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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-10-26-RApproved: September 14, 2026 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS, MINNESOTA REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 10, 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; Assistant Public Works Director Lucas Miller; Community Development Director Jacob Reilly; and Assistant to the City Administrator/City Clerk Julie Hanson PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Councilmember Monson requested Item 8C be pulled from the Consent Agenda for discussion as Item 9A. MOTION: Councilmember Holden 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 JDA Advisory Committee met on July 30''. At this meeting, the Advisory Committee received from JDA staff an update on the Rice Creek Boulevard Cooperative Agreement between the City and Ramsey County as well staff summarized the City Council discussion following the July 13'h work session on the Metropolitan Council SAC credit program. Additionally, the Advisory Committee discussed the upcoming Rice Creek Boulevard Open House hosted by Ramsey County. Ramsey County project staff is hosting two sessions, the first will be in -person on Wednesday, August 19 from 5-7 p.m. at the Ramsey County Public Works Facility in Arden Hills and the second session will be an online webinar on Wednesday, August 26 from 12-1 p.m. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — AUGUST 10, 2026 2 Last, the Joint Development Authority meeting scheduled for Monday, August Yd was cancelled. Mayor Grant clarified that the agreement between the City and the County for the spine road covers more than just the spine road. He indicated the agreement addresses a water line in Arden Hills, a booster station and some upgrades to the water system in Roseville. City Administrator Jagoe reported this was the case. Councilmember Rousseau inquired if the feedback received at the open house would change the plans for Rice Creek Boulevard. City Administrator Jagoe stated she would have to verify with Ramsey County staff, but she believed the open house was for informational purposes. Councilmember Holden inquired how Ryan Companies was able to construct a building for Micro Controls without needing to change the TRC, with respect to building clear height. City Administrator Jagoe indicated she could not speak to the history of Ryan Companies and building clear height. She understood Ryan Companies was able to accommodate Micro Controls with the 24 foot clear height because they have drop down ceilings. She understood this was not typical of what this end user would have. Councilmember Holden stated this may be the case but clarified the Ryan Companies individual spoke to the Council on how he had not constructed a building with 24 foot clear height for years, when in fact he had. Councilmember Monson reported _that Ryan Companies spoke to how they had not used the 24 foot clear height for med tech uses. She indicated Micro Control was not a med tech use and only required a one story building. City Administrator Jagoe explained she would follow up with the Micro Control plans for Ryan Companies on clear height and provide the Council with clarity on how that was achieved. Mayor Grant asked how med tech was defined by staff. Community Development Director Reilly stated med tech was an industry specifically associated with medical technology. Councilmember Weber clarified the clear heights were not changed for all of TCAAP but rather were changed the Campus Commercial and Flex Office zoning districts. Community Development Director Reilly reported this was correct. Mayor Grant asked what parcels within Rice Creek Commons could support a warehouse use, besides Outlot A and the nine acres of Flex Office. Community Development Director Reilly explained these were the only two districts that would support an accessory warehouse use. He reported warehousing was not a principle use anywhere in Rice Creek Commons. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — AUGUST 10, 2026 3 3. PUBLIC INQUIRIES/INFORMATIONAL Tom Lemke, 5577 Schutta Road, Shoreview, addressed the Council regarding an incident that occurred on August 3. He explained he lived on Schutta Road and on the evening of August 3 he had four squad cars, 100 teenage kids and 35 cars on his street at 9:30 p.m. He wanted to make the Council aware of the issues occurring on the property within the arsenal, noting the teenagers are firing weapons and starting bonfires. He requested the Council work to secure and cleanup this area in order to address the vagrancy. He recommended the area be regularly patrolled by the sheriff's department. Ann Maslansky-Takahashi, 1570 Hillview Road, Shoreview, explained she did not like the fact that the new development was being named after her street. She indicated her children walk to school. She noted there has been major crashes since the roundabout went in. She stated the parcel is adjacent to Ramsey County park land and she was ashamed that the Ramsey County Sheriff has not been listening to the residents when it comes to broken fences and trespassing. She commented on how it was difficult to dial 911 from her home because the property was so close to the Army site. She reported she called the