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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL – DECEMBER 14, 2015 6 The motion carried (4-0). Mayor Grant asked if there were any changes to the 2016 budget. Councilmember Holden asked if one seasonal employee could be cut in order to reduce expenses for the City. Acting Public Works Director Anderson reported that the maintenance provided within the City’s parks was dependent upon both the equipment used and the number of Public Works Department employees. He feared that if the number of staff was reduced this would adversely impact the City parks. He discussed how the seasonal employees as well as department employees had to pick up the slack this summer after one seasonal worker was let go. Councilmember McClung asked how much of a salary savings the City would gain due to the retirement of both the City Administrator and the Public Works Director. He indicated that he could support a 3% levy increase and was hoping that the salary savings would cover the difference. Acting City Administrator Iverson estimated this to be $58,000; however the City had to pay out severance for both employees. She anticipated that there would be only a $15,000 savings in 2015. She reported that the Council could see a savings in 2016 depending on when new employees were hired. Councilmember Holden stated that the sidewalk from Pine Tree Drive to Bethel University was a priority and that the expense for this project had to be undertaken. She discussed how this project justified the proposed levy increase. Mayor Grant provided further comment on the payments the City would be receiving from Bethel University for the sidewalk connection. He indicated that while he wants to reduce the budget further, he did not see any areas where cuts could be made. Councilmember Holden explained that the City has also been involved in a number of MnDOT projects over the past two years which led the City into completing sidewalk and trail projects. MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #2015-054 – Adopting the 2016 Budget in the amount of $11,102,350. The motion carried 3-1 (McClung opposed). MOTION: Councilmember Holden moved and Councilmember Holmes seconded a motion to adopt Resolution #2015-055 – Setting the Final Levy for Taxes (3.5%) Payable in 2016 in the amount of $3,478,775. Councilmember McClung commented that while he wanted to make an amendment, he feared it would not be supported by the remaining Councilmembers. The motion carried 3-1 (McClung opposed).