Laserfiche WebLink
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—DECEMBER 9, 2013 13 <br /> Community Development Director Hutmacher commented that the Red Fox/Grey Fox area <br /> was proposed to have a study completed. She explained that the expenses for the TCAAP <br /> development were uncertain at this time. <br /> AMENDMENT: Councilmember Holden moved and Mayor Grant seconded a motion to <br /> reduce the Professional Consultant expense for Planning and Zoning to <br /> $10,000. The amendment carried (3-2) (Holmes and McClung <br /> opposed). <br /> Councilmember Holmes expressed concern with the fact that the Finance and Administrative <br /> Services Department would have one less staff member to assist with completing their work in <br /> 2014. <br /> Councilmember McClung indicated that he has had a number of residents speak to him <br /> regarding the budget along with the proposed increase in the levy. He reported a good portion of <br /> the levy increase was due to public safety. He supported the work completed by the public safety <br /> departments and the implementation of the full-time duty crew. He wanted to see the Council <br /> remove an additional $92,000 from the budget. <br /> Councilmember Holden expressed confusion with the fact that additional cuts were not <br /> discussed previously by the Council. It was her opinion that the City has been running quite lean, <br /> while still offering quality services to its residents. She stated that roads still needed to be fixed <br /> and parks needed to be mowed. She explained that there was a $52,000 increase to public safety <br /> that had to be covered by the City. <br /> Mayor Grant discussed the Arden Hills' tax rate in comparison to other communities in Ramsey <br /> County. He indicated that Arden Hills was doing well given its size and structure. He wanted to <br /> see the Council continue to be good stewards of the City's funds. It was his opinion that the <br /> Council was moving forward with a fair budget while still meeting the needs of its residents. <br /> Councilmember Holden reviewed the improvements made at Valentine Park. She commented <br /> that this opportunity presented itself and the residents in Arden Hills were greatly benefiting from <br /> the park improvements. <br /> Mayor Grant requested that the Council take action on the budget at this time. He requested an <br /> updated amount from staff. <br /> Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson stated that the budget would have a <br /> net decrease of$31,571 based on the amendments approved by the Council this evening. <br /> The motion with amendments carried (4-1) (McClung opposed). <br /> Mayor Grant requested that the Council now discuss the levy impacts for the Northeast Youth <br /> and Family Services expense. <br />