02-22-2021 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION DRAFT 6 stipend, providing services on a voluntary basis through a Memo of Understanding 224 attached to their labor contract; if the need for cross trained officers ends, then the stipend 225 would probably end also. 226 227 Mayor Rafferty suggested allowing staff to continue their approach of reviewing 228 options. The council will receive a report back. 229 230 5. Charter Commission Expenditures – Administrator Cotton reviewed her 231 written report on Charter Commission expenditures. The Commission is requesting an 232 increase in their budget based on a recent state law amendment allowing an increase in 233 charter commission expenses that are reimbursed by municipalities. If the authorized by 234 the council, the additional funds would be designated from the contingency fund in the 235 amount indicated in the report. The commission has not indicated that they have a 236 specific use but would like the funds to be available. 237 238 Councilmember Lyden noted that the amount allowed to charter commissions under state 239 law hasn’t increased probably since the 1960’s. Also he asked how much has the Lino 240 Lakes Charter Commission returned because they haven’t used funds in past years. City 241 Administrator Cotton replied that the commission has returned about $12,000 to the 242 general fund in the last six years. Councilmember Lyden noted the previous amount 243 allowed ($1,500) and how difficult it is for a charter commission to actually engage an 244 attorney at that amount. He supports the Commission’s request. 245 246 The council confirmed that if the funds aren’t used within the year, they would return to 247 the general fund. 248 249 When Mayor Rafferty asked, why provide the funds now and instead wait to see if they 250 need the funds? Administrator Cotton explained that the Commission has some concern 251 that they’d had to come to the council in order to have the funds become available. 252 Mayor Rafferty said he is hesitant because the Commission can make the request when 253 necessary. 254 255 Councilmembers Cavegn, Stoesz, Ruhland and Lyden expressed support. A budget 256 amendment will be brought forward for council action. 257 258 6. Council Updates on Boards/Commissions: 259 260 Mayor Rafferty – VLAWMO is working on employee health plans; 261 Councilmember Stoesz – NorthMetro TV will be seeing some new membership; 262 Councilmember Ruhland – Anoka County Law Enforcement; John Swenson is stepping 263 down as secretary; otherwise normal actions 264 265 7. Review Regular Agenda 266 267