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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION-AUGUST 17 2009 11 Councilmember McClung stated the City should only be concerned about being behind the matrix if every other City were increasing pay, which many are not. Councilmember Grant stated he would be in favor of keeping the pay increase at zero and worry about the matrix in the future. Mayor Harpstead and Councilmember McClung agreed. Further discussion ensued regarding the City staff positions and pay scales. Councilmember Holden expressed concern for funds being available for the old City Hall to be demolished along with the railroad bridge and pedestrian bridge over County Road E. She added that no funds were set aside for Valentine Park either. Mayor Harpstead indicated there may be funds in the capital improvement fund to cover some of these items. City Administrator Moorse explained that any money spent on the old City Hall property would be earned back when the site was sold. - Mayor Harpstead stated he would be in favor of spending the money to demolish the building and potentially recover it through the sale of the property. He felt that funds could be used through the CIP. Councilmember Holden stated the assistant city administrator position was still vacant and should be unfunded or removed from the budget. Councilmember Holmes and Councilmember McClung agreed. Councilmember McClung suggested the position be removed from the budget and the funds be captured to pay down the increase for the residents or be used to cover TCAAP expenses. Mayor Harpstead questioned what the impact was to the City of not leaving the position in the budget. City Administrator Moorse indicated it was important to maintain the funding for the position for two reasons. One, consultants may be needed for specific projects. He indicated that funds could be transferred to cover these expenses. Second, an important duty of the position is the HR piece in the long term.