03-23-2020 Council Meeting Minutes

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COUNCIL MINUTES APPROVED 82 Community Development Director Grochala noted that Building Official Patrick Moonen has served 83 the City very well and is a huge and knowledgeable resource. He also provides plan review and 84 expertise on septic systems. Knowing that there is a potential for an increase down the road (with the 85 compensation study), he believes it makes sense to retain the current employee. The only contracting 86 firm available to the City is presented in the report. They are well regarded in the field. It would likely 87 take three to four months to get through a hiring process. He noted that the cost of the services are born 88 through the City of Lino Lakes' building fees. 89 Mayor Rafferty noted that he has reviewed this situation with staff. Mr. Moonen has done a wonderful 90 job for the city. He does work in a field that generates complaints naturally. He recognizes that there 91 is a compensation study underway with recommendations coming soon. There is a budget in place. 92 He believes the $7,000 is not all inclusive with benefits, etc. He suggested that this request comes 93 during a difficult period for the City and that is concerning. 94 Councilmember Cavegn asked if the resignation is related to salary and Mr. Grochala noted that Mr. 95 Moonen found an opportunity where the salary is greater and the location closer to home. 96 Councilmember Cavegn remarked that looking at data on line, he's seen a lower salary range. 97 Administrator Karlson pointed out that the City looks at the salary range in comparable cities and the 98 City is clearly under market. Councilmember Cavegn said he isn't opposed to paying for qualified 99 employees. l00 Councilmember Ruhland asked staff to repeat the comparison of contracted costs versus the cost of 101 retaining Mr. Moonen. He also asked if the contracted services would be month to month and Mr. 102 Grochala suggested staff would set it up for four months to cover the hiring process period. 103 Councilmember Ruhland asked for more information on the cost of benefits. Mayor Rafferty noted 104 health care and pension benefits. Administrator Karlson remarked that benefits are compared 105 occasionally and the City is not unusual. Council Member Ruhland remarked that he also recognizes 106 that the timing is awful but he doesn't fault any individual for trying to get ahead. 107 Councilmember Lyden said he looked at this matter objectively and while he understands concerns that 108 have been brought forward by other councilmembers, looking at the numbers it is clear what the 109 council must do. The additional expense of contracted services is too high. He supports saving up to 110 $7200. 111 Administrator Karlson added that the quality work that Mr. Moonen offers the City is a big value here. 112 Councilmember Stoesz remarked that this is a good case to raise the salary if not for the timing. 113 Administrator Karlson remarked that the timing isn't relevant since the current pandemic emergency 114 situation will pass; the building official is charged with great responsibility to ensure building and other 115 requirements are met. 116 Mayor Rafferty said he has fully reviewed the situation and he's heard the position of staff as to the 117 importance of the position. He is very familiar with Mr. Moonen and he recognizes how difficult it is 118 to do his job well. Further he has looked at other cities. The salary survey and its data are still 119 outstanding. He cannot accept the $7,000 increase at this time but would consider something more in 120 line with what he sees in other cities. He could support something in the range of 5.5% and he asked 121 the council to consider that amount. 122 Councilmember Cavegn said he could support Option A. He also noted that he has experience in 123 hiring in his professional life and he wonders about the full story behind the resignation. In his 124 experience, offering more money doesn't often mean long term retention. N 3