sheriff's office the week before the 4a` of July and if they had listened to her concerns a life could have been saved. She commented further on how impactful this development would be on her family. She noted there were residents that were experiencing severe electrical issues because of the current abatement that was occurring, her included. She stated the community knows what is happening and she urged the City to work with the surrounding residents. Alyssa Kruzel, 5554 Arona Street, Shoreview, expressed concerns regarding the Hillview development. She indicated there were 565 homes in her neighborhood and not all of her neighbors were able to attend this meeting to speak. She explained she works in communications and community engagement. She reported her neighborhood has a lived experience that the developer does not understand. She requested her neighborhood be considered a key stakeholder in the planning efforts going forward. She questioned why Arden Hills has not reached out to the city of Shoreview and the Shoreview residents regarding this proposed development. She questioned how many of the Councilmembers visited the site in order to better understand how the new development would impact the existing residents. She inquired if the Council would want a development of this size in their neighborhood. She thanked Community Development Director Jacob Reilly for working with the Shoreview residents but encouraged the City Council to improve communications in order to properly fill in the gaps where there is misunderstanding. She stated residents would like to learn more about regional infrastructure, traffic safety, environmental health, park lands and the creek. She asked that her neighborhood be invited to a seat at the table because this development will have lasting impacts for generations on the existing residents of Shoreview. Katie Christensen, 1739 Hillview Road, Shoreview, explained she strongly opposed the variance for Maplewood Development. She stated the unlawful gatherings that were occurring on the property required immediate action. She recommended Arden Hills enforce hazardous property ordinances and by failing to secure the site sooner, the City allowed an unmitigated hazard to persist on its watch. She explained that Maplewood Development purchased a piece of property with preexisting structural hazards and assumed this risk as a part of their investment. However, under Minnesota Rules 4410.3100 Sub 6b a variance cannot be granted to relieve a hardship caused by a proposer's own actions or inaction if that hardship was reasonably foreseeable. She reported the safety risk was foreseeable and preexisting. She said the developer was now trying to ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — AUGUST 10, 2026 4 use their own calculated business risk as a back door around the required EIS process. She discussed how removing the structures changes the baseline of the site topography and soil conditions before the EIS can be measured. She requested an EIS be completed now in order to protect the creek and surrounding neighborhood. She indicated that if the City's main concern was to lock down the property from future gatherings, the City can achieve these safety goals by ordering the developer to install high security fencing and lock down the property under standard municipal safety ordinances. She noted she has formally requested the Rice Creek Watershed District use their independent regulatory authority to halt the structural demolition until the EIS is complete. She requested the City and watershed district mandate a prefunded independent escrow account and intensive weekly site inspections to guarantee zero sediment discharge escapes the project boundary. She urged the Council to vote against the variance for Maplewood Development and require the developer to properly secure the property through the standard municipal environmental enforcement channels. Yi Li, 1233 Karth Lake Drive, explained her neighborhood was going through road construction this summer and she wanted to learn more about the current project timeline. She questioned why the City dug up the newly paved road. Mayor Grant clarified there was no abatement occurring on the site at this time. He understood a couple of trucks went in and out noting the Army removed fence. He clarified that staging associated with the death of George Floyd did not occur on this site but rather occurred on the MNDOT site. He indicated he has been speaking with the City Administrator and reported the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office was allowed on this site. He reported he has visited this site on two occasions and he was familiar with the property. He understood the buildings would remain in place until the EQB allows for the demolition of the buildings. Assistant Public Works Director Miller explained the first layer of asphalt has to be cut in order to allow for the adjustment of water main valves, catch basins and manholes. He reported this occurs after the first layer is put down and before the final layer is put in place. He indicated additional curb was being replaced and noted this was common practice. He stated once the concrete has cured the area would receive one final pave. He noted the second layer of pavement would be installed at the end