loading Dock Requirements– Ryan Companies (3-2 Grant and Holden Opposed) and Authorized Publication of Summary Ordinance Aug. 10, 2026 City Council Meeting All votes 5-0 unless otherwise noted. • Approved Claims and Payroll • Approved Annual Data Practices Policy • Accepted 75th Anniversary Event Sponsorships and Confirmed Allocation of Funds • Approved Pay Request No. 4 – Bituminous Roadways – 2026 PMP Street & Utility Improvement ($773,731.92) • Approved Hiring of Parks and Recreation Manager • Accepted Resignation of Senior Planner • Approved Recruitment of City Planner or Senior Planner • Approved Resolution 2026-038 Consenting to a Variance Request for Maplewood Development regarding Demolition of Above Ground Structures to Environmental Equality Board Aug. 17, 2026 Special City Council Meeting All votes 5-0 unless otherwise noted. • Approved Hiring of Finance Director Aug. 24, 2026 City Council Meeting All votes 5-0 unless otherwise noted. • Approved Claims and Payroll • Approved Resolutions 2026-039 and 2026-040 Appointing Tom Linn and Michael Yu to the Economic Development Commission (EDC) • Approved Authorization of Highway 96 Storm Sewer Repair ($24,941.75) • Approved Resolution 2026- 041 Adopting the Scoping Decision Document and Authorizing Preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Hillview Business Park Project For a complete listing of recent City Council actions, visit www.cityofardenhills.org and click on “View Agendas and Minutes.” City Council Benchmarks Beginning Tuesday, Sept. 8, City Hall will resume regular office hours. The building will be open to the public Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., as well as during public meetings held outside of regular business hours. During non-business hours, call 651-767-0640 for assistance with water or sewer problems. Regular Office Hours Resume at City Hall 8 • Arden Hills Notes • August/September 2026 Fall Clean-up Day – Saturday, October 3 Items Accepted: Electronic (TVs, computers, printers, etc.), computer hard drives, appliances, tires, water softeners, BBQ grills, batteries, fluorescent lamps, mattresses, lawn mowers, snow blowers, scrap metal, carpeting, vacuum cleaners, bicycles. Items NOT Accepted: Brush/yard waste, railroad ties, plastic, cardboard, Styrofoam, wood, oversized items such as hot tubs, boats, sheds or engines containing gasoline or oil. This residential recycling collection event is open to Arden Hills residents only. Participants must bring proof of residency, such as a driver’s license or utility bill. For more information, visit cityofardenhills.org/ CleanUpDay. To find other disposal options, visit RamseyRecycles.com or call 651-633-EASY. *If an item contains oil or gasoline, it must be drained or it will not be accepted. Used oil and gasoline can be disposed at the Ramsey County Household Hazardous Waste site at 5 Empire Drive in Saint Paul. Ramsey County offers recycling of televisions, computers and devices that connect to them, such as VCRs, DVD players, keyboards and printers for free at the Environmental Center in Roseville. This is a separate service from Clean-up Day. It is recommended that residents use this service to recycle unwanted electronics and to use the Clean-up Day coupon to recycle other non-electronic items. The Environmental Center is located at 1700 Kent Street. Recycle Two Free Items This coupon entitles the bearer to recycle two (2) items for free (up to $50) on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026 at Recycle Technologies 1525 99th Lane NE Blaine, MN 55449 763-559-5130 Drop off Hours: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. This coupon must be presented in order to use. The bearer must also provide a driver’s license or alternate proof of Arden Hills residency. One coupon per household. Clip this coupon and bring to Clean-up Day to recycle two items for free! The annual Fall Clean-up Day returns Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, at Recycle Technologies, 1525 99th Lane NE in Blaine. From 9 a.m. to noon, Arden Hills residents can drop off refuse and electronics for a fee. A coupon to recycle two items for free is available below and on the City website at cityofardenhills.org/CleanUpDay. Be sure to bring your coupon and a form of ID confirming your Arden Hills residency. WATER EFFICIENCY GRANT PROGRAM Arden Hills residents who upgrade certain appliances to high-efficiency models may be eligible for a rebate of up to $200, issued as a credit on their utility bill. Commercial accounts are eligible to receive up to a $500 rebate on clothes washers and dishwashers. The City of Arden Hills has partnered with the Metropolitan Council to offer water efficiency rebates through funding provided by the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment. cityofardenhills.org • August/September 2026 • 9 Ribfest Returns: Saturday, September 19 ROUND LAKE CLEANUP UNDERWAY The U.S. Army recently began removing contaminated sediment from Round Lake. While this poses no risk to humans, it is being removed to protect bottom-dwelling organisms and the wildlife that feed on them. Dredged material will be controlled on the north end of Round Lake and transported to Ramsey County property at Rice Creek Commons via pipelines routed inside the storm sewer system for handling and treatment. This work will