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<br />---- ---- ------ <br />DRAFT . - -'I <br />.:iED,EN HILLS TRl)TH-IN:IAXATIQN - DE!::EM6.EB.5.1997 4 <br />Mr. Post noted the final slide in his presentation identified all City operating budgets. He also I <br /> -I <br />included in the last page of information a glossary for residents to reference in looking at the <br />information. <br />Mayor Probst stated the City is pleased to note a levy increase of only 1.91 %, and not the I <br />maximum levy limit allowed. Mayor Probst also indicated the Council was proud with the track <br />record of their predecessors and the fact that Arden Hills is one of very few cities which will be <br />able to build a City facility without a referendum for an additional levy for funding. I <br />PUBLIC COMMENTS <br />Mayor Probst invited the audience to address the Council with any matters of concern relating to I <br />the proposed 1998 Budget. I <br />Tom Lynch, 2221 HamJine Avenue, inquired as to who is responsible for the maintenance of <br />berms, street lights, etc. on roads which are inherited from the County. He was concerned where I <br />the money comes from to maintain these acquired roadways. <br />Mayor Probst noted the short answer is the money comes from the taxpayer. He noted there was I <br />an agreement that the County would return the roadways to the City in a condition of a level 90. <br />Municipal State Aid (MSA) funds are used in combination with other funds to repair the <br />roadways. .. <br />Roger Aiken, 4360 Ham/ine Avenue, presented the Secretary with a summary of his questions <br />and concerns. Roger Aiken questioned if MSA funds are identified separately in the revenues. I <br />Mayor Probst indicated all information is tracked and identified in the City records. <br />Councilmember Malone explained for the audience that Municipal State Aid is the money I <br />residents pay in gas tax and that money goes into the State, so there is a finite amount available, <br />which is dependent upon how much is received in gas tax. The funds are received by cities I <br />which meet a certain criteria for a one-time opportunity and used to help repair roadways to a <br />level referred to as 90 or an "acceptable" level. In answer to the question, '"Will the funds be <br />able to support the cost of maintenance of the roads forever?", the answer would be, "No." The I <br />responsibilities will eventually change and, in the future, the cost will come back to the full <br />responsibility of the City. <br />Councilmember Aplikowski inquired of staff about some of the property turned back by the State I <br />and County. <br />Mr. Brian Fritsinger, City Administrator, noted the City has looked at all the areas and has I <br />turned to the residents to maintain the berms and grass areas along the roadways. The City is <br />taking inventory of those larger grass areas between the roadways and, as the process moves I <br />forward and more property is turned back to the City, the City is looking at funding for more <br />equipment to support the maintenance of the those larger areas. -. <br />Lois Rem, 1670 Glenview Court, inquired if the Gateway project would have an effect on Tax <br />Increment Financing (TIF). I <br />