10/01/2007 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION October 1, 2007 APPROVED Finance Director Rolek does not have a recommendation. The council received a copy of a memo from August 31, 2007 that includes a comparison of in-house and outsourced engineering services. The following comments were voiced by council members: it may not be a good time to make such a big change since revenues are down; outsourcing is many times a better value; the proposal was put into the budget but not at council direction; there are budget implications that must be addressed if the preliminary budget changes; are their situations in other communities where engineers are contracted on an as -needed basis; Community Development Director Grochala recalled how the proposal has evolved over the past several years. The additional revenue implications are related to being able to provide some additional services in-house. Although some areas of work are down, there are more regulations being enacted frequently. There are certain equipment needs that have been reviewed. He believes the proposal would be cost effective on a phase-in basis. The hourly cost comparison (contract versus in-house) is approximately $80/hour in- house to $130/hour contract. Staff has reviewed what will need to happen with the budget without the change to in- house (the council received an outline of suggested budget amendments). There is an approximate $85,000 impact. The council concurred that more discussion will be needed and the matter will included on the next budget work session agenda. There were no directions to staff for further information. Assessment Policy — Resolution No. 98-179 — Administrator Heitke recalled that during discussions of the West Shadow Lake Drive project, a question arose about how assessments would be handled for those properties that include potential future subdivided lots. Council Member Carlson requested that staff provide more historical information including the original staff report, minutes, copy of the full Public Improvement Financing Policy and a copy of the Bisel amendment. Even if the language was intended for development driven situations only, in fairness the policy should be in place across the board. The comment was made that assessment policy should be clear before a project is in place. Peddler Licensing — City Clerk Bartell noted that on two occasions when peddler licensees have been before the council, questions arose about the process and citizen