continue through this fall. WHAT TO EXPECT: WORK HOURS: Monday – Saturday NOISE: Heavy machinery, pumps, trucks and more. TRUCK TRAFFIC: Expect 30 to 40 dump trucks per day. ODORS: Natural swamp-like odor possible as sediment is removed. Get ready for a day filled with great food, live entertainment and community spirit at the annual Yellow Ribbon Ribfest on Saturday, Sept. 19. Held at the National Guard Readiness Center, located at 4800 Hamline Ave. N. in Arden Hills, this family-friendly event offers free admission and activities for all ages. Gates open at noon, with a military ceremony kicking off the festivities. Attendees can enjoy live music, a kids' zone, military displays, flyovers and the always-popular rib competition beginning at 2:30 p.m. Food and beverage tickets will be available for purchase on-site. Proceeds from the event support the Minnesota Building Trades and the Yellow Ribbon program's mission of assisting service members, veterans and their families throughout Minnesota. Calling All Sponsors and Volunteers Local businesses and organizations are invited to support this event through sponsorship opportunities. Sponsors receive valuable visibility while helping honor and support those who have served our country. Volunteers are also needed to assist with setup, activities and event operations throughout the day. As a thank you, all volunteers will receive a complimentary hot dog or hamburger lunch. Join your friends and neighbors for a memorable day of food, fun and support for our military community. To learn more about the event, sponsorship opportunities or volunteer opportunities, visit www.yellowribbonribfest.org. Be sure to scan the QR code to watch the Ribfest promotional video. Scan the QR code if you have questions or if you would like to be added to the Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) email list. 10 • Arden Hills Notes • August/September 2026 City Honors Commission and Committee Volunteers Committee and New Commission Seek Members The City of Arden Hills is accepting applications from residents interested in serving on a newly established Human Rights Commission (HRC) as well as the re-established Financial Planning and Analysis Committee (FPAC). The HRC will study and review programs and policies and advise on the creation of programs to promote equal opportunity and eliminate discrimination and inequalities. The FPAC will advise on fiscal planning and analysis as well as perform other functions the City Council may determine from time to time and direct. There is also one opening for a Youth Committee Member on the Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee (PTRC) and one opening on the Economic Development Commission (EDC). cityofardenhills.org/125/Commissions-CommitteesMore at Want to get involved? Thank You to ALL Volunteers! Volunteers make a difference throughout Arden Hills in countless ways. From Rotary volunteers and youth sports coaches to Scouts and community members who lend a hand with projects such as pulling weeds and caring for public spaces, their time and efforts help make our community a better place. The City extends a sincere thank you to everyone who gives their time and energy to support Arden Hills. Whether volunteering regularly or simply stepping in when there is a need, every contribution is appreciated and helps strengthen our community. THANK YOU! The City recently held its annual Appreciation Picnic at Cummings Park on July 21 to recognize and thank the dedicated volunteers who serve on Arden Hills' commissions and committees. These individuals play an important role in shaping the community by providing valuable input on City programs, services and initiatives. City staff and members of the City Council welcomed volunteers and thanked them for their dedication and service. The picnic provided an opportunity to connect in a relaxed setting while celebrating another year of volunteer service and its many accomplishments. Attendees enjoyed delicious barbecue and friendly conversations reflecting on the positive impact volunteers have on Arden Hills. The City is grateful for the time and commitment of its commission and committee members. Their service strengthens the community and supports strategic decision-making that benefits residents and businesses alike. cityofardenhills.org • August/September 2026 • 11 Jack's Basket Opens New Headquarters Jack's Basket recently celebrated the grand opening of its new Hands on Hope headquarters with a community open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony. The expanded 2,500-square-foot facility will provide additional space for volunteers to assemble and pack Jack's Baskets, which are given to families receiving a Down syndrome diagnosis. The celebration brought together hundreds of volunteers, supporters and community members, including the Mayor and Councilmembers, to tour the new facility, participate in service projects and learn more about the organization's mission. During the event, volunteers assembled 150 Jack's Baskets that will help provide encouragement, resources and support to families across the country. The new headquarters will allow Jack's Basket to expand volunteer opportunities, host community service projects and continue growing its mission of ensuring more families receive hope and support at the time of diagnosis. This