08-16-10-WS - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—AUGUST 16. 2010 9 2.B 2011 Budget/CIP (continued) Councilmember Holden requested staff investigate the monetary savings that could be gained by extending the summer hours to all year and turning down the heat in City buildings Friday through Sunday through the winter months. In addition the air conditioning units could be turned off in the summer months over the weekends. Park and Recreation Manager Olson explained the system was programmed to turn down at times the building was vacant but this could be investigated further. Mayor Harpstead questioned if additional fund balances could be spent down to decrease the expenditures. If possible, this would reduce the amount needed for the levy. Finance Director Iverson indicated the fund balance was at 52%. Mayor Harpstead stated the City did discuss having additional engineering completed for pending projects in case future grant opportunities were available. He noted the next step for the budget would be setting the preliminary levy limit in September. The limit presented at this time was 3.4%and could be reduced but not increased after September. Councilmember McClung requested that the City Administrator provide the Council with some options to reduce the budget by 10%. The Council had no objections to this request. Councilmember Holden questioned if the new City Administrator had any recommendations for the proposed budget. City Administrator Klaers did not have any comments at this time but stated he could provide comments to Council at the September meeting. C. Lake Johanna Fire Department Discussion City Administrator Klaers noted on May 17, a discussion was held regarding the Lake Johanna Fire Department budget and contract. At this meeting the Council raised a number of questions about the finances and future plans of the department. The Council had requested the Fire Chief respond to these questions and a written response was received in July. Councilmember McClung reviewed that the Monday through Thursday staffing extension was going forward as the department was moving to a full time duty crew. He then asked for further comments from the Council regarding the Chief s responses. All feedback would then be brought back to the Fire Board. Councilmember Holden expressed concern with the number of new fire fighters in the department and questioned if members left due to the new system, and if this continues to happen how experienced fire fighters would be retained in the department. Mayor Harpstead agreed this was a valid question and wanted to see if the new staffing model would lend itself to maintaining an experienced fire fighting staff. He understood that several fire fighters had left the Lake Johanna Department for full time work and one to complete his Masters.