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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 28, 2002 6 . COUNCIL CO:VIMENTS Councilmember Grant noted the importance of appointing 8 Maintenance Facility Task Force. He noted he was aware the Mayor was working on it. He added it appeared that the Ramsey County process was moving forward quickly based on Mr. Lynch's commeuts. Mayor Probst stated his commitment to have recommendations ready for thc next council mceting. He noted suggcsted scheduling time at the 'vlarch work session to discuss that on some expanded basis. He added he thinks thc .\1arch work session would be soon enough. He stated he would like to suggest some broader discussion on the Commission structure and where the City wants to do. Councilmembcr Larson asked about the City's response to the Fire Department regarding reschcduling the capital fund purchase the budget receivcd was not complete. Hc noted the budget did not have the cost of the truck replacement on it. Hc added they had a tankcr truck purchase scheduled in 2004. He stated in 2002, there was a $209,000 contribution that was part of that truck replacement. He asked iftheywcrc going to pick up both costs in this year. Mr. Lynch responded no. He stated he was only awarc of the purchase orthc generator. Councilmember Larson stated the capital cost was for a generator. He noted the issue is whether the City wanted to piek up this cost this year or wanted to usc Alliant Tech funds to be repaid . next year. Mayor Probst askcd if there was enough money to covcr both expenditLlres. Mr. LY~lCh responded the fund does have enough money in it. Mayor Probst stated that as long as the fund balance was adequate hc would rather procecd with paymcnt. Hc not cd this is what the money has been allocated for. He askcd if it would be appropriate for the City Council to offer that direction tonight. He stated if not, they should schedule a discussion at thc next meeting. Councilmember Larson stated thc purchase was agreeable to him. TIe noted this is cssentially a truck to benefit North Oaks more than the othcr two cities. He addcd that if Arden Hills obtains some high buildings he hopes there would be a similar willingness to pay for fire protection costs and additional equipmcnt needed for such larger lmildings. He asked ifthc Councilmembers agreed with the purchase. Councilmembers indicated ycs. . Councilmember Larson stated thcrc are a number of ways contributions are made to the Pension Fund at the Fire Department. Hc noted one way is through contributions the citics make. He added another one is a reqLlest by thc Fire DepaJ1ment to usc other funds. He statcd the Fire Department has requested an additional $25,000 for the Rctircment Fund from the Alliant Tech moneys. He noted that at the Fire Board mccting he asked that thcy delay that decision to make comparisons of other cities to see what is being providing in pension benefit areas. He described the table he put together. He stated he would like some guidance from the City Council on what they should be doing. He questioncd where the city ShOLrld be in relation to other cities.