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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION-NLY 20, 2009 12 <br /> That Council was in agreement with this suggestion and stated this would assist in <br /> the upcoming policy making decisions. <br /> Councilmember Grant suggested that the plans be implemented sooner, such as <br /> 2013 to allow for greater cost savings for the cities. The Council was in agreement <br /> with this suggestion, noting it would provide more options. <br /> Fire Chief Adair stated he could rerun the numbers for this but that each city <br /> would have to be in agreement in order to implement the plan sooner. He indicated <br /> the levy limits would have to be taken into consideration if this plan were to <br /> proceed. <br /> Mayor Harpstead asked for general comments from the Council on the proposed <br /> staffing model and budget for 20 10. <br /> Councilmember Holden indicated she was in favor of the new staffing model. <br /> She expressed some concern with the budget numbers and the $15,000 budgeted <br /> for the firefighter "special events". <br /> Fire Chief Adair felt these were perks to thank the volunteers for their dedication <br /> and service to the community, with a Christmas breakfast, the steak fry and to <br /> honor retirees. He explained that these events made up for the wage paid to the <br /> volunteers. <br /> Councilmember Holmes explained that she was in favor of the new staffing model <br /> but agreed with the special events being excessive based on the current state of the <br /> economy. <br /> Fire Chief Adair felt it would be a public relations nightmare to eliminate these <br /> events. He asked that the events be respected due to the dedication and service <br /> provided by the volunteer staff. <br /> Councilmember McClung indicated he felt the events were a benefit to the <br /> volunteers and well deserved. He questioned if the new staffing model would deter <br /> people from applying as they would be receiving a pay cut. <br /> Fire Chief Adair explained that the new staffing model would allow for greater <br /> flexibility for the recruits in selecting their schedule which made it more attractive, <br /> even though the pay was reduced. He indicated the new staffing model would <br /> make the responses easier for the volunteers in the long run. <br />