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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—DECEMBER 9, 2013 5 i Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson reviewed the minor staffing changes and reported that the City would remain steady with 32 FTE's, as was budgeted in 2013. Councilmember Holden noted that City unds for NYFS were not included in the 2014 budget. Y g Mayor Grant opened the public hearing at 7:49 p.m. Gregg Larson, 3377 North Snelling Avenue, discussed the lack of notice that was provided to the public for the Truth-in-Taxation hearing. He expressed frustration with why the City did not communicate this information to its residents. He questioned why notice was not posted on the City's website. He encouraged the Council to do better and increase the communication efforts between the City and the residents. Mayor Grant explained that all residents that received a tax statement from Ramsey County had information regarding this evening's Truth-in-Taxation meeting printed on the statement. Paul Trites, 1850 Indian Place, recommended the levy and budget be tabled given the lack of notice that was provided to the public. He was insulted by the Council's lack of communication. Mayor Grant commented that the Truth-in-Taxation hearing is held in December each year prior to adopting the budget, and notification is printed on the taxpayer's notice from Ramsey County. He reported that the agenda for this evenings meeting is posted on the City's website for the public to view. He thanked Mr. Trites for his comments and stated that the City would work to improve its level of communication with the public. Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson explained that the Truth-in-Taxation hearing date was set by the Council back in September. Mr. Trites questioned who he should contact regarding the lack of communication on the City's website. Mayor Grant encouraged Mr. Trites to email the City Administrator with his concerns. Russell Bertsch, 4419 Amble Circle, encouraged staff to further clarify the acronyms used within the staff report presented this evening. He explained that his property value went up 14% this year and his taxes rose 18%. This is a concern for him. He recommended that the City pursue additional business opportunities in the City to lessen the tax burden on the homeowners. He noted that he commutes along I-694 every day, and he expressed concern with the landscaping in this corridor and the required continual maintenance. Public Works Director Maurer explained that the I-694 program would be handled by MnDOT; however the City has set aside funds to potentially increase the landscaping near the neighborhood areas. The maintenance for these areas would be the responsibility of MnDOT. Landscaping decisions would be made in 2014. He then discussed the MS4 permitting process with Mr. Bertsch.