05-15-23-WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — MAY 15, 2023 14 Councilmember Monson asked if Councilmember Holden could put something on the agenda that was written in an actionable way. Councilmember Holden said not everything is written that way now. Councilmember Monson wondered what it would take for Councilmember Holden to support how this would work so it also works for residents. She attempted but maybe someone else want to work with Councilmember Holden to find a solution. Councilmember Rousseau thought they should consider continuing the conversation with the League of Minnesota Cities. Mayor Grant stated that if an actionable item is to spend more than the city administrator's spending limit then it needs to be specified up front in a motion; $7, 500 unbudgeted or $10,000 budgeted. Councilmember Monson said she didn't have an opinion on that but thought he was circling back around actionable being what staff couldn't make decisions of on their own, so if staff felt they needed direction that would be actionable. Mayor Grant said he was trying to get out of making motions to spend city funds that would go beyond a certain dollar amount. Councilmember Monson said Councilmember Holden mentioned that a lot of actionable items use staff time. Mayor Grant said he would consider that to be an expenditure of funds. Councilmember Rousseau's comment was not lost and this is scheduled to be a part of the discussion with the League of Minnesota Cities. Everyone seems to agree on having a deadline and a fiscal policy to articulate how much money is in a proposal, but they are still not all there on how things get on the agenda. He wasn't sure that he was comfortable with two or more councilmembers needing to approve an item to get on the agenda. He asked if they were comfortable taking this to the League. Councilmember Fabel said he was open to discussion but there may also be a motion coming up at the upcoming meeting. Mayor Grant asked if they could agree that as a council they need to agree before bringing it forward. Councilmember Fabel said they had substantial consensus now. Mayor Grant asked if Councilmember Fabel was saying they were going to do the same 3-2 vote. Councilmember Fabel said he has tried to be easy about it but he wanted to change the way in which the agenda is established. It has been run by the mayor for a long time and he has found that unsatisfactory since he has been on the Council, and felt it would be better managed if they proceed in a more formal manner, along the lines of some other cities. He thought it should be put out there to see if the Council wants to accept a change or not. Council could say the they're happy having the mayor run everything. He has seen the Mayor exercise prerogatives putting