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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION - SEPTEMBER 15, 2008 13 Mayor Harpstead indicated the Finance Committee was presented with a document that was not finished, poorly formatted. He admitted there was poor communication across committees. Councilmember McClung indicated he was unaware of the complications between these committees because he was not a liaison. He stated major items being discussed by these committees should be brought to the attention of the City Council. Councilmember Holden encouraged the other Councilmember's to read the committee meeting minutes. Assistant City Administrator Simon indicated he could place the committee agendas and minutes in the Admin Update. Mayor Harpstead this would be a fairly simple way to address this concern. Mayor Harpstead explained a good way to increase communication between the Council and the committees would be to work with the committees at the first of the year to discuss upcoming issues and annual objectives. He noted this may be more beneficial than providing direction at every meeting. Councilmember Grant stated if the Council provides direction for the committees they should not be going off on tangents without further addressing the Council for input. Councilmember Holden indicated she did not want a committee or citizens group spending all their time and effort on something that does not align with the Council's direction. She felt this is where feelings are hurt and members end up quitting. Councilmember Holden explained that some guidance was needed to provide the committees with a good strong starting point. Mayor Harpstead indicated the committee members are volunteers and residents that have a voice and should be allowed to come forward and be a part of City governmental affairs with their own opinions. Councilmember Holden explained the only problem with all these opinions is that they devise plans that the Council will never approve which then makes their time on the committee a waste of time.