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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—AUGUST 21, 2023 12 Councilmember Fabel stated he was concerned with how personnel costs may need to increase in order to retain employees. Councilmember Monson reported she was concerned with the fact the budget was under funded because there was very little extra included. Mayor Grant discussed how much the fire and police increases were impacting the budget and tax levy. He questioned why the Fire Department was proposing a 6% increase in one year. He supported the City going back to them and proposing a 3% increase over the next two years or a 2% increase over the next three years. Councilmember Monson stated she could go back and discuss this further with the Fire Board. Finance Director Bauman indicated she could provide the Council with a range of levy options, because the union contract would not be settled by September. Mayor Grant stated it was 8:00 p.m. and the Council has met its three hour limit. He questioned how the Council wanted to proceed. Councilmember Monson stated she would like to receive an update from staff on personnel. City Administrator Perrault indicated he could get through the final three items in 15 minutes. F. South Tower Repairs and Security Improvements Discussion Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen stated within the City's Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) the South Tower is planned for improvements in 2024. The MN Department of Health recommends that storage facilities for public water supply systems are inspected and maintained on a 5-year cycle. Public Works ordered an inspection of the South Tower that was completed Fall of 2022. The report recommendations include spot coating repairs, minor structural repairs, the addition of water stagnation system, and other improvements related to OSHA requirements. Along with the recommended repairs, it is desired to include security improvements to the South Tower with this project. Staff commented on options available to the City and explained staff will be pursuing the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) grant program to assist in funding the selected security improvements. Staff is requesting any feedback to the proposed improvements from City Council. Provided direction, staff will work with a selected consultant to submit a proposal for plans, specifications and construction administration and bring it back to Council for approval at an upcoming regular meeting Councilmember Holden supported the City having a security fence with barbed wire at the top. She indicated this was recommended by national security people as the minimum standard. She commented on how detrimental it would be to the community if the City's water were to go down. Mayor Grant commented the City may have to look at what can be done in the budget in 2024, not the expense for the upgrades may have to be spread over the next few years.