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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — JANUARY 16, 2018 5 H. Hiring and Termination Authority City Administrator Perrault said the intent of the policy is to delegate the hiring, discipline, and termination authority to the City Administrator for hourly employees that are non -supervisory and budgeted for, including seasonal employees, with the City Council approving the actions on consent. The Personnel Committee would be kept up to date with any issues. Salaried positions would fall to City Council for direction and final approval. The Personnel Committee was supportive of the policy and the City Attorney reviewed it as well. Councilmember Holmes expressed concern that the policy doesn't say the City Administrator will check with City Council to see if they would like to fill the position. City Attorney Jamnik said the policy can be modified to say that the Council should be notified of someone's resignation or termination so if they have an issue with filling the position they can talk to the Personnel Committee or the City Administrator. Councilmember McClung stated that. he is comfortable with the policy as long as they are informed of someone's resignation or termination. Councilmember Holmes mentioned that the Council used to approve advertising for a position and wondered why that couldn't continue to happen. City Attorney Jamnik said most cities the separation from employment is notified to the Council, which is an indicator that there is an opening in a budgeted position, and that would build in the opportunity for communication and dialog. City Administrator Perrault clarified that the Council is asking for the only change from current practice is that seasonal employees won't need to go to Council for approval but everything else needs to be authorized by Council prior to posting. Mayor Grant asked staff to make the changes to the policy and put it on the consent agenda at the next Council meeting. I. Highway 96/Lexington Avenue Gateway Sign City Planner Matthew Bachler stated that the 2018 budget includes $80,000 for a gateway sign and the Council discussed the location of Highway 96 and Lexington Avenue. Staff has been working on a conceptual plan for the sign. Taken into consideration were travel speed, size, setbacks, viewing orientation and constructability. The cost estimate for the conceptual sign is approximately $193,000. Factoring in contingencies and construction administration it comes to approximately $261,000. WSB provided a more detailed breakdown of the costs and potential cost savings. Councilmember Holden wondered if there was any money in the Foundation that could be applied toward the sign. Mayor Grant said there is no money in the Foundation tagged specifically for gateway signs.