11-05-2012 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION November 5, 2012 APPROVED 134 been advertised and applications are coming in and he hopes to have a person on board by 135 the first of the year. The Deputy Clerk is retiring at the end of the year and, after 136 studying the situation,he believes the best option is to replace the position. In looking at 137 personnel available at city hall,he feels there are people qualified through their 138 experience to fill the job internally. Filling the position in-house will affect other areas, 139 such as moving one person to full time, changes in staffing the front desk and fording a 140 part-time human resources person. There is no increase in the budget anticipated. 141 142 The council discussed the need to fill the vacant Planner position, including possibilities 143 such as utilizing planning services through WSB or other means to fulfill needs. 144 Community Development Director Grochala outlined current and anticipated needs and 145 costs and explained his responsibility in managing the planner as well as revenue lost by 146 using an outside planner resource. The council asked that staff check on the possibility of 147 utilizing WSB for the necessary services. Mayor Reinert asked that however the position 148 is filled, he wants to see services that are a good fit for this city. 149 150 Administrator Karlson updated the council on proposed health care rates; the city's 151 current provider(Medica) is offering a very favorable rate. That will be a$17,000 152 savings to the proposed budget. He mentioned other changes proposed to the health care 153 programs (decrease in city contribution for deductibles and lower cash option payment). 154 155 5. Audit Services for 2012—Finance Director Rolek reviewed the city's recent request 156 for proposals (RFP)process and the results. Included in the request was a separate 157 proposal related to audit services for the Centennial Fire District. All firms met the city's 158 requirements. The proposals are quite close in cost so Mr. Rolek recommends that the 159 city retain the current provider, Clifton Allen unless the council wishes to make a change. 160 Mayor Reinert indicated that a change in services to the Fire District will not occur since 161 his proposal on that subject was voted down by the Board. Council Member Rafferty 162 noted that a continuing effort to RFP for best services such as in this case is much 163 supported and saves the city money. The council heard about the value of continuity in 164 who works on the services and concurred to remain with Clifton Allen. 165 166 6. Traffic Accidents/Deer—Public Safety Director Swenson recalled that the council 167 requested a report on deer management and impact on traffic accidents. He has reviewed 168 an archery deer hunt program through Ramsey County in Maplewood. He has gathered 169 count information as much as possible through county and state data. The number of 170 car/deer collisions as well as deer numbers has actually decreased since 2002. Anoka 171 County currently allows archery hunting in the park area and has traditionally met their 172 goals. Options would be to change the city's regulation to expand beyond archery to 173 firearms (not recommended by the chief), or expand regulations to allow archery in the 174 area where it currently isn't allowed. Staff was directed to work with Anoka County on 175 bringing the harvest numbers up and additional signage as necessary. 176 177 7. Otter Lake Road Extension Update—Community Development Director Grochala 178 updated the council on plans for the extension project. Appraisals are complete, a 4