12-13-2021 Council Special Work Session Minutes

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CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL WORK SESSION APPROVED 45 - Director DeGardner updated the council on some large ticket improvements 46 that are planned and possible costs; staff is already pulling back based on costs 47 and implications and trying to remain at the $900,000 funding mark(covered by 48 ARPA); 49 50 Councilmember Stoesz asked what other cities are using ARPA dollars for. Ms. Lynch 51 noted that this City is using it for lost revenue, water, sewer and broadband; the main 52 requirement is that it be spent on improvements and not used for debt service or a rainy 53 day fund. Ms. Cotton explained that use allowed under the lost revenue category is more 54 open; she is seeing some use in other cities for capital costs such as parks and trails. 55 Councilmember Stoesz asked if the City should consider spending some ARPA funds for 56 other needs and Ms. Cotton noted approximately$900,000 remaining. 57 58 Councilmember Stoesz asked about the role of the new position managing the facility— 59 would that person be presenting to the council? Ms. Cotton said she can foresee some 60 reporting but generally Mr. DeGardner will be reporting on the project and the activity 61 center to the council. 62 63 2. Public Services Department and Organizational Chart—City Administrator 64 Cotton reviewed an organizational chart for the Public Services Department. Staff is 65 proposing to add a Public Works Superintendent position which would oversee utilities, 66 streets and maintenance. The parks supervisor would remain separate. She reviewed 67 additional positions proposed for the future (see chart—green boxes). She provided 68 information on the general responsibilities foreseen for the Public Works Superintendent 69 Position. On paying for this new position, she presented a scenario that has an$87 70 impact to the General Fund. 71 72 Councilmember Stoesz asked about the title and how jobs get scored. Ms. Cotton said 73 the value of the position will ultimately be dictated by the tasks required. 74 75 Councilmember Cavegn said he understands the need to get additional staff but he wants 76 to understand the worst case scenario; Ms. Cotton said the numbers presented are that. 77 78 With approval, staff would further develop the position description, post it internally and 79 move forward with recruitment. 80 81 Councilmember Stoesz said he struggles with limiting it to internal candidates. Mayor 82 Rafferty said he stands in favor of the internal process because he sees talent there. 83 Councilmember Ruhland said he strongly believes in promoting from within. 84 85 Staff anticipates bringing forward a recommendation for council consideration on January 86 7, 2022. 87 2