08-24-2020 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION DRAFT 4 Mayor Rafferty recalled the 2014 discussion where there was full input from different 130 sides of the issue. That discussion concluded with people bringing forward some serious 131 concerns about bees. 132 133 Councilmember Stoesz noted that he understands beekeeping because he grew up with it 134 and it did exist in very rural areas. Understanding the amount of property in the City 135 where bees are allowed, he is comfortable with the current regulations. 136 137 Councilmember Cavegn asked why bees are classified as farm animals and Ms. Larsen said 138 it is recognized that it’s normally done commercially. She added that there are 139 restrictions even on domestic animals such as dogs and cats. 140 141 Councilmember Ruhland noted his concern about stinging and families possibly being 142 unaware of an extraordinary number of bees in their vicinity or in the area of a new home 143 they purchase. 144 145 Councilmember Lyden noted that bees travel distances so really there are probably bees in 146 all areas of the City, they’re just not being kept everywhere. 147 5. Interim Accounting Services – City Administrator Cotton reviewed the written 148 staff report outlining her recommendation that the City enter into a contract to receive 149 certain accounting services. The services are required because there are currently two 150 vacancies in the Finance Department. Costs are outlined in the report. She noted that she 151 isn’t recommending the budgeting element but is recommending the bank reconciliation 152 (for a of couple months) and TIF reporting (one time). Her hope is that this will be very 153 limited and the new staff will be on duty soon. Ms. Cotton explained that she has some 154 experience with the company and this is a common service for them. 155 156 The council received an update on the process for filling the vacant positions. 157 158 The council concurred and will see a request for official action on the next council agenda. 159 6. 2021 Budget Assumptions – City Administrator Cott on reviewed her written 160 staff report outlining certain budget assumptions and seeking to gain insight on 161 outstanding assumptions and council priorities. There is an upcoming budget work 162 session discussion scheduled. 163 164 - Cost of Living Adjustments – the Cit y has gained survey data as outlined in the report. 165 Many cities are not able to predict this element due to the current conditions. Union 166 negotiations for next year’s contracts are forthcoming and so a COLA increase has not yet 167 been negotiated for 2021. At this stage staff is recommending the inclusion of an increase 168 with the understanding it is fully under discussion. The council concurred that staff could 169 replicate the process used last year to include a number in the budget. 170 171