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Worksession Minutes 4 July 21, 1994 are afraid of getting in each other's way. When asked about an impounding fee, Ruzicka said that he is not charging one as a fee was never established. It was agreed that the Council will go with Staff recommendation. Ruzicka said that the average rate is between $15 -$25, with $25 being closer to the average. He advised against setting the rate too high as owners won't pick up the dog or cat. Mayor Probst asked how many dogs are impounded in a year. Ruzicka responded that last year, he impounded 16 dogs. This year that number is less; he's having more of a problem with cats. Mayor Probst said he aoesn't want the fee to be revenue generating, but wants the fee set so that the City can recover the costs of keeping an animal. Aplikowski asked if the fee would be the same for cats; Ruzicka suggested that it should be the same for dogs and cats. Mayor Probst said that he wants the fee to be in line with other communities; likes the idea of having a"sliding scale" fee. The impounding fee would increase each time the same animal is picked up. Both Malone and Aplikowski agreed that there is a need for a licensing fee that also would include cats. Ruzicka suggested a licensing fee of $10 to run from December to December. The Council agreed to change the cunent two year $15 year license to the one year $10 license for both cat and dogs. Mayor Probst said that in order to amend the Zoning Code to fix the number of dogs allowed in a household, a Public Hearing is required. He would like to take care of all of these issues taken care of at one meeting. (That meeting has yet to be determined.) BUDGET: Terry Post reported that the preliminary 1995 budget reprssents an earlier direction of "holding the line" from Council. The Staffs budget as presented represents an increase of 2.5%. City Administrator Person reported that there are no major changes in the Mayor/Council budget except: a. Community Survey - $13,000 b. Elections -$2,500 in case,a referendum is presented in 1995 c. Legal - costs continue to increase despite attempts by Staff to limit use. d. Sheriff -(3.7% increase) Primary factors are: 1. Insurance - looking for reduction in workers' compensation, personal protection and vehicle under MCIT. This reduction may amount to several thousand dollars. 2. Rice Creek Corridor - Five cities required more coverage last year. As a result, Arden Hills may see an increase of 2% in 1996. There will be no increase for 1995. e. Fire Department - Chief Dan Winkel reported that the cost to the City will remain the same. There may be a 1% - 2% drop in capital expenditures; operating costs will be the same.