04-26-2021 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION DRAFT 2 45 Public Services Director DeGardner noted that his department would be utilizing the 46 program and they’re looking forward to having one that will assist the department in their 47 operations. 48 49 Councilmember Stoesz received additional information on how long the City would be 50 committed to the program (subscription for one year anticipated). 51 52 The council thanked staff for providing the additional information. There was 53 concurrence to move forward. 54 55 2. Communications Coordinator Position – Human Resources Manager Sawyer 56 reviewed the written staff report. Creating a communications function is seen by the 57 management team as a very high priority. The recommendation is for the addition of a 58 full time communications positions. Funding for the position is proposed in the staff 59 report. 60 61 Councilmember Ruhland asked about the current cost of outsourcing the newsletter; Ms. 62 Cotton estimated the annual cost at $4,000 to $5,000. Councilmember Ruhland asked 63 about the salary range for the position and staff indicated they would begin analyzing the 64 position and formulate a recommendation that includes a salary rate if the council directs 65 this evening. Administrator Cotton explained that Ms. Sawyer has a background in 66 communications which will be very helpful in establishing a position. Staff would like 67 the opportunity to work on what’s appropriate, with the concept that it will be a specialist 68 type position. 69 70 Councilmember Cavegn noted that the position has moved from part time to full time and 71 he wonders why. Ms. Sawyer remarked that there is a lot of work to do and staff 72 envisions full time will be necessary. 73 74 Councilmember Stoesz asked what the position would do for video and video editing; he 75 believes that the City needs more updating in that area. Could the position also serve as 76 video tech? Ms. Sawyer noted duties envisioned and that she sees some involvement 77 with video. Administrator Cotton remarked that she thinks the City should continue to 78 utilize the video services available through NorthMetro TV; the communications position 79 is well needed will have many duties and while cross training for the video services 80 would be appropriate, there will much to do outside of that. 81 82 Mayor Rafferty explained that he sees things moving back to normal at City Hall and 83 there are messages that need to be communicated. He is supportive and he believes more 84 communication will be very valuable. 85 86 Administrator Cotton suggested that staff hopes to come back as early as possible with 87 details. She added that the timeliness of communication is so important and the ability to 88 be proactive with City communications will be very beneficial to the City. Staff is very 89