11-12-91 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 12, 1991 category was $41,660 and 1992 proposed is $43,665. This area is currently over-budget for 1991, due to the expense of the Fire Department video. However, a donation was received offsetting the video expenditure. Items of significant change in this category include the way the expense for Recording Secretary is allocated between departments, as well as $1,000 being included in the Budget for Travel, Conferences & Schools. It was noted that in 1992 the League of MN Cities Annual Conference will be held in the Twin Cities, which will reduce costs for Council Members and staff's attendance. Next reviewed is the Elections category with 1991 budgeted amount at $300 and 1992 proposed budget at $4,000. The increase is due to the fact that there is an election scheduled for 1992. The Administrator also expressed concern that redistricting, as it effects Little Canada's voting precincts, may result in increased costs to the City in notifying voters of precinct changes, staffing of the polls, etc. The next category reviewed was Administration. 1991 Budget was $105,775 and 1992 proposed is $120,700. The Administrator noted that the salaries used are based on the salary scales that were developed as part of the 1991 Budget. The Administrator reported that it was his goal last year was to use these salary scales for a two-year period. The scales propose a step increase of approximately 4% for department heads and 5% for other employees, but no cost-of-living increase. The Administrator also noted that last year the Council put a cap of $31,000 on health insurance costs. Should those costs exceed $31,000 during 1992, employees will either have to pick up the cost above $31,000 or negotiate that issue with the Council. Health insurance costs will not be known until April. The Administrator noted that the accountant is proposing a 5% increase for 1992, and suggested that the City take proposals on accounting service to determine the market rate. Under the Travel & Conferences line item, the Administrator noted that his package includes an educational allowance as well as a national conference every other year, which, so far, he has not utilized. The Attorney category was reviewed next with the Administrator noting that the Attorney has indicated that hourly rates will remain the same. The Attorney is proposing to increase the civil retainer rate to $1,800 with no increase in the prosecution retainer. The Administrator reported that due to the City's financial situation, the Attorney has held the Page 3