07-15-19-WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — July 15, 2019 6 Councilmember Holden left the discussion. Councilmember Holmes said she thought the water fund had a deficit for a number of years and wondered if something had changed. Finance Director Bauman replied that the water main replacement project was being double counted, bonding money has been used for projects that have occurred. Even with the utility study they reassess the fund each year. The surface water management fund looks to need bigger rate increases than originally predicted because some of the capital items projected in the utility rate study didn't take into account the Colleen Avenue drainage issue. Councilmember Holmes felt there isn't a need to do a study of the infrastructure projects as outlined in the staff memo. City Administrator Perrault said a study would help them to be more strategic with PMP placeholder amounts. There isn't a plan after 2024. The study would encompass streets, water and sewer infrastructure. Interim Public Works Director/City Engineer Blomstrom explained paving condition ratings, water system rating systems and the need for an asset management program to set city priorities for repair and investment. Councilmember McClung felt the City needs to start looking further out with the best possible information. He is in favor of a study. Staff was directed to bring the infrastructure study back as a work session item. Councilmember Holmes said the dog park at Perry Park needs improvements. The infield needs to be cleaned up, it is dirty and muddy. Possibly plant a few trees for shade. Mayor Grant asked if the Public Works employees would be able to work on it. Public Works Superintendent Frid said they could the fix infield, but the outfield will still be wet. Finance Director Bauman noted that there will still be issues with the PIR Fund and the Public Safety Capital Fund. They could possibly reduce the transfers to the EDA and Equipment Replacement funds and increase into the PIR and Public Safety Capital funds. Councilmember Holmes recommended they get rid of the EDA transfer. City Administrator Perrault offered other suggestions for fund transfers. Bonding discussion ensued. Councilmember McClung felt short term fund transfers are a band -aid approach and a long term ideas need to be addressed. If items are placeholders can they be pushed out a year, or can staff determine when items will actually be needed? Sometimes placeholders make things look worse.