08-17-2015 Council Work Session Minutes

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COUNCIL SPECIAL WORK SESSION August 17, 2015 APPROVED Legal Consultants - Administrator Karlson reviewed anticipated needs through the end of the year; he does not expect savings in this line item this year. He added that the budget numbers under review for 2015 are only through May 19. Economic Development - Community Development Director Grochala indicated that there may be some savings but revenue is also a consideration. There could be some intern salary savings but it will be minimal Planning and Zoning - The mayor noted a $20,000 jump in two years. Community Development Director Grochala reviewed the line items. No savings were indicated. Engineering - Community Development Director Grochala explained that there is a basic cost of services increase. The number should be pretty static within about $5,000. The mayor indicated that the council will expect more up to date budget information in the next few weeks and the numbers will be clearer. Community Development - When asked if there will be funds left over from 2015 to 2016, Mr. Grochala said there is some possible savings in personnel, based on whether recent adjustments were made. At best that would be $12,000. Environmental - The mayor noted a decrease in the past year but Mr. Grochala explained that it is not real savings due to a funding change. The increase in this area was explained as personnel (four seasonal staff). Solid Waste Abatement - The budget is going up but that is related to increased revenue through grants. Forestry - The budget is going up and Mr. Grochala recalled the council decision to buy trees for the Emerald Ash Borer issue. When asked if there will be funds left over in 2015, staff indicated mostly like not. Public Safety - The mayor clarified the cost of one new patrol officer position for part of the year that was added. The rest of the increase relates to wage and cost increases. Public Safety (Fire) - This item is a large number and the mayor expects there will be savings. Public Safety Director Swenson indicated that there will be some grant funding ($10,000 that he knows for certain). Mayor Reinert suggested that he expects at least $100,000 on top of that but the council will be looking again. Building Inspections - There is an increase related to business inspections; there have been almost no inspections done by the fire district but those inspections are necessary and there will be a half building/half fire inspector position added to the budget. That cost will be somewhat offset by revenue. Streets - The mayor noted increases and Public Services Director DeGardner explained that the largest increase is in the cost of supplies and that is based on need; it is always an estimate. There was discussion about the use and cost of salt and sand for the roadways. 2