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<br /> Arden Hills Council 5 December 13, 1993 <br /> . Harry Cedarholm, 1271 Ingerson Road commented he has been a <br /> resident for 21 years and he located to Arden Hills because of <br /> the commercial tax base. He expressed his concern that the city <br /> cannot represent itself on the appeal hearings. Mayor Sather <br /> stated unfortunately, many times an appeal is heard before the <br /> City is even aware an appeal has been filed. <br /> Eugene Richter questioned whether city officials have considered <br /> merging with another city for shared services. Mayor Sather <br /> noted that the city abolished the police department and now <br /> participates in shared services for police and fire protection <br /> with Ramsey County and Lake Johanna Volunteer Fire Department. <br /> The City also participates in a shared effort for park programs. <br /> Councilmember Hicks made comment that merging with another city <br /> doesn't always reduce services. He continued to note that the <br /> total mileage of roads would remain the same and the same number <br /> of vehicles such as trucks, snowplows, and sweepers would be <br /> needed. There could be a reduction in employees, but this would <br /> be minimal. Any merging with neighboring cities would <br /> financially benefit them, however, not Arden Hills. <br /> State Senator Linda Runbeck introduced herself and stated that <br /> 85% of the tax statement is allocated to the School District and <br /> . county. She further commented that the City of Arden Hills <br /> receives no Local Government Aid funding and is an extremely <br /> efficient city. <br /> Senator Runbeck questioned whether the City has ever considered <br /> joint planning sessions with the School District and the County. <br /> Mayor Sather explained that many joint planning sessions are <br /> ongoing between the County, the Army Reserve, and the National <br /> Guard to negotiate a shared public works facility. Benefits of a <br /> shared facility could be salt/sand storage, recreational programs <br /> and shared office space. In addition, current ongoing <br /> discussions include continued use of park tree programs, police <br /> and fire services. <br /> Senator Runbeck urged the residents to write to their Senators <br /> and Legislative Representatives. This is an election year and <br /> there is a major property tax reform being proposed this upcoming <br /> session that would prohibit excessive expenditures. <br /> Hearing no further comments, the Mayor and each Councilmember <br /> reflected on the budget sessions held over the past several <br /> months, addressing their individual reasons for recommending the <br /> 1994 budget as proposed. The City council believes this budget <br /> has been reduced as much as possible, however, will continue to <br /> . <br /> --- <br /> ,- <br />