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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL - June 12,2000 4 . Councilmember Larson stated that the budget process review spreadsheet did not carry voting machines over to the 5-year total. Mr. Post stated there has been some discussion under way with regard to a purchase of all the machines by Ramsey County to be rebilled back to cities. He added this is still under review. Councilmember Grant asked how many computers and servers are represented in the budget increase. Mr. Post stated that most of the City oflices' computers were purchased two years ago and are on a three-year cycle of replacement. He added that with the new City Hall facility, networking configurations might change dramatically. Mayor Probst asked which expenditures within the capital plan are supported by the levy. Mr. Post stated that the General Fund departments are supported in large part by the levy. He added, for instance, the City Hall project would not be supported by levy funds. Councilmember Larson asked what the average return for the City Hall project investment will be. Mr. Post stated the return will be approximately 5-112% to 6%. Councilmember Larson stated the net cost would be an additional I % or 1-1/2%. Councilmember Grant asked whether City staff anticipates using chip seal in connection with the Pavement Management Program. Mr. Post stated that the chip seal product will be used on 2000 Seaicoating Project streets and the results evaluated later. . Mr. Lynch stated, from a staffing perspective, he would wish to see the position of Community Development Director filled. He added that the functions for that position would be project coordination, management of technology, and management of consultants and contractors. He noted this person would oversee the Building Official and City Planner among other personnel. Mr. Lynch stated that another position to be filled is that of part-time Building Inspector. He added that Shoreview's Inspector will be unable to assist further in 2000 on a part-time basis, and the position should be filled. He noted that an intern or non-traditional employee classification might be considered. Mr. Lynch asked whether the Council had any feelings on a budget levy increase. Mayor Probst stated that his interpretation was an interest in seeing a 0% increase represented but accepting the possibility that 3% might be necessary. I-Ie added he was interested having an understanding of what a zero increase baseline would represent in operating costs. Councilmember Aplikowski stated that the City can not maintain a 0% increase and expect to accomplish anything. She addcd she would favor a 3% levy increase rather than no increase out of principle . Councilmember Rem stated that an expectation of how much the City will have by the end ofthe year will affect a levy increase vote. She added that a 0% increase would mean dropping items from the Council's agenda.