of the month. Councilmember Rousseau indicated she lived in the PMP project area and stated she had reached out to staff regarding several concerns she had. She explained she questioned why the curbs were being replaced now and noted there were concerns surrounding the S curves on Amble Drive. Assistant Public Works Director Miller commented there was a section on Amble Drive where the curbing was removed because it was not put in according to specs. He reported this curbing would be removed and replaced at the contractor's expense. He provided further information on the work that would be work that had yet to be completed by Xcel Energy and noted hydro mulch had been installed to stabilize the project area. He explained the City requires the contractor to water the seeded areas. Councilmember Rousseau questioned when residents should be concerned about the grass and if the grass needs to be replaced. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — AUGUST 10, 2026 5 Assistant Public Works Director Miller indicated when the concrete curb patchwork was completed, the grass would be restored. He anticipated this work would be completed by the end of August. He noted there would be a warranty walkthrough that would be completed next spring for the project area. Ms. Lee stated it was her understanding Amble Drive was paved over clay soil. She indicated the residents had previously been told Amble Drive would be four to six inches of asphalt paved over 12 inches of sand and a gravel base. Assistant Public Works Director Miller reported Ms. Lee was describing a reconstruction project and noted a sand lift was not included in this project. He stated this was a reclamation project which meant the existing bituminous was ground out and mixed with the subbase, noting any subgrade that was poor was replaced. Councilmember Holden discussed how hard it was to keep sod and seed green and rooted. She reported seed only worked as good as the watering provided by the contractors or property owners. Mayor Grant reported it was stated areas around County Road I could not dial 911. He stated he would be looking into this with Ramsey County Dispatch. 4. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC INQUIRIES None. 5. PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS None. 6. STAFF COMMENTS A. Transportation Update Assistant Public Works Director Miller reported Xcel Energy continues with the installation of their 20'' gas main along County Road 96 from 35W to Lexington Avenue. He anticipated this project would last into the fall and staff would continue to provide the Council with updates on this project. Assistant Public Works Director Miller stated Highway 51 had a southbound lane closure and this would last through mid -August. He encouraged residents to follow the posted traffic signage and to visit the MNDOT project page for more updates. Assistant Public Works Director Miller explained the 2026 PMP contractor completed the utility work and the first lift of pavement has been installed in the Karth Lake neighborhood. He stated reclamation and grading on Cummings Park Drive would take place this week. Councilmember Weber requested the City's webpage that addressed the PMP have a section that takes comments from the public. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — AUGUST 10, 2026 6 B. Elections Update Assistant to the City Administrator/City Clerk Hanson provided the Council with an update on the upcoming State primary election, which would be held on Tuesday, August 11. She noted residents can vote at their primary polling places from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. She reported the general election would be held on Tuesday, November 3 and the Arden Hills residents would be voting for the positions of Mayor along with two council seats. She noted candidate profile statements would be included in the September newsletter. 7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. July 13, 2026, City Council Work Session B. July 13, 2026, Regular City Council Councilmember Weber stated he would like to table action on the July 13 work session minutes because some changes came in late that he was not able to review. MOTION: Councilmember Weber moved and Councilmember Rousseau seconded a motion to table action on the JuIN 13. 2026, CitN Council Work Session meeting,; minutes. The motion carried (5-0). MOTION: Councilmember Monson moved and Councilmember Weber seconded a motion to approve the Julv 13, 2026, Regular Cite Council meeting minutes as amended. The motion carried (5-0). 8. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Motion to Approve Consent Agenda Item - Claims and Payroll B. Motion to Approve Annual Data Practices Policy D. Motion to Approve Pay Request No. 4 — Bituminous Roadways — 2026 PMP Street & Utility Improvement E. Motion to Approve Hiring of Parks and Recreation Manager F. Motion to Accept Resignation of Senior Planner G. Motion to Approve Recruitment of City Planner/Senior Planner MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Monson seconded a motion to approve the Consent Calendar as amended and to authorize execution of all necessary documents contained therein. The motion carried (5-0). 