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<br />ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORKSESSION <br />November 15, 2004 <br /> <br />7 <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Recreation Supervisor Olson responded that the City does not receive many inquires regarding <br />the meeting room due to its lack of availability in the evening. It is anticipated that the City <br />would receive more interest from the public if the City had a set meeting room policy and <br />availability in the evening. <br /> <br />Councilmember Larson mentioned that most groups do not want to pay a rcntal fee. <br /> <br />Councilmember Rem asked staff if other conununities have a limitation on the number of times a <br />group can reserve a particular room. <br /> <br />Ms. Olson stated that a number of communities have implemented this policy language. <br /> <br />Councilmember Larson suggested that groups be allowed to reserve the conference room for one <br />year. <br /> <br />City Administrator Wolfe suggested that the City evaluate the reservation process for one year <br />and report back to the City Council if any problems arise. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden suggested that the City enact a cancellation fee III case the group <br />reserving the room does not show-up. <br /> <br />. Councilmember Larson asked that the rental rates be adjusted to include pcrsonneI costs. <br /> <br />City Administrator Wolfc recommended that an additional charge also be added to cover utility <br />costs. <br /> <br />City staff will incorporate the changes recommended by the City Council and bring the policy <br />back for approval at the November 29th meeting. <br /> <br />2005 Arden Hills City Bude.et <br />Finance Director Murtuza Siddiqui provided the City Council members with a brief overview of <br />the proposed 2005 budget. In 2004, the City Council approved a five year capital improvement <br />program and utility rate study that has impacted the dollar amounts in the 2005 budget. Staff has <br />taken a conservative approach in preparing this budget. The proposed 2005 budget has <br />incorporated the following assumptions: <br />1. Levy increase was limited to 4%. The 2005 levy revenue has been conservatively <br />budgeted at 98.5% in anticipation of tax petitions and other potential shortfalls. If the <br />revenue amount is higher than expected, City Council can fund other unanticipated <br />expenditures or capital improvement projects. <br />2. COLA and employee step increases have been budgeted for at 3%. <br />3. The City's contribution to health/dental benefits for both bargaining and non-bargaining <br />units has been increased to $533 per employee. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />The City's proposed budget for 2005 is $8,739,234.00. The Finance Director has also set aside <br />$44,000 for Capital Equipment replacements. <br />