Elena Fransen

The agenda outlines several key discussion and action items for the City Council. The meeting included an update on the TCAAP/Rice Creek Commons. The Consent Calendar encompassed numerous routine items, such as approving claims and payroll, adopting resolutions related to plumbing plan review agreements and grant agreements for sanitary sewer lining projects, approving utility rate ordinance amendments, extending a professional services agreement for Emerald Ash Borer treatment, approving the Ramsey County 2025 Bulk Road Salt Purchase Invoice, and approving various public works capital equipment purchases. The council also addressed personnel matters, including the termination and hiring of a Building Official, and authorization for recruitment of a Building & Code Enforcement Inspector. Public Hearings were scheduled concerning an interim ordinance establishing a moratorium on detention facilities, amending city code related to plumbing plan review delegation, and amendments related to the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4). New Business included site plan review and variance requests, a sign standard adjustment request, and ordinances related to detention facilities, plumbing plan review delegation, and MS4 amendments.

The Joint Development Authority meeting agenda included roll call, agenda approval, public input, consent agenda review, and discussions on old and new business. Key new business items involved considering TCAAP Redevelopment Code (TRC) Amendment Requests related to multi-use trail width and street lighting spacing along Rice Creek Boulevard. Directors provided reports on administrative and development activities, and Commissioner Updates were given.

This memorandum details the City of Arden Hills' pursuit of grant funding to advance its housing policy and planning initiatives. Guided by the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, the strategic goals include promoting a diverse and affordable housing supply, maintaining housing quality and character, strengthening neighborhoods, and encouraging new development that complements existing areas. The aim is to ensure a strong, vital, and stable housing environment for all community members, with a focus on securing resources to address limited staff capacity and accelerate desired outcomes.

The primary discussion topic during this special executive session was the one-year performance evaluation of the City Administrator.

The meeting agenda was approved as amended, which included pulling an item for discussion regarding the reconsideration of Economic Development Authority (EDA) appointments made on January 12, 2026. Key discussions focused on the TCAAP/Rice Creek Commons Update, noting schedule shifts for infrastructure updates due to US Army coordination, and review of proposed amendments to the Technical Criteria Report (TRC) regarding multi-use trail widths and street lighting spacing. The Council also addressed the hybrid developer approach for the project. Public inquiries involved concerns about federal immigration enforcement activities and requests for the City to share responses from federal delegates. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the discussion of the controversial EDA appointments, focusing on the transparency and formality of the selection process used by the Mayor, which ultimately failed to garner enough support for reconsideration. Council comments included requests for information on immigration enforcement tracking, potential waiver of water/sewer late fees due to these concerns, and updates on Shoreline Lane and the 75th Anniversary event.