9. PULLED CONSENT ITEMS A. Motion to Accept 75th Anniversary Event Sponsorships and Confirm Allocation of Funds Assistant to the City Administrator/City Clerk Hanson stated the City is required to formally accept donations via Council Resolution per Minnesota Statute 465.03 which applies when a City ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — AUGUST 10, 2026 7 accepts a gift or donation in which the donor receives nothing of value in return. Sponsorships are different in that they are specifically structured so that the sponsor receives a defined promotional benefit, so it is not considered to be a gift. The sponsor agrees that there is a pre -defined and contractually agreed upon benefit in return for their sponsorship dollars. The City Attorney previously confirmed to staff that the City does not need to formally accept sponsorship money like it does donations via Council resolution; however, the City's Finance Director had also confirmed with the City's external auditor that for public transparency, the Council should formally confirm that the funds collected from sponsors for the 75th anniversary event are being directed toward the 75th anniversary event's expenses. Regarding the above statement about sponsors agreeing to a pre -defined and agreed upon benefit in return for their sponsorship dollars, it should be noted that the sponsors submitted the City's sponsorship agreement along with their sponsorship dollars and could elect to have a booth at the event and all sponsors were noted both on our website's 75th anniversary webpage as well as by promotional signage at the event itself. Assistant to the City Administrator/City Clerk Hanson reported the Council had allocated $10,000 in the 2026 budget for costs related to the 75th anniversary. As indicated above, sponsorship funds totaling $45,300 were received by the City. While final costs are still being confirmed with Staff, the need to utilize City budgeted dollars for this event is not expected, rather costs will be covered by the sponsorship dollars. It should also be noted that Twin Cities Gateway grant funding, as previously allocated by the City Council for the 75th anniversary, is being used for marketing expenses (drone show, logoed swag, event advertising banners and other signage, Shoreview Press spread, press releases, etc.) as per the City's agreement with Twin Cities Gateway as a membership city. A full accounting of the expenditures will be provided to the Council at an upcoming work session in which the Council discusses lessons learned and event takeaways as a whole. Staff requested the Council accept the sponsorships and confirm that allocation of funds be utilized to cover expenses related to the 75th anniversary celebration event. Councilmember Monson stated the City received sponsorships that totaled $45,300. She thanked all of the local businesses that made contributions including the top donors Boston Scientific, New Brighton Hills Lions, and the Spring Lake Park Lions for their generosity. MOTION: Councilmember Monson moved and Councilmember Holden seconded a motion to Accent 75th Anniversary Event Sponsorships and Confirm Allocation of Funds. Mayor Grant questioned why the Twin Cities Gateway was not listed as one of the event sponsors. Assistant to the City Administrator/City Clerk Hanson stated the Twin Cities Gateway funding was previously approved by the Council. These dollars were used for marketing efforts and was separate from the donations received for the 75th Anniversary event. Councilmember Weber thanked all of the donors who made this event possible. Mayor Grant thanked all of the donors and everyone who served on the 75ffi Anniversary Committee for making this event possible. The motion carried (5-0). ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — AUGUST 10, 2026 8 10. PUBLIC HEARINGS None. 11. NEW BUSINESS A. Resolution 2026-038 Consenting to a Variance Request for Maplewood Development regarding Demolition of Above Ground Structures to Environmental Equality Board Community Development Director Reilly stated in June, Maplewood Development ("Developer") began a mandatory environmental review process for a potential light industrial park on 62 +/- acres known as the "Primer Tracer" site, a subset of remaining TCAAP land south of County Road I previously owned by the Federal government. Th site is contiguous to land owned by the federal government and Ramsey County parks property. This site is northeast of the area defined as Rice Creek Commons and is not affiliated with that development. In 2024, the Federal Government held an auction administered by the General Services Administration, to sell the property "as is." The auction guidelines outlined that the purchaser is responsible for all of the processes associated with the future development of the site (i.e. environmental review, platting, rezoning, comprehensive plan amendment, land use approval, demolition, site remediation, permitting, etc.). Maplewood Development was the high bidder at the end of the auction. The purchase agreement was finalized earlier in 2026, and the applicant has begun the mandatory environmental review process as part of due diligence prior to submitting any land use applications. Community Development Director Reilly reported pursuant to MN Rules Chapter 44101, which outlines the environmental review process as administered by the Environmental Quality Board (EQB), the City of Arden Hills is the "Responsible Governmental Unit" (RGU) and is therefore responsible for determining whether the process for each step of the environmental review process is adequate. The first step in a mandatory Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is to develop the scope of the EIS using a Scoping Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) and resulting in a Draft Scoping Decision Document, which outlines all of the elements that will be studied and evaluated and potentially mitigated in the EIS, prior to commencing any construction project. The EAW defines the scope of the environmental review and follows a form and guidance provided by the EQB. The public review process for the EAW began with publication of notice in the EQB Monitor on June 16, 2026, followed by a 30-day public comment period, with a public scoping meeting held on July 8, 2026. The public comment period closed on July 16, 2026, and the consultant teams from both the city and the developer have been working through the dozens of comments to ensure the Draft Scoping Decision Document addresses required elements including relevant local knowledge and concerns provided during the comment period. Community Development Director Reilly explained the entire property owned by the United States is not public property, although it is publicly held. Each time someone unaffiliated with the United States Government enters the property they are trespassing. Similarly, since the purchase of this site by the Developer, each time someone unaffiliated with that organization enters the property they are trespassing. Before and during this environmental review process, there have been multiple reports of illegal gatherings on the property, including a fatal incident over this past 4th of July weekend. The property owner has reported multiple incidents of the lock on the gate being removed; the gate itself being breached, likely by a vehicle being driven at or through it; the ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — AUGUST 10, 2026 9 fence being cut, and people generally trespassing on the property to use it for recreational activities including taking shelter in structures extant on the property. Last year at least one fire at the site resulted in a necessary response from the Lake Johanna Fire Department and other emergency services personnel to prevent a wildland fire from causing more damage and destruction and to prevent further harm to public and private property. Community Development Director Reilly indicated staff is requesting that Council consider adopting Resolution 2026-038 prepared by the City Attorney consenting to this variance application in order to maintain the safety and security of residents and business owners in Arden Hills, abutting municipalities, users of the Ramsey County Parks property and others. The activities acceptable to the city are included in the resolution as conditions and are limited to demolishing above ground structures sufficiently to reduce the attractive nature of the nuisance and in such a way as to minimize disturbance of any hazardous materials in, around and under the structures. Mayor Grant asked if the foundation of the buildings would be removed or just the vertical walls. Community Development Director Reilly explained the project site currently has 60 structures in which munitions were assembled, stored and tested. He stated the developer has requested to demolish the existing vacant buildings as well as cap certain maintenance holes and other hazards to public safety. He reported the debris would be stockpiled or removed and disposed of based on type and volume of materials based on an already approved plan with the MPCA. He stated no underground utilities would be removed and no mass grading would take place. He indicated the demolition activities would be limited to the above ground buildings including any partial buried bunkers and any below ground foundations. Mayor Grant stated this would mean all of the pill box buildings and the subfloor would be removed. Community Development Director Reilly explained it was his understanding the buildings would be knocked down in order to create the appearance there would be nowhere to shelter. Mayor Grant asked if there was a response action in place for this property with the MPCA. Community Development Director Reilly reported this was the case. Mayor Grant indicated this plan would ensure the safety of those people in and around that site. Community Development Director Reilly explained this was correct. Councilmember Monson discussed the language surrounding the granting of a variance and stated under subpart 6 variances shall be granted if only one of the four criteria is met. Community Development Director Reilly reported it was his understanding all four of the criteria must be true in order for a variance to be granted and this was what the EQB would consider. He indicated the City Council was consenting to the variance application and the EQB would make the final determination. He stated there would be a comment period for the request and the EQB would take comments from the public regarding this variance. