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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—MAY 21, 2012 14 Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson stated revenues from permits were up in 2012 due to Pulte Homes and Walgreens. However, expenses were up for inspections. Councilmember Holmes asked for further information on the raises given to Staff in the past several years. She commented she has not received a raise in a number of years. Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson reviewed the raises given over the past three years. Councilmember Holden requested Staff not increase the department operating budgets by more than 1.5%. Mayor Grant agreed with this suggestion stating this increase would be separate from the anticipated increases for contracted services. He questioned if the City needed to continue to purchase additional park benches each year. Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson stated $5,000 was allotted within the CIP per year for park benches based on direction provided by the Council. The Council could make a change in the CIP prior to August if desired. Councilmember Holden reviewed the CIP items planned for 2013 in detail. Mayor Grant commented the Public Works Department has purchased a great deal of equipment recently. He encouraged Staff to take this into consideration when reviewing the CIP and purchases planned for 2013. Councilmember Holden suggested the City review further how to use its MSA funds. Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson thanked the Council for their comments and explained this would provide Staff with a starting point when beginning to pull together the 2013 budget. G. Loner Councilmember Holden commented there were several locations throughout the City that had long grass. She stated Highway 96 and Lexington Avenue was an area of concern that was brought to Staff s attention. She requested the grass along Lexington Avenue be trimmed near the trail as it was over two feet tall. She asked that Staff draft a memo naming the property owners along this roadway. She wanted to see this corridor beautified. Community Development Director Hutmacher reported the Carroll's property was in foreclosure and the property should be under new ownership in June. The City had to follow the proper abatement process. Councilmember Holden explained that the County may be responsible for some of these properties.