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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION-AUGUST 17 2009 12 <br /> Councilmember McClung stated that the position has been vacant for at least a <br /> year with the City doing fine. He felt the position could remain but that it should <br /> not be funded. <br /> Mayor Harpstead indicated in the area of human resources the City could use <br /> assistance but does not warrant a full time position. He suggested three-fourths of <br /> the funds be removed and allow staff the opportunity to use the remainder to <br /> resolve the HR issues. <br /> Councilmember Holmes suggested that the funds be set aside for consultants to <br /> cover the TCAAP expenses and for an HR assistant. <br /> Mayor Harpstead agreed with this suggestion but added that he would like to see <br /> some cost savings over the full time position if consultants are used. <br /> Councilmember Grant agreed as well noting the position should be removed and <br /> that consultants would benefit the City through cost savings. <br /> Mayor Harpstead questioned if the funds should be eliminated for Red Fox/Gray <br /> Fox. <br /> Councilmember Holden stated she wanted this issue to be addressed to have the <br /> property ready when the market turns. She indicated that she would be in favor of <br /> the assistant city administrator salary going into a pool of funds for consulting. <br /> It was the consensus of Council to put half of the assistant city administrator's <br /> salary into consulting and the other half be removed from the budget. <br /> Councilmember Holden then discussed the group insurance. She questioned if <br /> the increase would be $90 per month for the City or $90 per month for each <br /> employee. <br /> Finance Director Iverson stated the insurance was expected to increase by 10%, <br /> which equated to $90 per month per employee. She explained that the increase was <br /> divided in half with the City paying half and the employees paying the other half. <br /> The increase may be less than 10% but that this was the projection at this time. <br /> Finance Director Iverson indicated that she was also seeking bids from an <br /> insurance co-op, to see if the City can receive a better price. <br />