08-09-2021 Council Minutes (3) - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL WORK SESSION APPROVED 44 - Advertising, Printing and Publishing — Ms. Cotton pointed out that staff has found 45 that advertising on social media has been the most effective tool in recruiting for 46 positions and moving toward that effort is reflected in the proposed budget; 47 - Contracted Services — Councilmember Stoesz remarked that the total of 48 contracted services throughout the budget totals $684,000 and he wonders if those 49 contracts are reviewed/renegotiated regularly; Ms. Cotton reviewed a few 50 contracts to explain how they vary in how they can be renegotiated or if it's 51 appropriate; she considers it staff s responsibility to stay on top of the contracts 52 they manage and make sure the City continues to get the best for the money; 53 - Elections — when the mayor questioned the reduction, Ms. Lynch explained that 54 the base budget is 2020 and in 2022 there will be two fewer elections; 55 - Cable TV — Ms. Cotton noted the service of a video tech is now provided through 56 NorthMetro TV rather than as a City function; 57 - Charter Commission — the council was informed that the budget has been 58 developed based on staffs best estimate of the levy (state law authorizes a 59 percentage); the commission's costs have been low the last few years and the 60 remaining budget returns to the general fund surplus; 61 - Finance Department — credit card fees for the new credit card system are included 62 but as an estimate because staff doesn't know how much that new service will be 63 utilized; 64 - County Assessor Contract — cost has been reduced based on county staff 65 innovations in the assessment process; Councilmember Stoesz remarked that the 66 City may reach a point where it isn't cost efficient to outsource the services and 67 he hopes staff will monitor for that; 68 - Criminal Attorney — the contract is five years (at a static cost); new contract brings 69 an increase but the fees are set again for five years; 70 - WSB Retainer — Mr. Grochala noted that some funding will be coming from the 71 storm water utility; there will be additional billings for specific work; 72 - Anoka County Aerial Photography — Mr. Grochala explained that new flyover 73 photos are created every couple years by the county; there is a charge to 74 developers (per property) devoted to this cost; 75 - Police Services — The mayor would like to remove the line item for Alexandra 76 House (he supports their work but feels it is a service not appropriate for city 77 funding); Director Swenson noted that Alexandra House would like to come 78 before the council to speak on the services they provide (he noted that other 79 Anoka County cities are providing funding to them) (later in the meeting a 80 majority of councilmembers requested to hear from Alexandra House); 81 - Small Tools — the specifications provided for replacement computers would be for 82 new units; staff indicated that the units are about four years old so replacement is 83 recommended; Councilmember Cavegn noted his experience indicates that 84 computers do not need to be replaced after just four years; Councilmember Stoesz 85 remarked that a lease agreement is another option; 86 - Zoom Fees — Administrator Cotton is keeping an eye on user fees; the Public 87 Safety division continues to utilize Zoom for some functions;