08-25-14 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION August 4, 2014 DRAFT 136 are provided in-house versus outsourced, and how local business providers could be 137 utilized. He provided a list of Lino Lakes equipment, a report on services not performed 138 in-house and a survey of mechanics for area cities with like population. He noted that 139 decisions on repair are based on factors including pricing, quality of service, where 140 vehicles were purchased, etc. Mayor Reinert noted that the council is interested in 141 supporting local businesses; he appreciates the information included in the report and 142 directs staff to keep the local places on the radar and use them when it makes sense. 143 Council Member Rafferty noted that it's good to get the research done and he really 144 appreciates the information. 145 146 The council recessed for approximately one hour and reconvened. 147 148 5. 2015 Budget Discussion — Administrator Karlson noted that staff is seeking 149 further direction as the 2015 proposed budget is developed. Staff has provided 150 information on the 2015 General Fund Forecast Gap Analysis, Requested Personnel 151 Increases and the 2015 Draft General Fund Operating Budget. Mr. Karlson noted that he 152 has removed the request to fund a pay equity study in the amount of $30,000. The 153 council reviewed the city's obligations in the area of pay equity to ensure that 154 noncompliance will not occur. 155 156 The council discussed the Police Chief's request for three new patrol officer positions. 157 He confirmed that those additional officers wouldn't require any addition to the police 158 vehicle fleet. Mayor Reinert explained his own research, looking at good rules of thumb 159 for police staffing. He recognizes that this city may need to add officers but he doesn't 160 think now is the time. He does understand the need to keep the force strong and remain 161 proactive. The mayor added that adding another officer on the street now could mean 162 ending the assignment to the Drug Task Force. Chief Swenson noted that the DEA Task 163 Force is actually a good tool for this city to leverage a connection that brings in a lot of 164 work; he is comfortable that the department also works diligently on prevention efforts. 165 Council Member Stoesz asked about the role of the local police in cybercrime and Chief 166 Swenson responded that the department is aggressive in that area; he's seen victims in 167 other jurisdictions receive less service. Council Member Kusterman added that the 168 efficiency of the Lino Lakes Police Department is evident and works against the addition 169 of staff but he believes the council must always be mindful of what that department needs 170 to ensure the future. 171 172 The council discussed the Public Services Division request for Capital Outlay for Parks in 173 the amount of $90,000. The mayor asked about park funding that will be coming in 174 through development; Community Development Director Grochala explained that those 175 funds are dedicated to new park development. The capital outlay would provide updates 176 and work for existing park facilities. Public Services Director DeGardner noted that 177 there are important needs coming for park facilities but he could take off the request for 178 2015. 179 4