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — AUGUST 10, 2026 10 Councilmember Monson questioned what the comment regarding truck numbers may have come from. Community Development Director Reilly anticipated this was related to the potential project, if all of the environmental review was completed and the Council approves applications for the proposed light industrial business park. Councilmember Monson noted she had toured the property and she understood why it was an attraction. She explained this was an interesting historical property. She was of the opinion it was best to demolish the property as soon as possible for safety purposes. Councilmember Holden stated she understood the national guard and the sheriff's department were chasing people out of this property regularly. She indicated neighborhood kids play on this property and the area was used for off leash dogs. She explained this property has been studied routinely and the hazardous material that remains other than the foundation is included in those studies. She reported she trusted Maplewood Development and spoke to how they recycle and reuse materials. She indicated the Maplewood was trying to make the site safe. She stated she supported the proposed demolition. She appreciated the fact the Army had auctioned off this site and that the site would be improved. Councilmember Weber explained he has been to the property and noted it was clearly a hazard. He appreciated the proactive measures being pursued by the developer to address the concerns on the site. He supported the buildings coming down. Councilmember Rousseau indicated these buildings were a safety issue and a draw for youth. She supported the buildings being removed in order to address this safety issue. She suggested municipal code enforcement be considered to ensure the property owner properly secures the site. She suggested the sheriff's department continue to test drone use on this site in order to assist with patrolling this property, especially on busy weekends. She asked that the developer take pictures before and after pictures for the site in order to assist with capturing the history of the TCAAP site. Mayor Grant noted there was a death on this property and there was a death on the TCAAP property. He indicated a resident spoke to the fact guns were being fired off on this property and he understood why young people were partying on this site. He stated he would like to see these buildings taken down now. He spoke to the fact Maplewood Development had a subsidiary called Belair (Siteword Services) that knew how to properly complete remediation work. He explained he would be supporting the request for a variance. He asked that the applicant come forward at this time to take questions from the Council. Mario Cocchiarella, Maplewood Development Company, explained there would be some hauling off as part of the demolition work. He noted the creosote timbers and rubble would have to be removed. Mayor Grant inquired if the subfloor would be removed, or only the vertical portions of the buildings. Mr. Cocchiarella reported he could not remove any sub -surfaces. He reported the heating system would have to be removed at a future time because it was wrapped in asbestos. He explained he ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — AUGUST 10, 2026 11 had been working with the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department stating he had secured the fence on several occasions because cars have driven through the gate. He indicated the sheriff's department has been very responsive and proactive. Councilmember Monson requested Mr. Cocchiarella speak to the comment that was made previously regarding the truck count coming to and from this site. Mr. Cocchiarella anticipated this comment was a projected number of trucks that may be coming to the site. He reported this would be further studied through the EIS and traffic study. Councilmember Monson questioned how long it would take to clear the site. Mr. Cocchiarella explained if the variance was approved, he would need to make an assessment of what the variance means and doesn't mean. He reported he would have to take into consideration the conditions that were placed on the variance by the EQB and if these conditions were not satisfactory to him, he would not proceed with the demolition work because he does not want to harm the EIS process. He stated the demolition would take some time. He anticipated the work would take three to four months to complete and could be done of the winter months. Councilmember Monson asked that the applicant keep the City apprised of the project timeline, if it were to move forward. Mr. Cocchiarella discussed how there would be someone from his company and the MPCA onsite full time for monitoring purposes. Councilmember Weber requested the applicant consider the amount of dust that would be in the air. He stated he understood the variance process was not ideal, along with having to take down the buildings prior to pursuing a development on this site. He appreciated the fact that the developer was being proactive. Councilmember Holden addressed the comment that was made regarding the roundabout on County Road I noting Arden Hills was surprised by the size of this roundabout as well. She explained the City of Arden Hills was not involved in this project. She indicated this project was completed by Shoreview and the County. She believed the roundabout was made small so there wasn't as much traffic. Mr. Cocchiarella commented on how he rarely works with counties. He explained most times counties do not ask for City participation. He discussed how there would have to be improved access from County Road I, when it comes to the turn lanes, if this project moves forward. Mayor Grant asked if the 20 to 25 bunkers would be flattened so they could not be used. Mr. Cocchiarella reported the bunkers would be collapsed so they could not be used and the creosote timbers would be removed from the site. