12-09-13-R - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

I ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—DECEMBER 9, 201 3) 9 Councilmember Holden indicated that the City had no formal agreement with St. Katherine's and this organization did not have to make any official notification to the City. Councilmember McClung indicated that he would support this amendment. He suggested reserves be used to cover the expense. Councilmember Holden requested that the Council focus its discussion on the budget at this time. Councilmember Holmes asked what amount the budget would be reduced by if the proposed amendment were approved. Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson stated the budget would be reduced by $14,900, taking into account the earlier $29,400 reduction and the addition of $14,500 for Northeast Youth and Family Services. The amendment carried (5-0). AMENDMENT: Councilmember McClung moved and Mayor Grant seconded a motion reducing the Planning and Zoning FTE's by .5 FTE for a savings of $16,730. Councilmember Holden did not support this amendment. She explained that the City Planner was new to the City and with the TCAAP redevelopment the City would benefit from having both Mr. Bachler and Mr. Streff. Councilmember Holmes commented that the City used to have two planners. She asked when the proposed staffing change would take place. City Administrator Klaers commented that the proposed staffing change would take effect January 1, 2014. Councilmember Holmes thought it would be essential for the City to have two planners with the redevelopment of TCAAP. Councilmember McClung indicated that just because the City had two planners in the past, doesn't mean that two planners were needed today. He explained that TCAAP would be reimbursable expenses and a full-time employee was not necessary. It was his opinion that the services could be contracted out. He anticipated that the Council may need to consider a Planner I position for the 2015 budget. Mayor Grant stated that he could argue both sides of this issue. He stated that Matthew Bachler has worked well for the City and was familiar with Arden Hills. However, adding an FTE at this time may be a bit premature. Councilmember Holden questioned how the City would be able to hire the necessary consultants to complete the planning work on behalf of the City for under$16,000.