08-09-1999 EDA - Laserfiche WebLink

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In summary, this resolution action only lacks the policy choice,but in a small way it removes the choice if the Council later determines it wants the funds. That though could also be the problem, particularly if no plan for the funds exists. In a related matter, the Council and I were copied with a memo from Bruce on Wednesday regarding some confusion and frustration with information requests from Julie Olson and later Council member Stigney. While on the surface it is appropriate that the City has fees and policies regarding copying and getting information, the anxiety and pressure to produce copies and collect fees for these things is not worth worrying about the city's policies, particularly if it just means everyone has to figure a way around the policies and get frustrated with it. Certainly there has been a great deal of stuff requested regarding of the last few weeks,but it has given staff a reason to delve into the files and commit to straightening them out as we go. It is also producing some interesting information and findings that have either been forgotten or are simply being done incorrectly. Julie Olson gets some credit for this, but staff members are also getting some work in. I would submit in light of the events noted in Bruce's memo,that the City's policies on responding to information simply be abandoned,that fees associated with making copies be reduced from $.30 a copy to either$.05 or none, and that all requests for stuff simply be responded to as best can by all involved. I am not trying to be weird here,but the consternation of attempting to do the"appropriate"thing in light of other work duties faced day to day provides a level of tension for staff I would like to alleviate. Instead,the philosophical priority would be"customer first"no matter what the situation. This would likely be a more fluid and responsive approach than what we have now. Staff always ends up getting the information anyway, so why not just put it as a first priority. It is time we also get into the customer training again too. I mention this hear since we don't have another work session until September. Let me know your thoughts and we will proceed. City Council Agenda Consent Agenda 711 - Personnel Policies: I have been in touch with Bob Long who will prepare to come to the September 7 work session on this with the Council. Council Business Item 10A- Senator Steve Novak: Senator Novak will be here to review his work at the legislature. With the Council's understanding of the airport status, seeking his leadership on this issue in the upcoming session almost seems imperative. Other areas to ask him about could include levy limits and sales tax on city purchases, future property tax classification rate changes or general reform, and Met Council/MAC issues. Item 10B-Resolution #5356 re: Anoka County-Blaine Airport Advisory Commission: I drafted the resolution with an eye to how MAC will read it. Let me know if you have any qualms. Item 10C -Right of Way Ordinance#635: Assuming the attorneys have this ready,the Council can act on it Monday night. Item 10D-Resolution #5357 Adopting Streets Committee Recommendations: Mike has put together a memo on this item.