03-08-2023 Workshop Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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believes that additional staff are needed particularly in community engagement and communications. Part-time staff transiting into a full-time work schedule would help address the workload issue. However frequently part-time staff wish to remain part-time because of other commitments they have outside of work. The part-time staff are good workers so the City is forced to train somebody new on a part-time bases verses take advantage of promoting a part time position to full-time. With a little more time from some staff this department would be able to build on efficiencies and hopefully get to a place where existing staff working more efficiently can handle the existing workload . 7)Are efficient operations a core value of the Little Canada culture and a discussion topic in department and with leadership, why or why not? Several staff felt like efficient operations are now a core value that leaders are committed to, both in concept and financially, and that this has not always been the case. Some staff believe that since the strategic planning sessions have begun, the Council is growing more aware of the challenges that staff are experiencing trying to be efficient and realizing that the City is behind the times with its current technology. The City still has a lot of manual processes in place, but it is promising that the City is implementing permit, licensing, code enforcement and planning software. Operational efficiency is one of the three strategies identified in the Strategic Plan so it is in many discussions and is used to support many decisions. Another staff person felt that often staff efficiencies are discussed and some improvements have been made in the last few years. At the same time, this individual recognizing that some proposed expenditures for creating more efficiencies have been cut due to budget restraints. Efficient operations have always been a core value that took a back seat to the significant expense of technology. Staff work hard and pitch in together to keep up with the workload without the needed technology. Because of not having the needed technology, staff are overwhelmed and not able to stay on top of work. Technology upgrades are helping staff to become more efficient and allowing the City to remain lean. 8)In your opinion, how well does the City communicate with residents in terms of the content, frequency and the use of various formats? What can be done to improve communication to residents? Generally speaking, staff feel that the City could be doing more to communicate with residents and most are in favor of hiring a communications position. More people should take ownership of the website ut due to heavy workloads it all falls on one person’s shoulders. This individual thought more would be helping with the website by 14 of 63