CCP 02-25-2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 28,2002 6 COUNCIL COMMENTS e Councilmember Grant stated he concurred with the City Administrator's comments regarding appointing a Maintenance Facility Task Force, He noted he was aware they were working on it. He added it appeared that the process was moving forward quickly based on Mr. Lynch's comments. Mayor Probst stated his commitment to have recommendations ready for the next council meeting, He noted suggested scheduling time at the March work session to discuss that on some expanded basis, He added he thinks the March work session would be soon enough. He stated he would like to suggest some broader discussion on the Commission structure and where the City wants to do. Councilmember Larson stated concerning the City's response to the Fire Department regarding rescheduling the capital fund purchase the budget received was not complete, He noted the budget did not have the cost of the truck replacement on it. He added they had a tanker truck purchase scheduled in 2004, He stated in 2002, there was a $209,000 contribution that was part of that truck replacement. He asked if they were going to pick up both costs in this year. Mr. Lynch responded no, He stated he was only aware of the purchase of the generator. Councilmember Larson stated the capital cost was for a generator. He noted the issue is whether the City wanted to pick up this cost this year or wanted to use Alliant Tech funds to be repaid e next year, Mayor Probst asked if there was enough money to cover both expenditures, Mr. Lynch responded the fund does have enough money in it. Mayor Probst stated that as long as the fund balance was adequate he would rather proceed with payment. He noted this is what the money has been allocated for. He asked if it would be appropriate for the City Council to offer that direction tonight. He stated if not, they should schedule a discussion at the next meeting. Councilmember Larson stated the purchase was agreeable to him, He noted this is essentially a truck to benefit North Oaks more than the other two cities. He added that he stresses that if Arden Hills obtains some high buildings he hopes there would be a similar willingness to pay for fire protection costs and additional equipment needed for such larger buildings. He asked ifthe Councilrnembers agreed with the purchase. Councilmembers indicated yes. CounciIrnember Larson stated there are a number of ways contributions are made to the Pension Fund at the Fire Department. He noted one way is through contributions the cities make. He added another one is a request by the Fire Department to use other funds. He stated the Fire Department has requested an additional $25,000 for the Retirement Fund from the AlIiant Tech moneys. He noted that at the Fire Board meeting he asked that they delay that decision to make comparisons of other cities to see what is being providing in pension benefit areas, He - described the table he put together. He stated he would like some guidance from the City ,.., Council on what they should be doing, He questioned where the city should be in relation to other cities,