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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL— SEPTEMBER 23, 2024 8 Finance Director Yang reported these positions were included in the budget. Councilmember Holden commented she disagreed with waiting to implement the Public Work Lead position. She indicated right now the City had salary savings from the City Administrator and the permit position. She recommended the lead position be appointed ASAP. She noted right now the City had a member of the public managing a contract on behalf of the City. Councilmember Rousseau questioned when the City could have a lead position in place. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen indicated he would like to do some sort of interview process but he could begin this process as soon as possible. Mayor Grant commented it was true the City Administrator had moved on to a new career and the City's permit tech has moved on as well. He noted he did not want any salary savings but rather wanted City Hall to be fully staffed. Councilmember Monson questioned what the impact would be of pulling in a lead position in 2024. Finance Director Yang stated with the City Administrator position open, there would be funding available to assist with this. However, she noted there was a revenue shortfall that the Council would have to consider. Councilmember Monson indicated she was open to amending her motion in order to bring the lead position on board ASAP. Interim City Administrator Jagoe asked for clarification of the scope regarding recruitment for the Public Works lead position as it relates to the preliminary budget discussion item. City Attorney Bjorkness stated this could be within the scope of this agenda item. Councilmember Fabel explained this discussion has to do with the 2025 budget. He recommended the Council move forward with impacts on the 2025 budget, versus creating expenditures for 2024. Mayor Grant reported this is a valid point. Councilmember Holden agreed, noting the Council could provide staff with direction to recruit and hire new lead position and information could be brought back to the Council at their next meeting. Councilmember Monson stated she could support the Council moving in this direction. She indicated she would not amend her motion, but rather would provide staff direction during Council/Staff Comments to begin the hiring process for the lead position. The motion carried (5-0). Mayor Grant commented on moving specific line items within the budget and listed a few.