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ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—NOVEMBER 27, 2017 3 City Clerk Hanson stated the City has already paid for the upgrade as part of the original contract. Communications Coordinator Skelly provided additional explanation regarding the remaining goals, including the 2018 duties. She also discussed the various communications channels. Councilmember Holden requested a process be put in place regarding how the Council replies to a group email with a complaint or request from a resident. City Administrator Joynes suggested that the Council direct the resident complaint or request to the appropriate staff person before offering a reply directly. The responsible staff member will respond to the complainant and follow up with the Councilmembers so that they know the inquiry has been addressed. A discussion ensued regarding Council communication. City Administrator Joynes stated that since communicating with the Council is an ongoing duty, the topic should be included in the 2018 list of duties as standardized complaint communications protocol. He stated a policy could be created. Interim Director of Finance and Administrative Services Perrault indicated that discussion regarding tracking Council requests is slated for the February work session. City Administrator Joynes asked the Council to rate each category in order of importance, with 1 as the most important and 3 as the least important. He stated the results would be given to the Council and a work plan would be provided at the Council retreat. B. 2018 Budget Interim Director of Finance and Administrative Services Perrault indicated that at its meeting in September, the Council set the preliminary 2018 levy at 4.0%. He noted that the levy can be decreased but it cannot be increased, and stated the tax levy hearing is set for December 11, 2017. He also provided tax levy comparison information from other cities. Interim Director of Finance and Administrative Services Perrault discussed additional budget impacts that included the proposed 2018 COLA increase, current vacant staff positions, the EDA transfer amount, Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and utility rate study. Councilmember Holden proposed a COLA of 2.0% and asked that the Council engage in further review in six months following any potential hiring of staff such as a Community Development Director and Finance Director. She also asked for an update regarding the budgeted amount for the City Attorney versus what has actually been spent. A discussion ensued regarding the general fund budget. Mayor Grant asked what the deadline is for union contract negotiations.