08-17-2015 Council Work Session Minutes

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COUNCIL SPECIAL WORK SESSION August 17, 2015 APPROVED Engineering Charges - Mr. Grochala explained that the charges are based on planning services provided. Since there is more development underway and coming, the mayor expects an increase of at least $10,000. The total increase in revenue indicated by discussion was noted at $42,000. The council discussed the funding gap. Administrator Karlson noted the only change from the last discussion is to reflect a contribution to the Ambassadors Program of $1,500. The mayor moved to the 2016 draft budget. Administration - The increase in the budget is primarily related to the new Assistant Administrator position. The council will continue to consider that change. Finance - The mayor sees an increase of $2,500 per month in Metro iNet charges and that is very high. The City Administrator explained that it would be expensive to replace their services. The city has been adding units and that increases costs. The council would like more explanation on the services and costs. It was pointed out that Springbrook is a part of the cost increases to this line item. Comprehensive Plan - Staff reviewed activities that would typically occur in the coming year. The bulk of the activity will occur in 2017 but noinially the city would start building a reserve in this funding area. Public Safety - Chief Swenson said that previous council discussions have led him to understand that he would be adding an officer in October of this year. He will be bringing forward plans and a policy for future staffing for discussion in 2016. The mayor agrees with having a policy because it makes moving forward clear. He recalled his experience with determining staffing levels. The mayor said he supports adding the one officer, beginning in October of this year. The reduction of three additional officers would reduce the 2016 budget number by $248,000 and the department would be at 27 sworn positions. The chief explained the increase in the department budget (salaries, shifting some costs from the fire department to the police department). The council will have another budget discussion soon. Some of the carryover discussion will relate to fiscal disparities, Metro iNet and the police department budget. The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m. These minutes were considered, corrected and approved at the regular Council meeting held on September 14, 2015. uh.. e Bartell, Cil Clerk JefReinert, Mayor 4