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<br /> ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION MINUTES <br /> June 20,2005 5 <br /> . <br /> City Engineer Brown noted that the cost overrun would have been worse if the original sidewalk <br /> plan had not been modified. <br /> Councilmember Holden asked how close the CIP budget will be with thc Lexington Avenue and <br /> Red Fox/Grey Fox projects going on simultaneously. <br /> City Engincer Brown said that they appear to be within budget at this time. <br /> Councilmember Larson asked if the City would bc better off bidding PMP projects in the winter <br /> months. The City may be able to get better pricing at this time of the year. <br /> City Enginecr Brown said that the 2006 PMP project is schedulcd to be bid out this winter. Wc <br /> will be able to see if we get bettcr pricing at that time. <br /> Finance Director Murtuza Siddiqui stated that a budget amendment would be needed by the City <br /> Council in the future to cover the cost overruns for the Lexington Avenue proj ect. <br /> 2006 Budl!et Caleudar-Budl!et Diseussion <br /> Finance Director Murtuza Siddiqui provided the City Council with an overview of the 2006 <br /> . budgeting process. At this time, the State Legislature is in session and there has been no <br /> decision reached regarding levy limits. The following factors have been identified that may <br /> influence thc 2006 budget. They are the following: <br /> . Tax Levy-3% Proposal <br /> . Overall budget increases for 2006 <br /> . Salaries and Benefits-Employec step increases/COLA increase <br /> . Increase in employee benefit costs <br /> . Five Year Capital Improvement Plan <br /> . Highway 96 Landscaping <br /> Councilmember Larson suggested that the City explore new ways to fund improvements to the <br /> park system. The currcnt parks improvement fund is under $200,000. <br /> Mayor Aplikowski asked what is the replacement schedule for playground equipment. <br /> Operations and Maintenance Director Tom Moore said that the City replaces playground <br /> equipmcnt on an average of 12 to 15 years. <br /> Councilmember Holden requestcd that the Northwest Youth and Family Services be included in <br /> the City's budget for 2006 and she mcntioned that Councilmember Grant requested that pay <br /> increases for the City Council be discussed in this year's budget. <br /> . Councilmember Larson said that pay is not the deciding factor rcgarding why we are City <br /> Councilmembers. Although, it is an item worth discussing in the future. <br /> 5 <br />