08/24/1998 Council Minutes (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Search

COUNCIL MINUTES AUGUST 24, 1998 Mayor Sullivan welcomed Council Member Neal back. She stated that the Quad Press is now available for purchase at the Tom Thumb store on Main Street and Lake Drive. She congratulated the Lino Lakes 4-H Club, who have been entertaining Japanese foreign exchange students. She announced that the City has completed Phase I of the restructuring of City staff. Mayor Sullivan reminded those present of the guidelines for audience participation in City Council meetings, emphasizing the need for respectful dialog. OPEN MIKE Ms. Elise Tagg, 7504 Lake Drive, came forward and expressed concerns regarding the elimination of the Finance Director position and City Engineer position. She asked who will take over the responsibilities associated with those positions. She stated that other cities similar in size to Lino Lakes have a Finance Director. She stated the City Administrator does not have adequate time to assume the responsibilities of the Finance Director. She stated it seemed odd to eliminate the position of City Engineer at such a critical time in the City of Lino Lakes. She also expressed concern regarding A & P who is in charge of the Civic Complex construction project. She asked how much it is costing the citizens of City due to being behind schedule on the Early Childhood Center construction. Mayor Sullivan explained that the Early Childhood Center is behind schedule because of the two (2) major storms that hit the City this summer. The contract extension for the opening of the Early Childhood Center is not costing the City any more money. The Centennial School District is on board regarding the delay. Ms. Tagg asked how the delay will affect A & P and the developers of the project. Mayor Sullivan indicated A & P is managing the project. The delay from the storms caused the foundation to have to be dug again. A & P is responsible to make sure the project is completed on schedule and will continue to manage the expenses of the contract. Mayor Sullivan explained that the City is trying to evaluate what makes the most sense regarding the reorganization of staff. Mr. Pecchia determined what things work best in the City. Positions have been eliminated but a new structure has been created. A financial analysts will be appointed to deal with financial issues of the City. Within the new structure, there will be new responsibilities. The Council approved the restructuring of City staff. The goal is for better utilization of staff. The City was in need of more efficiency, a better reporting structure, and better communication. Ms. Tagg asked if the system is indeed better, why aren't other cities also restructuring. Mayor Sullivan stated research regarding the restructure was done. Other cities are looking at restructuring also. The City chose a structure which best suited the needs of the City. The financial analysis position is open. Ms. Tagg stated there is no one within the City to deal with questions that a City Engineer would handle. It is not appropriate to not have a City Engineer. 2