08-12-24-SWS - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—AUGUST 12, 2024 6 Tessia Melvin said no. She would have to cost that out with the Finance Director to project those costs. Her goal is to figure out the pay philosophy and how fast Council wants to move. Then she can project all of those costs for budgeting purposes. She said they could project that out for all four options,but that cost could fluctuate based on new hires and separations. Mayor Grant also pointed the future cost of living adjustments aren't known so that will change any projections. Tessia Melvin added that the step increases happen on anniversary dates. So the budget impact will be staggered. Councilmember Monson stated she didn't think it was necessary to go beyond year one as there is too much movement. She likes Option 1. Mayor Grant summarized that three members like Option 1, with 2 members preferring Option 2, with some adjustment. He asked if everyone was okay with having it on the next City Council agenda. Councilmember Monson asked if it would be on consent. Councilmember Holden does not think this item should be on consent. She thinks people should know that staff are worthy of this pay increase. She thinks there should be a presentation. Councilmember Fabel agreed because a lot of people don't understand the step and grade, if they are not in the public sector. B. Legislative Priorities Interim City Administrator Jagoe stated that the Council requested to discuss legislative priorities. She pointed to the most recent Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). In the past Council has selected projects that they thought were good candidates for state funding. If the Council selects projects they want to pursue for future state funding, staff requests discussion on priorities. Interim City Administrator Jagoe pointed out the memo outlined various agreed upon processes, if the Council wants to mirror similar processes. She noted it is unclear if there will be a bonding bill next year. The agenda focused on priorities related to bond funding and larger capital projects. If Council wants to give priority to other legislative priorities staff can pass that on. Council may also wish to hire an outside lobbyist to assist in obtaining bond funding. Interim City Administrator Jagoe updated that Council requested that staff invite the state representatives to attend a future meeting. Those invitations were extended and are scheduled for the November 251h meeting. She asked for discussion. Mayor Grant said the memo is written as if 2026 is the bonding year but he thought funds may be available for 2025. He thinks it's not inconceivable that the legislature will choose to have a bonding year this year and double up with 2026. Councilmember Holden thought they will not skip two years. There will be a bonding or cash bill next year.