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Councilmember Heineman stated he is concerned about burning bridges with the City's former <br />previous coalition by forming a new coalition and new partners to move forward with. <br />Mr. Tinklenberg stated he is not saying that the City should abandon its current coalition, but the <br />combination of shared interests will be different. He added Coon Rapids and Andover might be <br />interested in the river crossing project, and the City can maintain those relationships. <br />Mayor Kuzma stated he does not see any of the $20 million going to the bridge. <br />Councilmember Riley asked whether the House is working on a bill that includes the bridge or <br />third lane projects. Mr. Tinklenberg stated they are not. He added, at this point, the City would <br />need to indicate to Senator Klobuchar that they want that, and he would encourage the City not to <br />do that. <br />Councilmember Specht stated he would like to have more conversations about the value of Mr. <br />Tinklenberg's firm for the City, and the future of the contract, and what it might look like <br />financially for the City. He added the City recently gave them an increase, and maybe that would <br />go back down. <br />Councilmember Specht stated it would be great if the $20 million comes through, but he would <br />not recommend doing anything at this point. <br />Councilmember Heineman asked when the bill was passed. <br />Mr. Tinklenberg stated the bill was passed on August 10, 2021. <br />City Administrator Ulrich stated it is a good idea to show on record the City's support for the <br />funding in the House. <br />Councilmember Musgrove stated she agrees with Councilmember Specht about having a <br />conversation about Mr. Tinklenberg's contract, after hearing about the river crossing project. She <br />added there is not enough time to address it now. <br />2.04: Continued Discussion on 2022 Budget/Levies <br />Finance Director Diana Lund stated the City Council expressed a consensus regarding the 2022 <br />budget at the last meeting to pursue a 5% increase over last year with 15% for roads. She added <br />City Staff are reviewing other items in the budget including non -union wages, contracts and current <br />charges on building related permits. <br />Administrative Services Director Lasher stated tentative agreements were reached with the <br />Sergeants group and the Captains group, and hopefully an agreement with AFSCME is <br />forthcoming. She added the Patrol group has not yet scheduled a meeting. She noted that is a big <br />part of the budget. <br />City Council Work Session / September 14, 2021 <br />Page7of15 <br />