Laserfiche WebLink
ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—APRIL 21, 2014 7 <br /> for the residents. He does not support a staffing increase or a benefit increase for employees. He <br /> is in favor of the Council further discussing the structural funding issues at a future work session. <br /> Councilmember Holmes had concerns with contributions made into employees' HSA accounts. <br /> She indicated that she would need more time to think about a levy increase. <br /> Councilmember Werner stated that for preliminary discussion purposes, he would be open to <br /> discussing a 5%tax levy. <br /> Mayor Grant reported that inflation in 2013 was 1.5%. For this reason, he could support a 2% <br /> levy increase. He agreed that health care cost increases be borne by the employees. Based on the <br /> conversation with the public regarding franchise fees, he wanted to see the City hold the line on <br /> taxes. <br /> Councilmember Holden stated that there are gaps in the budget and Snelling Avenue was not <br /> slated to be replaced until 2028. She stated that she believes if the City continues to use reserves <br /> for projects, the City might not have enough money to complete this project. She anticipated that <br /> the City will end up right around 3% in 2015 given the increases needed each year to cover <br /> increases in public safety. <br /> Councilmember Holmes commented that the City has MSA funds that may become available for <br /> Old Snelling. She requested that staff provide the Council with information on these funds. <br /> Mayor Grant recommended that the Snelling issue be left out of the 2015 budget cycle. He <br /> suggested that staff try and come in at a 3%levy increase. <br /> Councilmember Holden wanted to know how much money is available for roads. <br /> Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson stated that the CIP would be <br /> reviewed in June, which would give the City an idea of what road construction projects are <br /> planned and how they would be funded for 2015. She explained that she would proceed with a <br /> 3% levy increase. <br /> Mayor Grant approved of staff proceeding in this direction, with the caveat that it could be cut <br /> back to 2% or I%, with the understanding that roads and the PIR could increase this number. <br /> C. Single Stream Recycling <br /> City Planner Streff explained that the City of Arden Hills has contracted for curbside recycling <br /> service since 1992, for single family, duplex, triplex and fourplex residential dwelling units. <br /> Currently the City utilizes a dual stream collection process that requires residents to separate <br /> recyclables into two groups of materials: 1) all food and beverage containers; and 2) all paper and <br /> fiber products. <br /> Eureka Recycling has submitted a request to change the collection method from dual stream to <br /> single stream collection. The change to single stream would also include the expansion of <br /> recyclable plastic food packaging containers (#4 and#5)to be collected including; <br />