HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-26-2021 Council Work Session Minutes CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
APPROVED
CITY OF LINO LAKES
2 MINUTES
3
4 DATE : April 26,2021
5 TIME STARTED : 6:00 p.m.
6 TIME ENDED : 6:30 p.m.
7 MEMBERS PRESENT : Council Member Stoesz,Lyden,Ruhland,
8 Cavegn and Mayor Rafferty
9 MEMBERS ABSENT : None
10 Staff members present: City Administrator Sarah Cotton; Director of Public Safety John
11 Swenson; City Planner Katie Larsen; City Engineer Diane Hankee; City Clerk Julie
12 Bartell
13
14 1. Communications Coordinator Position—Administrator Cotton reviewed the
15 written report pointing out the council's previous approval of a communications positions
16 within the City's organizational structure,the staff recommendation for a specialist
17 position supervised by the Human Resources Manager, salary range recommendations
18 based on the City's adopted Keystone Job Leveling System.
19
20 Mayor Rafferty asked if the intent is to fund the position for a couple of years from the
21 Communications Fund and Ms. Cotton noted that fund's current balance, annual revenue
22 expectations and her recommendation that the annual funding of this position be covered
23 by the fund in the amount of$40,000.
24
25 Councilmember Cavegn asked if the Human Resources Manager position currently
26 includes the communications function supervision. Ms. Cotton noted the council's
27 previous discussion which pointed to Ms. Sawyer supervising the position; Ms. Sawyer's
28 background includes experience in communications. Councilmember Cavegn asked if
29 Ms. Sawyer would take over functions if the communications position were to become
30 vacant; Ms. Cotton said it would probably be covered by staff as necessary including by
31 administrative staff.
32
33 Councilmember Lyden expressed some concern that the communications position
34 wouldn't be self-managed. Increasing the salary of another position to provide
35 supervision is an added cost. He recalled that this was originally going to be a half time
36 position and that has changed with this recommendation and above that a salary increase
37 is proposed. Ms. Cotton pointed out that the original communications position was
38 anticipated at a higher level than is now being recommended. Councilmember Lyden
39 noted that he doesn't understand the concept of everyone having to report to someone;
40 employees should know their job.
41
42 Mayor Rafferty noted that the Human Resources Manager is being asked to provide
43 additional services. He doesn't see that having the position report to the City
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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
APPROVED
44 Administrator with everything on her plate is ideal. The mayor remarked that he has
45 come to a place of supporting the new position; he sees it's needed.
46
47 Councilmember Stoesz asked if there is process for considering employee compensation
48 ratings regularly and not on an immediate change basis. Administrator Cotton suggested
49 that if changes occur and the City doesn't recognize them in the system,the system
50 becomes less accurate; she believes a new position or a change in job responsibilities
51 should trigger a review. Councilmember Stoesz asked if, for example,the Public
52 Services Director position will be reviewed because he has added responsibility with
53 handling the YMCA building; Ms. Cotton explained the criteria for reviewing a position.
54 Councilmember Stoesz asked if the communications individual would be the person
55 representing the City if there were something like a 9:00 p.m. public safety incident.
56 Public Safety Director Swenson said it would depend on the incident and communication
57 duties would possibly work down from Public Safety personnel to communications.
58
59 Councilmember Stoesz asked if the communications person would be attending the North
60 Metro TV Board meetings. Ms. Cotton said probably not but she sees the position
61 working closely with North Metro on communication collaboration.
62
63 Councilmember Ruhland said he shares some of the concern expressed about moving up
64 another position. He requested and received information on the salary level for the
65 current Human Resources Manager. Ms. Cotton provided information on how the
66 implementation of the Keystone system affected some positions. Councilmember
67 Ruhland noted the decrease in the point level assigned to the communications position
68 from what was anticipated from initial discussions about the position.
69
70 Councilmember Cavegn asked if there would be cost savings by hiring two part time
71 individuals to fill the one full time position. Administrator Cotton said that option was
72 discussed and staff felt that a full time position would bring a higher quality;there would
73 also be some question about how two positions transition to each other. Ms. Cotton
74 pointed out the possible savings would be limited to the cost of health care.
75
76 Administrator Cotton noted that through investigating, she's determined that there are
77 only three cities of this City's comparable group that do not have a position like this in
78 place.
79
80 Councilmember Ruhland asked how the supervision will actually function.
81 Administrator Cotton explained that there would be policies and procedures that guide
82 functions and approvals. Councilmember Ruhland asked what specific supervision
83 functions would occur and Ms. Cotton pointed out that performance review would be one
84 function; she added that it is a new position and would therefore will require more
85 intensive supervision and development.
86
87 Mayor Rafferty noted the importance of considering stress factors so that the City doesn't
88 experience a revolving door with key positions.
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APPROVED
89
90 Councilmember Stoesz asked about other operational expenses that could come into play.
91 Ms. Cotton said she asked that question also and Ms. Sawyer suggested that large
92 technology expenses aren't anticipated. Director Swenson noted the availability of North
93 Metro TV for many technology and assistance needs.
94
95 Following the city council meeting,Administrator Cotton received direction from the
96 council to proceed with posting the communications position.
97
98 2. Review Regular Agenda of April 26, 2021 -
99
100 The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
101
102 These minutes were considered, corrected and approved at the regular Council meeting held on
103 May 10, 2021.
104
105
106
107 }_ems
108 u e Bartell, Ci Cler Ro Rafferty, Mayor
109
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