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Arden Hills Council narrowly approves committee-size changes despite objections; also adopts parking rule updates
Summary
The council adopted Ordinance 2026-008 (amending committee composition rules) on a 3-2 vote after a heated exchange about limiting Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee membership; the council also approved Ordinance 2026-009 updating overnight parking rules (5-0), a volunteer recognition policy (4-1), and liaison appointments (5-0).
A contested ordinance to amend the city's rules for committees and commissions — including reducing the Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee (PTRC) to seven regular members plus two youth members — narrowly passed after council debate on May 26.
Councilmember Tena Monson moved adoption of Ordinance 2026-008, with Councilmember Emily Rousseau seconding. Councilmember Brenda Holden argued against shrinking PTRC membership, saying fewer seats could concentrate representation and reduce geographic diversity. "I did not appreciate the attack from Councilmember Weber about my missing a meeting," Holden said, and later warned that reducing the committee to seven could leave the committee composed of residents from the same neighborhood. Councilmember Rousseau and others said the PTRC itself recommended seven members to improve meeting efficiency and participation; Rousseau noted the committee's recommendation and said a smaller group gives more people time to speak.
After discussion, the council adopted the omnibus ordinance 3-2 (Monson, Rousseau and Weber in favor; Holden and Mayor David Grant opposed). Mayor Grant had proposed dividing the omnibus item into three separate votes; that amendment failed 2-3. The council subsequently authorized publication of the summary ordinance on a 4-1 vote (Holden opposed).
Parking regulations were considered separately. Councilmember Rousseau moved and Councilmember Weber seconded adoption of Ordinance 2026-009 to amend overnight parking rules in City Code Section 800.03. Council and staff discussed neighborhood concerns about Mounds View High School overflow parking and the possibility of school-specific signage; Public Works Director David Swearingen said portions of Janet Court already have signage regulating school-hours parking. After a motion to call the question carried, the parking ordinance passed 5-0.
The council also approved an amended Volunteer Recognition Policy (placing coaches under Committee, Commission Member Terms and Resignations) on a 4-1 vote (Councilmember Rousseau opposed), and adopted Resolution 2026-027 appointing council liaisons to the Financial Planning and Analysis Committee, Human Rights Commission, and Ramsey County League of Local Government by a 5-0 vote.
Votes at a glance: - Motion to adopt Ordinance 2026-008 (Boards, Committees and Commissions): Moved by Tena Monson; seconded by Emily Rousseau. Outcome: adopted 3-2 (Yes: Monson, Rousseau, Weber; No: Holden, Grant). - Motion to authorize publication of summary ordinance (2026-008): Moved by Tena Monson; seconded by Kurt Weber. Outcome: adopted 4-1 (No: Holden). - Motion to adopt Ordinance 2026-009 (Parking Regulations): Moved by Emily Rousseau; seconded by Kurt Weber. Outcome: adopted 5-0. - Motion to approve Volunteer Recognition Policy (amended): Moved by Brenda Holden; seconded by David Grant. Outcome: adopted 4-1 (No: Rousseau). - Motion to adopt Resolution 2026-027 (liaisons): Moved by Tena Monson; seconded by Emily Rousseau. Outcome: adopted 5-0.
What happens next: staff will publish the summary ordinance as authorized, begin recruitment consistent with the amended committee rules, and may return to a future work session for additional parking discussion around the high school if residents request further adjustments.
