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COUNCIL SPECIAL WORK SESSION August 17, 2015 <br />APPROVED <br />CITY OF LINO LAKES <br />MINUTES <br />DATE : August 17, 2015 <br />TIME STARTED : 6:00 p.m <br />TIME ENDED : 9:25 p.m. <br />MEMBERS PRESENT : Council Member Stoesz, Kusterman, <br />Rafferty, Roeser and Mayor Reinert <br />MEMBERS ABSENT : None <br />Staff members present: City Administrator Jeff Karlson; Community Development <br />Director Michael Grochala; Public Safety Director John Swenson; Public Services <br />Director Rick DeGardner; City Clerk Julie Bartell <br />2016 Budget Discussion -The council had received a budget in draft foiiii and an analysis <br />sheet indicating budget gaps for discussion. Mayor Reinert indicated that he would like <br />to start with a review of the 2015 budget so that the council can determine if there are <br />items in it that will not be needed in the 2016 budget and savings that could translate into <br />next year also. <br />Contingency - There is a balance of funds that probably will not be used in 2015 so that <br />may be available. <br />Assistant City Administrator Position - It was funded and has not been filled as yet. <br />Administrator Karlson indicated it would not be filled until about November so that <br />would be savings of about $60,000. <br />Cable Television - The expenditure was explained; and the funds being put aside for <br />improvements were also reviewed. <br />Finance Department - The council asked about savings due to a vacancy in the finance <br />director position however it was found to be minimal since vacation time has been <br />involved. The mayor questioned an increase in the Finance line item related to the new <br />Springbrook contract as well as Metro iNet services (information technology provider for <br />the City). There was also an increase in consultant fees; Mayor Reinert recommends that <br />professional staff should keep use of consultant services to a reasonable level. <br />Health Insurance - Administrator Karlson explained changes in federal law that causes <br />the City to be rated as a small employer. That changes the way that quotes for insurance <br />are given to the city. The blended rate for the City is expected to be about a 7% increase <br />but with more impact for certain employees. Other options are being considered as well. <br />The mayor indicated that he sees savings about $10,000 under the Finance items and he <br />will look again later to see if there is more. <br />1 <br />