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. . . ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION - JUL Y 20. 1998 7 It was Mr. Szurek's opinion that the Joint Powers Agreement, and proposed Fire Board, should allow more questions to be asked on a regular basis, issues to be sorted and solved, and a basic rebuilding of trust between the department and cities. Staff was directed to include as a Consent Calendar item on July 27, 1998, City endorsement of the purchase of one grass rig by LJVFD that is stored at Station No.1. Mr. Szurek advised stafI and Councilmembers that a 1997 Audit report should have been received by the City, and a full detailed line item budget for 1997 and 1998 would be forthcoming. Mr. Fritsinger introduced a number of prioritization issues needing to be addressed before preliminary budget and levy adoption, and provided an opportunity for the City Council to measure the provision of City services against the Philosophy of Governance adopted as part of the I 998 Retreat. Mr. Post presented general operations expenses and key service issues for 1999, along with a revised CIP for Council review. Items discussed included police and fire protection; economic development; I-35W Corridor Coalition projects; TCAAP issues; general personnel costs; building inspection projected revenues; pavement management program scope; and parks maintenance items. General operations issued discussed included, annual temporary City Hall lease costs at 4364 West Round Lake Road estimated at $51,500; levy limits of approximately $1,910,930 (a 2.50% or $46,608 allowable increase); LP A of $11 ,235 (a $1,593 reduction from 1998); HACA of$90,683 (no change from 1998); and an increased level of tax petitions which may result in a higher planned delinquency rate than that used in 1998 (i.e., 2.0%) After considerable discussion, staff was directed to review the rate structure for the surface water management, water and sewer funds; maximize the proposed levy increase at 2.45 - 2.50% range; identify big items for possible cuts; consider a proportionate increase for LJVFD and Ramsey County Sheriff; budget ramifications of high-priority TCAAP issues; Philosophy of Governance as it relates to the budget; and provide the proposed preliminary budget at the August Worksession. CITY ISSUES - LONG TERM a. Planning Commissioner Interviews Mr. Fritsinger stated that no applications had been received at City Hall for the Planning Commission vacancy. The City may wish to interview any of the individuals who submit applications for the Planning Commission vacancy.