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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION _ JANUARY 13,2025 Councilmember Monson asked if the Council has an appetite to open sponsorship from businesses within our parks. Businesses and Employers may want to provide funding for parks. She knows other cities do it. She understands there are pros and cons but it could bring in extra money while highlighting Arden Hills businesses. Councilmember Holden said she always thought it was a good idea but the City Attomey said we aren't allowed to go out and beg for money. If a business gives $20,000 for the parks then brings something forward, they will expect something in return. Mayor Grant said that was before Boston Scientific built the Cummings Park shelter. Councilmember Rousseau said in 2017 the PTRC would send donation letters to rotating businesses every three months. Her thought is what if a tobacco store wants to sponsor. How would you make those decisions fairly. We wouldn't want a cannabis leaf on the park. Councilmember Monson thinks when looking at saving on labor, if Council is open, maybe Staff can gather information on the pros and cons. Could we limit who can ask for sponsorship. Mayor Grant said Council wants to bring it on budget but just don't know how to do that yet. Councilmember Monson said we also have to wait for the bids to come back. She asked that when the bids are received, she hopes staff will be prepared to say what options could be cut if the bids are all over the estimate and budget. Mayor Grant said it would be good to have some bid alternates. Councilmember Rousseau said if the amounts need to be reduced, after bids are received, she wouldn't be opposed to pushing the picnic tables and benches until the following year. Councilmember Holden asked if Director of Public Works/City Engineer Swearingen said that he is looking to see if Public Works staff can do the equipment removal on this project. Director of Public Works/City Engineer Swearingen confirmed. Councilmember Holden asked if that eliminates the option to use ICWC. Director of Public Works/City Engineer Swearingen said we could use both. Councilmember Holden said that is cheap. She doesn't think there is a project list for that group yet. Director of Public Works/City Engineer Swearingen confirmed. He just reached out to them a couple weeks ago to renew the contract. Mayor Grant agreed that group could provide labor for more than just wood chips. Councilmember Holden said she thought it was $800 a day for ten people. Director of Public Works/City Engineer Swearingen confirmed they are reasonable.