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ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION— SEPTEMBER 9, 2024 7 Councilmember Holden noted her discussions at Nite to Unite were with a lot of residents who have small kids. She doesn't think there are a lot of families running from park to park. She thought maybe the older kids do, but crossing County Road E is difficult. She didn't hear the request for different concept designs out of her discussions. Mayor Grant asked if Councilmember Holden is in favor of the modular designed park. Councilmember Holden said she is willing to see a nature-based concept plan by November. She wants Freeway Park to have something next year. Mayor Grant said the hard-court improvement will make sure that park gets something. Councilmember Holden stated a three-year-old isn't going to be interested in a hard-court. Mayor Grant summarized that Arden Oaks will move forward, as well as Freeway Park fencing and hard-court. A work session discussion is forthcoming regarding what features could be included in a composite nature park. He wondered if there is a list of residents who attended the open house. Staff confirmed there was a sign in sheet. Councilmember Holden said there is a neighborhood email. Bryce Shearen said he would need a couple weeks to pull some examples together and he will send it to staff as soon as possible. Public Works Director and City Engineer Swearingen requested specific direction. He asked if the nature options should be brought to Council in a work session or should the information be sent in an email prior to public engagement. Mayor Grant wants Council to have a chance to look at what the options are. Councilmember Holden asked what the budget amount is, that we are requesting options for. Public Works Director and City Engineer Swearingen said they will request that they stay within the original $150,000 budget. B. Comp and Class Study Update Tessia Melvin began the discussion by stating that nothing has changed from the previous discussions. She said Council has selected the pay philosophy and pay grid. Three steps will be cut from the bottom of the grid and three will be added to the top. Next steps are implementation. She anticipates that with the change in City Administrator, there will likely be some savings as the previous Administrator was maxed out and a new one would most likely be hired around the third step range. Councilmember Holden disagreed. She stated it's hard to find a good City Administrator and usually the offer must be high.