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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION SEPTEMBER 20, 2010 3 Councilmember Holden asked what's being planned for raises. Superintendent Hoverman explained that most of their staff members are on two -year contracts and that their raise will depend on where that staff member is in the contract period. The school district's goal is to stay competitive with wages so they can retain quality staff members. Councilmember Holden questioned if they are granting raises, what are they planning to cut to stay in a maintenance position with their budget. Councilmember Grant commented he hoped that when considering any possible future repurposing of schools that Valentine Hills Elementary would remain open as it is an asset to our City. Mr. Tynjala explained that the district is currently at capacity and does not have any immediate plans for additional down sizing. Mayor Harpstead encouraged the district to look at joint agreements as a cost saving measure; such as exploring mechanisms at staff level regarding program fees. After some discussion, the Council suggested the school board come to a regular Council meeting and make a brief presentation regarding the levy so that residents will have an opportunity to see the information on a televised meeting. 2.B Trinity Lutheran Church Hazelnut Park Land Purchase Request City Administrator Klaers explained that the Council discussed the proposal from Trinity Lutheran Church and their appraisal at their July 19 worksession. At that time, Council directed Staff to continue discussions with the Church on the possible sale of the property, but indicated that they felt the appraisal value was too high given the assumption regarding the highest and best use for the property and the fact that the configuration of the property posed a significant challenge to subdividing it. The Council directed Staff to make a counter offer to the Church for $174,000. City Administrator Klaers explained that Staff met with representatives of Trinity Lutheran Church and provided them with the Council's position. The purpose of this worksession discussion is to give Milly Bruss and Patricia Nygaard, representatives from the Church, an opportunity to present the Church's goals and position and to give Staff direction on the next course of action. Patricia Nygaard, member of the Trinity Lutheran outreach committee, reviewed the history of this topic stating that the Church owns 4 3/4 acres at this site with the back portion of the property having been preserved for a school. The Church has now decided not to build a school and would like to sell the excess property to the City. They did involve the neighborhood residents in this proposal by hosting a neighborhood meeting. The Church believes that a park is the highest and best use for the additional property. They hired Seve Hasch to determine what is