08-13-2012 Council Special Work Session Minutes

Home Search

CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL WORK SESSION August 13, 2012 APPROVED 46 4. Transfer of Expenses from Utilities (e.g. motor fuels, repairs)—Administrator 47 Karlson noted that Mr. DeGardner will be studying the possibility of transferring some 48 expenses but again it won't have a large impact. Director Rolek added that there is 49 justification for such a transfer since enterprise funds should be carrying expenses related 50 to their operation. 51 52 The mayor asked for an update on snow removal costs and Mr. DeGardner first warned 53 that the year isn't yet complete but suggested that if there is no requirement for snow 54 removal for the rest of 2012 or perhaps never outside of regular hours,there could be cost 55 savings. 56 57 The council discussed plans for police car replacement. Police Chief Swenson outlined 58 the plans for replacement as well as required equipment for the cars; the department will 59 be able to utilize forfeiture funds for a portion of the equipment. 60 61 5. Positions Eliminated 2010-2012—Administrator Karlson-noted a list prepared 62 indicating the history of eliminated positions,totaling almost 13. Clearly personnel is a 63 large part of the city budget and the management team is reviewing options. Mr. Karlson 64 stated that additional personnel cuts would impact the ability to deliver services in a 65 noticeable way. Council Member Roeser suggested exploring opportunities for services 66 for less cost; the janitorial change has worked out and he also suggests considering 67 sharing or selling services with other cities that creates an economy of scale. Public 68 Services Director DeGardner pointed out that public works staff is well cross trained so 69 contracting for individual services doesn't pan out well. 70 71 Summary of discussion - The budget gap was determined to be about 5.8% of the budget 72 and Council Member O'Donnell suggested a challenge to staff to deal with that, including 73 going to the labor unions for their participation in addressing the gap. Administrator 74 Karlson suggested that there will not be a"magic bullet"and personnel and services are 75 where things will probably have to land. The mayor called_for recommendations and- 76 options so that the council can make the decisions; the options should total more than the 77 gap so there is room for decisions. 78 79 The meeting was adjourned at 9:25 p.m. 80 81 These minutes were considered,-corrected and approved at the regular Council meeting held-on 82 August 27, 2012. 83 84 85 86 __i• _ _ _ A_ 87 Ju i; e Bartell, 1 ity - k Jeff R.in-rt. Mayor 88 2