year’s Night to Unite brought neighbors together for an evening of community and connection. Residents had the opportunity to visit with their neighbors, the Mayor and Councilmembers, the Lake Johanna Fire Department, Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office and City staff. Several Public Works vehicles and crew members made their way around Arden Hills, stopping by numerous neighborhood gatherings throughout the evening. Staff enjoyed hearing from residents and connecting with the community, while kids especially enjoyed getting an up-close look at the City’s Public Works vehicles and equipment. Thank you to everyone who hosted or attended a gathering and helped make it a great night in Arden Hills! Arden Hills Comes Together for Night to Unite Arden Hills families and teachers came out for Ready, Set, Swap! on Saturday, Aug. 15, at City Hall. Several residents stopped by to pick up free school supplies and get ready for the upcoming school year. Thanks to generous community donations, there were plenty of supplies to choose from—and we still have supplies available, including backpacks, notebooks, folders, pencils, crayons and other classroom essentials! Students and teachers who have school supply needs for the upcoming school year are encouraged to contact Deputy Clerk Jen Estling at 651-792-7830 or jestling@cityofardenhills.org to make a request. Supplies not distributed by Friday, Sept. 25, will be donated to schools and other organizations that can put them to good use. Thank you to everyone who donated supplies and helped make the event a success. The City hopes to make Ready, Set, Swap! an annual tradition, helping local students and teachers start each school year with the supplies they need to succeed. With backpacks packed and school supplies in hand, Arden Hills students are ready, set and off to a great start this school year! Ready, Set, Swap! Helps Students Start the School Year Strong 12 • Arden Hills Notes • August/September 2026 12 12 13 14 15 15 15 16 16 16 17 18 cityofardenhills.org • August/September 2026 • 13 14 • Arden Hills Notes • August/September 2026 cityofardenhills.org • August/September 2026 • 15 16 • Arden Hills Notes • August/September 2026 January 1, 2026 YOUR BANK 1221 MAIN STREET cityofardenhills.org • August/September 2026 • 17 18 • Arden Hills Notes • August/September 2026 December 31, 2025 2025 cityofardenhills.org • August/September 2026 • 19 Parks and Recreation Programs and Events Parks and Recreation Fall Guide The Fall Activities Guide is now available and packed with opportunities for all ages. Explore youth soccer, adult sports, school release day programs, youth basketball camps, dance and music classes, sports samplers, yoga and more. Whether you're looking to stay active, learn something new or connect with others in the community, there's something for everyone this fall. Register at cityofardenhills.org/180/ParksRecreation 20 • Arden Hills Notes • August/September 2026 Inside Arden Hills, MN . 55112-5734 ECR-WSS PRST STD U.S. Postage Paid TWIN CITIES, MN Permit #1710 Lake Johanna Fire Department Celebrates New Headquarters Election Information and Reminders Election 2026: Candidate Profiles City Council Benchmarks Zoning and Subdivision Code Update Popular Annual Financial Report Upcoming Community Events Arden Hills 75th Anniversary Celebration and more! Postal Customer Celebrating 75 Years of Arden Hills Let’s Get Social! Follow us on social media and subscribe to email alerts. Be the first to know about important updates, upcoming events and all that's happening in Arden Hills. Visit www.cityofardenhills.org On July 17, the Arden Hills community came together to celebrate a milestone 75 years in the making. Despite the summer heat, hundreds of residents, families and visitors gathered at Cummings Park to honor the City's past, celebrate the present and look ahead to the future. Throughout the afternoon and evening, neighbors reconnected while enjoying longtime favorites like the Penny Carnival, browsing classic and custom vehicles at the car show, listening to live music from Power of 10, exploring historical displays and visiting local food trucks and activity booths. As the sun set, a spectacular drone light show brought the celebration to a memorable close, telling the story of Arden Hills through light and animation. While the event celebrated the City's history, it was also a reminder that Arden Hills has always been defined by the people who call it home. For 75 years, generations of residents, businesses, volunteers and community partners have helped shape the welcoming, connected community we enjoy today. The City extends its sincere thanks to everyone who attended the celebration, as well as the volunteers, sponsors, vendors, performers, 75th Anniversary Planning Committee members and City staff whose dedication made the event possible. Your enthusiasm and support helped create a celebration worthy of this milestone. If you missed the celebration—or would like to experience it again—the drone show is available to watch on the City's website. Visit cityofardenhills.org/75-Years. While you're there, be sure to watch the historical video produced by NineNorth, which explores Arden Hills' history and highlights many of the people, places and milestones that have shaped our community over the past 75 years.