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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/24/1988 Council Minutes39- WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE MEETING OCTOBER 24, 1988 Mayor Benson called the Ways and Means Committee meeting to order at 6:05 P.M., October 24, 1988. Council Members present: Neal, Bisel, Bohjanen, Reinert. Council Members absent: none. City Attorney, Bill Hawkins; Administrator, Randy Schumacher and Clerk- Treasurer Marilyn Anderson were also present. Mayor Benson explained the purpose of this meeting is to complete the items of the previous Ways and Means Committee agenda. 1988 CITY OBJECTIVES Mr. Schumacher prepared a review of the 1988 City Objectives and gave a copy of the review to the Council. He noted several areas that the City will continue to be involved in such as landfill abatement, charter amendments, office automation and the comprehensive sewer plan update. Mr. Schumacher explained that overall, the City has progressed significantly in the last six months. The rezoning of the Montain property on Birch Street was discussed. Mr. Schumacher explained that the current owner of the property, Heritage Development, has objected to the rezoning of the property and their attorneys have been to the City offices gathering information regarding the manner in which the property was rezoned. They are objecting to the rezoning based on hardship. The staff will continue to cooperate in providing the information requested by Heritage Development. It does not appear that the City acted improperly. Mr. Schumacher explained that the Charter Commission has met several times this fall and have determined that Section No. 8 of the Charter should be amended, however, the Commission has not yet determined on what level they -want changes. Mr. Reinert told the Council that he has heard that Mr. Schumacher is trying to influence the Charter Commission. Mr. Schumacher explained that the area of the Charter he is involved with is Section No. 8 regarding public improvements and the changes recommended have been suggested by our Bond Consultant, David MacGillivray. Mr. Reinert told Mr. Schumacher that he has public relations work to do in this area. PAGE 1 1 1 1 WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE MEETING OCTOBER 24, 1988 Mr. Bisel told the Council he has attended the Charter Commission meetings and would rather see the Charter Commission work as a cooperative group with the Council. He also asked that other Council members attend the Charter Commission meetings and asked that the Charter Members be sent Council minutes. He explained that he has already requested that the Charter Commission send a copy of their minutes to the office so that the Council can get copies of them. Mayor Benson asked where Lino Lakes is in regard to recycling. Mr. Schumacher explained that Mr. Volk has been attending various meetings on this issue including a meeting with local haulers. He is working with the Columbia Heights coordinator and several ordinances have been drafted for Mr. Hawkins to review. Possible ordinances to be considered include: 1) allowing City to issue licenses to haulers; 2) allow haulers to swap areas; 3) haulers would be responsible for curb side recycling, and 4) City would advertise and educate the public. Grant funds are available to cover some of the costs. Mr. Reinert mentioned the Shoreview recycling program and asked why the whole thing could not be placed out on bid. He felt there would be better service and a cost savings. Mayor Benson said this made sense to him. Mayor Benson noted another City objective, securing a postal station. Mr. Schumacher explained that a new station is under construction in Circle Pines and this will have a significant effect on Lino Lakes for years to come. Mr. Schumacher also explained that he is looking into securing a drop off station, however, this will not solve the problem of five different zip codes within the City. CITY ADMINISTRATOR EVALUATION Mr. Bisel explained a set of objectives concerning the administration office were set for Mr. Schumacher earlier this year. He asked Mr. Schumacher how this is going, where is it at? Mr. Schumacher explained a lot of work, talking and other communications have gone into this issue. A revised Employee Policy and clarified Job Descriptions will eliminate a lot of issues. Also automation of the offices will make a tremendous difference. Mr. Reinert asked Mr. Schumacher where he felt he 'shines.' the strongest. Mr. Schumacher explained in taking care of PAGE 2 031 032 WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE MEETING OCTOBER 24, 1988 matters to the fullest, to the conclusion. Also he noted that the financial condition of the City has improved greatly since he became Administrator. The Auditor has commended the City on this issue. Mayor Benson asked Mr. Schumacher what he felt were his weakest areas? Mr. Schumacher explained getting too involved in projects rather than working with individuals Mayor Benson asked Mr. Schumacher to assess his communication with the public, consultants, official and staff. Mr. Schumacher explained he either responds in writing or returns calls to a caller as soon as possible. He explained he always makes at least two return calls when he has missed an incoming call. Mr. Reinert asked Mr. Schumacher if he felt he is accessable to the staff and public. Mr. Schumacher explained that he has made it known at staff meetings that he is busy but if anyone has a problem, they should leave a message and he will get back to them. He noted he is quite often tied up but made it a point to get back to the sender of the message. Mr. Bisel said he has made it a point to see what is going on and felt that the office appears to be a happier and more pleasant area. Mr. Bohjanen said he has never had a problem getting any communication with Mr. Schumacher or the staff. Mr. Schumacher presented a memorandum to the Council regarding salaries of administrators in other communities. Mr. Reinert asked how the other communities were selected and Mr. Schumacher indicated they were selected because they were similar in size to Lino Lakes and had like duties. Mr. Bisel said he had taken all the cities surrounding Lino Lakes and averaged the administrators salary and came up with a salary of $46,000.00 per year. Mr. Reinert expressed concern because he felt the cities selected by Mr. Schumacher were not similar to Lino Lakes in the area of development and areas of focus. He suggested looking at the Cities of Andover and Champlin. Mayor Benson said he felt Mr. Schumacher should be more accessable and expressed reservation regarding harmony in the office. He also noted that the City has built up a nice General Fund reserve but the Council also deserved a measure of credit for this issue. Mr. Bisel expressed reservation regarding discussing these issues publicly. Mr. Reinert suggestd that,possibily some PAGE 3 1 WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE MEETING OCTOBER 24, 1988 Council Members would feel more comfortable if the person being evaluated were not present. Mr. Bisel noted the accomplishments that were made in March at the closed Ways and Means Committee meeting. Mr. Bisel said he would like to recognize what Mr. Schumacher has done and the improvements that were made, set some objectives for him and adjust his salary. Mr. Neal moved to increase Mr. Schumachers salary to $45,750.00. Mr. Bohjanen seconded the motion. Mr. Reinert asked what this adjustment was based on and Mr. Neal said 4% inflation and 1 1/2% salary adjustment to be effective January 1, 1988. Mr. Reinert said it should be based on his goals and objectives and felt he did not reach his goals or objectives. Voting on the motion, motion carried with Mr. Reinert and Mayor Benson voting no. ADDITION TO ADMINISTRATION OFFICE STAFF Mayor Benson updated the Council regarding his meeting with Mr. Schumacher and Mrs. Anderson regarding the need for another staff person. He noted that there is much more work for the staff and members of the staff are working a lot of overtime. Mr. Bisel noted that the Council just questioned the amount of work Mr. Schumacher is doing and expressed surprise regarding this proposal. He asked that someone present a proposal to the Council regarding this position. Mr. Bisel moved to adjourn the Ways and Means Committee meeting at 7:20 P.M. Mr. Bohjanen seconded the motion. Aye. These minutes were considered and approved at a regular council meeting on November 14th 1988. MARILY G. ANDERSON Clerk - Treasurer O33 .