CCWS 11-15-2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION November 15, 2004 7 . Recreation Supervisor Olson responded that the City does not receive many inquires regarding the meeting room due to its lack of availability in the cvening. It is anticipated that the City would receive more interest from the public if the City had a set meeting room policy and availability in the evening. Councilmember Larson mentioned that most groups do not want to pay a rental fee. Councilmember Rem asked staff if other communities have a limitation on the number of times a group can reserve a particular room. Ms. Olson stated that a number of communities have implemented this policy language. Councilmember Larson suggested that groups be allowed to reserve the conference room for one year. City Administrator Wolfe suggested that the City evaluate the reservation process for one year and report back to the City Council if any problems arise. Councilmember Holden suggested that the City enact a cancellation fee in case the group reserving the room does not show-up. . Councilmember Larson asked that the rental rates be adjusted to inelude persOlmel costs. City Administrator Wolfe recommended that an additional charge also be added to cover utility costs. City staff will incorporate the changes recommended by the City Council and bring the policy back for approval at the November 29th meeting. 2005 Arden Hills Citv Budl!et Finance Director Murtuza Siddiqui provided the City Coullcil members with a brief overview of the proposed 2005 budget. In 2004, the City Council approved a five year capital improvement program and utility rate study that has impacted the dollar amounts in the 2005 budget. Staff has taken a conservative approach in preparing this budget. The proposed 2005 budget has incorporated the following assumptions: l. Levy increase was limited to 4%. The 2005 levy revenue has been conservatively budgeted at 98.5% in anticipation of tax petitions and other potential shortfalls. If the revenue amount is higher than expected, City Council can fund other unanticipated expenditures or capital improvement projects. 2. COLA and employee step increases have been budgeted for at 3%. 3. The City's contribution to health/dental benefits for both bargaining and non-bargaining units has been increased to $533 per employee. . The City's proposed budget for 2005 is $8,739,234.00. The Finance Director has also set aside $44,000 for Capital Equipment replacements.