08-18-08-WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION - AUGUST 18, 2008 4 was funded for half of the year in 2008 along with the purchase of an additional traffic car. Councilmember Grant questioned the benefit gained by the City from the new deputy position added. Councilmember McClung agreed stating neighboring cities have raised the same concerns. Finance Director Iverson stated the City has never received an accounting of services from the Police Department as to how much of an expense an officer is to the City of Arden Hills. Mayor Harpstead stated there needs to be a better way to manage the contract in such a way that when an increase is requested, the Council can see the benefit of the increase through documentation. He eXplained that with the levy limit set at 3.9% the police contract's request was over budget. City Administrator Moorse agreed with the Council's concerns stating the City would need greater clarification of the services provided. Mayor Harpstead reviewed the contract fire service expenses. He noted the 2009 budget reflects an increase of 9.1 % or $28,251 due to the proposed addition of a Deputy Fire Chief. Councilmember McClung stated the number of calls for the City of Arden Hills has been increasing over the past few years and will continue to increase as the City was growing at a faster rate than the neighboring communities. Mayor Harpstead encouraged Councilmember McClung to challenge the Fire Board leadership to lower expenses and increase efficiency. Councilmember Grant agreed questioning what the City was gaining with the new Deputy Fire Chief position. Mayor Harpstead suggested a Council delegation present the Fire Board with the Council's concerns. Councilmember McClung indicated it may be helpful to have the Fire Chief present at a future Council meeting to address these questions and concerns.