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ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — SEPTEMBER 9, 2024 14 Councilmember Monson asked when the first bond payment will be made. Finance Director Yang said the first bond payment would be in February 2026. Discussion ensued regarding the need for a public hearing to keep residents informed. Mayor Grant said the fire station is going to happen. He said the Public Works staff updates are likely but is not as certain as the fire station. Councilmember Monson said either option is unpalatable. Mayor Grant said that point is well taken. He would like to separate needs and wants, for lack of a better way to phrase it. He noted the fire station is an absolute need. Finance Director Yang clarified that Scenario 3 would be if the City levies for the new fire station, rather than using franchise fees. Mayor Grant would prefer to see the fire station become Scenario 2 and would like Scenario 3 to include Scenario 1, plus the fire station, plus Public Works. Councilmember Rousseau likes the scenarios laid out as they are. She noted four councilmembers support franchise fees going to the fire department. Mayor Grant agreed with that reasoning. Councilmember Holden thought Scenario 4 should be higher on the list because the City has received two grants. She asked if the county has raised the amount they will give. Public Works Director and City Engineer Swearingen said they will. They haven't provided the exact amount yet. Councilmember Monson would like to look at the baseline numbers. She understands the permit software conversion is included. She wondered if that can be pushed. She would like Staff s opinion on what else could be pushed. She would like to get the baseline amount lowered and then discuss what else could be swapped around, within these scenarios. Public Works Director and City Engineer Swearingen said the street maintenance program could be flexible. Those projects could be scaled back because they already have the initial chip seal layer down so it wouldn't affect the life of the road. The proposed project is a sealant over that initial chip seal. He could reduce the amount by $75,000 and feel comfortable. Councilmember Holden asked if everyone has reviewed the Master Park Plan. She wondered what could be postponed. Councilmember Monson had considered bringing in the proposed Parks Manager position later in the year.