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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION-AUGUST 17 2009 13 Mayor Harpstead questioned how many of the employees took advantage of the group health plan. Finance Director Iverson stated all employees used the plan at this time. Councilmember McClung questioned when the final numbers would be known. He stated he would not support the worst case numbers and was hoping it would come back much lower than projected. Finance Director Iverson stated the final numbers would be known mid to late September. She reviewed the health care plan in detail with the Council including the current co-pays and deductibles. Mayor Harpstead stated that with a zero percent increase in COLA he felt the increase in health care expenses was reasonable. It was the consensus of Council to review this item further when the numbers come back in September. Councilmember Grant questioned why there was a substantial increase in the recording secretary expense for 20 10. Finance Director Iverson stated the City will go over budget in 2009 due to an increase in meetings and the length of the meetings. Because of this, the City staff has increased the budgeted amount $5,000. Councilmember Grant asked how this item could be managed or if it would continue to increase exponentially each year. Mayor Harpstead stated it could be managed by having shorter meetings and fewer of them. Finance Director Iverson explained that in the past, the recording secretary did- the Council meeting with the Assistant City Administrator completed the work sessions. However, at this time, all meetings are being sent to the recording secretary due to the decrease in City staff. She indicated there was a great deal of TCAAP meetings, which increased the need for recording secretary services. Mayor Harpstead felt it was cheaper to have someone proficient complete the meetings, versus hiring additional staff.