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ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—JULY 22, 2024 4 <br /> Councilmember Rousseau questioned if the City had been underbudgeting for playground <br /> structure replacements. <br /> Finance Director Yang indicated she could provide Councilmember Rousseau with historical <br /> information on playground expenditures. <br /> Councilmember Monson stated it would be wise to account for inflation and increased costs for <br /> playground equipment. <br /> Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen explained the City would be hosting an open <br /> house for Freeway Park in August. <br /> Councilmember Fabel requested further information regarding the annual payments for the new <br /> fire station. <br /> Finance Director Yang explained the City would be responsible for paying $375,000 annually <br /> for 20 years. <br /> Mayor Grant commented on how this payment may be different if the City were to receive <br /> additional State or federal funding. <br /> Further discussion ensued regarding the potential restructuring of the Public Works Department. <br /> Councilmember Rousseau supported further discussing this topic in order to properly plan and <br /> set budget aside for Phase 1 of this plan. <br /> Mayor Grant indicated the Council would be addressing this matter further on August 19. <br /> Councilmember Rousseau asked where a master parks plan would fit into the budget. <br /> Finance Director Yang stated this would most likely come from the CIP Fund. <br /> Councilmember Rousseau and Councilmember Monson supported placing a master parks plan <br /> in the 2025 budget. <br /> Councilmember Holden stated she would like to know more about the scope of the master parks <br /> plan. She commented the plan could be greatly impacted if TCAAP were to begin to develop. <br /> Councilmember Monson commented on the master parks plan that was completed by Mendota <br /> Heights, noting they spent around $80,000. She suggested the City set aside $100,000 for this <br /> plan. <br /> Councilmember Holden supported putting aside $50,000 until more was known about the scope <br /> of the project. <br /> Mayor Grant indicated he could support $50,000 for this project as well. <br /> Councilmember Rousseau recommended $100,000 be set aside for the plan, noting this number <br /> could always go down. She then expressed frustration with the fact the proposed restructuring <br />