07-31-2017 Council Budget Work Session Minutes

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION July 31, 2017 APPROVED 134 an explanation of the group's work; the Hampton Inn in Lino Lakes is happy with the 135 benefit they receive of that group's work. 136 137 Community Development — Administrator Karlson explained that the salary for the 138 Community Development Director is below market, based on his research. He is 139 requesting a 3% market adjustment to bring that salary more in line with the market as 140 well as representing the value that the current director brings to this city. Mayor Reinert 141 recommended that the council take a look at the information presented on that topic. 142 143 Environmental — Director Grochala explained the drop in temporary help. 144 145 Solid Waste — Director Grochala first noted that the funds come from Anoka County; 146 there is a drop due to the city's drop in participation in some programs. 147 148 Forestry — Director Grochala explained that most of the increase relates to the Emerald 149 Ash Borer program. Mayor Reinert asked that Environmental Coordinator Asleson set up 150 a program for tree planting/replacement (with help from the DNR). Council Member 151 Rafferty asked that staff look ahead at helping residents through the loss of trees; Director 152 Grochala remarked that it would probably get real big, real fast. 153 154 Police Department —Chief Swenson explained that one addition reflects a grant officer 155 where the grant is ending in September 2018; in 2019 and ahead there will be no grant 156 funding for that position. He also noted that the third CSO position is included in the 157 budget but that is still under evaluation as far as need (about $25,000 cost). When asked 158 where the grant officer would be assigned, Chief Swenson said it would be based on 159 where the shift assignment is needed most. Council Member Manthey remarked that he 160 wants to review the full police budget and have more understanding on the roles, 161 including how responding to fire calls is impacting their work. Mayor Reinert 162 announced that the matter of the grant officer should be discussed further at the next 163 meeting. Mayor Reinert asked about the increase in supplies; Chief Swenson explained 164 the movement of small tools has an impact there however no decrease in the previous 165 budget was explained. Chief Swenson was also asked to explain the increase in travel 166 and tuition; it is mainly based on additional state training mandates. It was noted that 167 LMCIT insurance cost has gone up and the council discussed other options; 168 Administrator Karlson mentioned the benefits of the League's plan. 169 170 Director Cotton noted the personnel information and the proposed increase of one 171 position. Director DeGardner explained that the utilities function needs an additional 172 position based on increased needs and in consideration of the amount of work they do on 173 government buildings. It would be enterprise funded and the duties are included in the 174 information before the council. 175 176 Fire Department — Chief Swenson reviewed the requests. In consideration of continuing 177 requests for additional equipment (dryer, phones), Council Member Kusterman suggested 178 it would be a good area to set up to a fund that saves for future expenses. 0