HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-10-2023 Council Work Session Minutes LINO LAKES CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
MINUTES
DATE: July 10, 2023
TIME STARTED: 5:30 PM
TIME ENDED: 6:23 PM
MEMBERS PRESENT: Councilmembers Stoesz, Lyden, Ruhland,
Mayor Rafferty
MEMBERS ABSENT: Councilmember Cavegn
Staff members present: City Administrator Sarah Cotton; Human Resources and
Communications Manager Meg Sawyer; Community Development Director Michael Grochala;
City Planner Katie Larsen, Public Safety Director John Swenson; City Clerk Jolleen Chaika.
1. Retention Pay Increases for Part-Time Employees at the Rookery
Human Resources and Communications Manager Meg Sawyer requested Council consider a
retention pay plan for part-time staff at The Rookery. She highlighted that the part-time pay
plan for Rookery staff was established in 2022 and that the City has employed over 160
employees since starting in May 2022. She suggested a pay retention program to give
incentive to keep current employees on the payroll. She also advised that staff continue to
monitor neighboring community centers to ensure Lino Lakes remains competitive and that
if needed, based on market conditions, staff will return to Council in the future to discuss
potential adjustments.
Based on market studies and current hiring trends, Manager Sawyer proposed a$0.50
hourly increase to part-time employees who have completed one year of service at the
Rookery; these employees would eligible for future increases on their anniversary date.
Employees will not be eligible for a retention wage increase once they have reached the
position maximum. She added that this proposal would not impact the current budget.
Discussion was held on the proposal. Mayor Rafferty inquired if staff is comfortable with
the current maximum wages and asked how retention is thus far. Manager Sawyer
responded that retention rates could be better and that she anticipates this proposal will
assist with that. Administrator Cotton added that none of the current part-time staff at the
Rookery are at the maximum wage levels yet; that factor is behind the logic of the proposed
retention pay.
Councilmember Stoesz Dale asked of applicant numbers for these positions. Manager
Sawyer noted that aquatics staff turns over at a fairly high rate, mostly based upon
school/college schedules and swim team schedules. She added that hiring for the part-time
positions is always on-going.
2. Minnesota Public Safety Aid,John Swenson
Chief Swenson spoke of the incoming aid that is coming from the state and noted that the
receinved funding will be in the neighborhood of$900,000. The amount will be known by
August 1, 2023 and funds will be dispursed by 12/26/23. He wants to begin the discussion for
the framework for use of these onetime dollars and to get an idea of thoughts Council has due
to 2024-25 budget implications.
Staff recommended using the funds to replace the digital evidence system (in-squad and
body-worn camera systems); Director Swenson added that this replacement is on the capital
replacement plan for 2025 but that higher failure rates are beign experienced now;
additionally, the software (Panasonic) will no longer be supporting the backend server used
by Public Safety as of the end of 2024. He proposed allocating up to $200,000 to replace the
system.
Other recommendations: PS wellness initiative was implemented using forfeiture dollars;
because of that only 1:1 services were offered. To police staff. Director Swanson also
proposed the following additional allocations:
- Up to $100,000 to include firefighters in the Public Safety Wellness Initiative.
- Up to $25,000 to hire a consultant to work on an organizational response plan.
- Up to $75,000 to purchase additional equipment needed for the new tenders.
- Approximately $300,000 for recruitment and retention funds, noting that applicant numbers
have been low and Public Safety has not been fully staffed for some time.
Director Swanson stated that the propsoed allocations would leave approximately $229,000;
he suggested application of those remaining dollars toward capital purchases in the future as
there are some large purchases on the horizon.
He also noted that there is no deadline for use of the funds.
Councilmember Lyden proposed using the funds to install an elementary school resource
officer(SRO) who would travel to all elementary schools in the city, paired with a K9 officer
to start building relationships. Director Swanson replied that Public Safety has not received a
request from any of the schools for additional SRO's and further noted that these are onetime
dollars which would make it difficult to support new positions.
Councilmember Lyden also suggested a donation to Alexandra House and a one-day
community event sponsored by the police to encourage community involvement.
Councilmember Ruhland requested more clarification related to the recruitment proposal.
Director Swenson replied that while there needs to be a lot more flushing out—the focus
would be on long term/5-10 year employees; in terms of salaries, he noted these are one time
dollars so if used for a wage increase it creates a budget issue long term. He said he is
looking to structure something that would encourage retention (10 years), a one-time
payout/bonus.
Councilmember Stoesz asked if Council can decide on a policy to allocate a certain percent
each year then park the money into the capital equipment purchases in an effort push the
discussion to budget time?
Mayor noted some disspointment that Deputy Director Dan L'Allier did not have more
information/input contained in the recommendations as he believes there are far more serious
issues in the fire dept than in police. Mayor Rafferty added that he likes what was brought
before Council but wants more into the thought-process.
Councilmember Ruhland commented that he would like to see these funds go into a special
fund designated for Public Safety programs.
3. Review Regular Agenda
Mayor Rafferty reviewed the agenda for the Regular Meeting. Staff provided brief comments
highlighting information contained within staff reports.
The Council Work Session ended at 6:23 PM.
These minutes were considered and approved at the regular Council Meeting on July 24, 2023.
Jolleen Chaika, City Clerk Rob ' affe' y,Mayor