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — AUGUST 10, 2026 12 MOTION: Councilmember Monson moved and Councilmember Rousseau seconded a motion to adopt Resolution 2026-038, Consenting to Variance From Minnesota Rules Part 4410.3100, Subpart 1 for Maplewood Development, Inc. to address nuisance activity and allow the Developer to seek a permit to demolish the above ground structures on the Property. The motion carried (LL 12. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None. 13. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Rousseau explained she has been receiving communications regarding Flock cameras, noting there was concerns regarding data security. She reported she has been making residents aware of the fact the City does not have any Flock cameras. However, she noted MNDOT has a camera on I-694. She requested this topic be addressed with the sheriff at the next meeting with the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department. Councilmember Rousseau requested staff complete a document word find to see if staff suggested sand would be a part of the Karth Lake road improvement project. Councilmember Weber stated the Planning Commission met on Wednesday, August 5 and the group did a final review of the ADU ordinance language and the item was recommended for approval unanimously with several amendments. He reviewed the proposed language amendments suggested by the Planning Commission. Councilmember Weber explained he attended the Lake Johanna Fire Station grand opening and stated this was an absolutely beautiful building. He stated the City was fortunate to have the headquarters of the fire department stationed in Arden Hills. Councilmember Weber reported Ramsey County would be hosting an in person open house for the upcoming Rice Creek Boulevard project on Wednesday, August 19 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. along with a webinar on Wednesday, August 26 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Councilmember Holden reported the Round Lake dredging was on schedule and this project should be completed next year. Councilmember Holden explained she attended Night to Unite on Tuesday, August 4. She heard from residents that there were concerns with parking and the number of rentals in the community. Councilmember Holden stated she also attended the Lake Johanna Fire Station grand opening and agreed this was a beautiful building. Councilmember Monson reported she attended the Lake Johanna Fire Station grand opening as well. She thanked Shoreview and North Oaks for partnering with the City on this project. She also thanked the State reps that assisted the City in getting funding for this project. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL — AUGUST 10, 2026 13 Councilmember Monson stated the City's website had been updated regarding the Hillview development and encouraged residents to visit this page on the website. Councilmember Monson explained she participated in Night to Unite as well and she thanked the Public Works team for all of their efforts. Councilmember Monson welcomed Josh Thygesen as the City's new Parks and Recreation Manager. Mayor Grant congratulated Julie Whitney for being awarded her permit technician certificate in July. Mayor Grant reported he received a letter from the League of Minnesota Cities advising the City that State Representative Kelly Moller has won the Legislator Distinction Award. He asked that staff draft a thank you letter to Representative Moller. The Council supported this recommendation. Mayor Grant explained at the last Council meeting he received questions regarding the imminent construction of Costco. He reiterated the City has not received any site plans or drawings for a Costco in Arden Hills. Mayor Grant stated he attended the Lake Johanna Fire Station grand opening with the mayors of Shoreview and North Oaks. He appreciated the funding the City received from the State for this project and the fact that this project came in under budget. He reported this was an absolutely amazing structure that would serve as a regional training facility. Mayor Grant explained he attended Night to Unite on Tuesday, August 4 and stated it was always great to speak with the public. Mayor Grant welcomed Josh Thygesen, the City's new Parks and Recreation Manager. City Administrator Jagoe thanked Community Development Director Reilly for updating the City's website for the 62 acre site. She encouraged residents to visit the City's website in order to sign up to receive future project updates. An.1 nTTRN MOTION: Councilmember Weber moved and Councilmember Rousseau seconded a motion to adiourn. The motion carried (5-0). Mayor Grant adjourned the Regular City Council Meeting at 9:01 p.m. — dlmw� YiHanson erk David Grant Mayor