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ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION NOVEMBER 12, 20133 three interns/part time employees being removed from the 2014 budget until their necessity can be quantified or justified by staff. He does not believe in long-term interns. Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson stated that she had a memo she could forward to the Council regarding this matter. Councilmember Holden suggested that the Council address the staffing issues at an upcoming goal setting session. City Administrator Klaers indicated that a position could be added in the future in order for the department to focus more on economic development if this is a priority of the Council. Discussion ensued regarding the staffing level in the Community Development Department. Mayor Grant recommended that the planning and zoning consultant expenses (professional services) be reduced. City Administrator Klaers indicated that the recommended staffing level for 2014 and the proposed budget increase would have a minimal impact on that staff has been extremely busy this past year. Mayor Grant recessed the special work session meeting at 6:58 p.m. Mayor Grant reconvened the special work session meeting at 7:40 p.m. B.Snelling Avenue Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Matt Kramer , St. Paul Chamber of Commerce, discussed Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) with the Council. He stated that in May local legislators visited Arden Hills and discussed local transit options. He commented that TCAAP is an area being considered for future extension of the Snelling Avenue BRT line. Charles Carlson , Senior Manager Metro Transit Project Office, discussed the numerous benefits of a potential BRT line. He reviewed the bus usage on the current metro bus lines noting this was highly dependent on the availability of park and ride facilities. He stated that the North Star Commuter Rail Line has approximately 2,200 riders daily. Mr. Carlson commented that the BRT lines would bring people to points of interest, rather than just heading downtown. The focus on this effort began in the last legislative session. He discussed how the Snelling Avenue A Line was being considered for extension and expansion. He explained how the buses would have priority when approaching intersections. Councilmember Holden questioned if the proposed signal changes would come at a cost to the City or County. Mr. Carlson stated that this would depend on the signal cabinets and that some of the older signals may require replacement.