01/08/2003 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION JANUARY 8, 2003 APPROVED Councilmember Carlson stated the plan may as well go forward on the regular Council agenda. She said she could not vote in favor of the plan because of the increases in spending and not knowing what the legislature will do, but she understands others may feel differently, so she is willing to see it proceed. Councilmember Dahl asked why the plan has such a large jump in spending. Finance Director Rolek advised personnel and staff additions are the main reason for the budget increases. Councilmember Carlson stated she has had problems with the plan from the beginning and will not support it. She indicated she cannot support the plan and does not see anything that will happen to change her mind. Councilmember Dahl stated she would like to see a 5-0 vote in favor of the plan. She stated she pulled the plan from the agenda at the last Council meeting so everyone would be present and vote in favor of approving the plan. Councilmember O'Donnell stated he has no issue with discussing the plan further and considering revisions so the plan can be approved. He states he does, however, have a problem with a Councilmember wanting a plan to pass but voting no for political reasons. He stated the plan should be put on a Council meeting agenda, but he is not sure how he will vote. Councilmember Reinert stated staff has revised the plan to get to a comfortable level of increase in the plan. If the comfortable level has changed, the Council needs to determine a real target so the plan can pass if that target is possible. Councilmember Carlson stated she believes the contingency fund could be reduced. She stated she does not know what other areas could be cut. She stated she does have a problem with possible legislature changes. She noted she is not suggesting that there are no staff additions in the next five years. Councilmember Carlson requested a list of the possible budget cuts that staff is discussing. City Administrator Waite Smith advised staff is not prepared to give that to the Council at this time. She wants all City employees to have an opportunity for input. Mayor Bergeson asked staff to prepare information regarding the worst case scenario from the legislature. This item will appear on the regular Council agenda Monday, January 13, 2003, 6:30 p.m.