01-13-25-R - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL – DECEMBER 9, 2024 11 Councilmember Holden reported she did bring up things she was not interested in funding at the previous budget meetings and she was told these matters were moving forward and it appeared the Council was not interested in hearing her comments. She indicated there was no open discussion. She commented she was now reviewing what she wanted to cut because she was not allowed to speak previously. She stated the bottom line was, she wanted to plan for items and noted the Lake Johanna and Old Highway 10 trails were in the five-year plan. She questioned why she was not allowed to voice her opinion at this meeting. Mayor Grant reported the Council has discussed the Old Highway 10 and Old Snelling project. He asked if these projects were included in the five-year CIP, including some source of funds. Finance Director Yang indicated these projects were included in the five-year CIP. Mayor Grant noted MSA funding was also discussed and when this funding would be available. Finance Director Yang reported this was the case. Mayor Grant rejected the fact that those discussions have been minimal, but noted this may be because the project was three years out. He stated in regard to the Hazelnut Park parking lot there would be negotiations with the church. He noted he met with Interim City Administrator Jagoe last week and noted staff could share what they have when they have it. He commented he was not in favor of doing the parks master plan in 2025, but the consensus was to move this item forward. He was of the opinion the City Council was making a great deal of investments in the parks in 2025. He indicated the PTRC was to identify what trail segments are missing and this could be done by using the current parks master plan as this document lists all of the trails that should be completed. He understood the current plan was old, but he recommended the current plan be fully utilized. Councilmember Rousseau asked what dollar amount Councilmember Holden and Mayor Grant wanted to cut from the budget. Mayor Grant stated he would cut the $85,000 park building, the Hazelnut Park parking lot expense had to be reduced, parks master plan was $75,000 and one FTE for the Parks and Recreation Manager was $111,000. He asked how much the levy would be reduced if these items were removed from the budget. Councilmember Rousseau asked what the cost difference would be for the Hazelnut Park parking lot. Mayor Grant stated staff may not have a good number for the parking lot. Interim City Administrator Jagoe explained $315,000 was in the budget for this project reflected the full project costs. She noted staff did not have a good idea on what the actual costs would be for the City and the church. Councilmember Fabel indicated the budget before the City Council had been carefully prepared by staff. He explained the City had tremendously professional staff members. He was of the opinion every single item in the budget was based on direction from City Council and received some discussion over the past year. He noted the additional FTE for the Public Works Department