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CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL WORK SESSION September 6, 2016 <br />APPROVED <br />221 Director Swenson asked if the first meeting should be planned for October 12 and the <br />222 council concurred. Director Swenson also asked that special topics be provided to him if <br />223 those exist. Mayor Reinert said this is about communication and getting more <br />224 information all around. <br />225 <br />226 5. 2017 Budget and Levy Discussion — Mayor Reinert said he was left with the <br />227 impression at the last discussion that there was money yet to be found but then the levy <br />228 percentage jumped. He wasn't actually aware that it was just $130,000 found rather than <br />229 the $408,000 mentioned. The council isn't as far down the road as originally thought. <br />230 The gap to maintain a flat tax rate capacity is $76,041—to remain at last year's rate. To <br />231 go to 45.5? Ms. Cotton replied $. <br />232 <br />233 Administrator Karlson distributed an ordinance that would increase the stipend for <br />234 advisory boards as requested by the council and that would also have a budget impact. <br />235 <br />236 Council Member Rafferty noted that some of the numbers given out at the last meeting <br />237 don't seem to jibe. The Human Resources consultant line item was further explained. <br />238 He also asked about consultant services that appear to be going up by $60,000 and Mr. <br />239 Karlson said it relates to Metro INET services and it is based on technology services <br />240 growing and needed. Ms. Cotton noted that the budget was underfunded this year and <br />241 noted increases related to license fees for Springbrook, utility billing, and public safety <br />242 security cameras. Also the Metro INET organization is adding new positions. <br />243 <br />244 Council Member Rafferty asked questions about health care cost budgeting, notably <br />245 within the Administration Division. <br />246 <br />247 Council Member Rafferty asked about the purchase of vehicles and noted that he will be <br />248 sending an email to staff with specific questions. There was further discussion about a <br />249 decision made by the council to cycle vehicles on a four-year schedule and the mayor <br />250 suggested that it's a topic that may be appropriate for a public safety committee meeting. <br />251 Council Member Kusterman remarked that the council has heard the reasons and <br />252 discussed that and he thinks it's not up for discussion as much as it is that either you <br />253 agree with the recommendation or you do not; it may be interesting if new information is <br />254 added such as what others are doing. As part of the discussion, the mayor remarked that <br />255 the fire equipment is being used a lot less than under the previous model; that can be <br />256 discussed and reviewed. Council Member Manthey remarked that the conversation will <br />257 bring to light the council's view as well as staff s view of the situation; it's good to have <br />258 exchange of information and to have a background for asking for information. He <br />259 doesn't want to necessarily have the path paved but wants information, communication <br />260 and understanding around decisions. <br />261 <br />262 Dale Stoesz, city resident, made a suggestion of including in the budget council member <br />263 access to Comcast. <br />264 <br />3 <br />