Agenda Packets - 1999/09/13 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council August 23, 1999 Regular Meeting Page 36 Council Member Marty stated he thought Jim Ericson had much ability and knowledge that he would like to see the City take advantage of, rather than spending his time on menial tasks. He stated he thought this was a good time to reevaluate these positions, as they are presented. He stated Planning Associate Ericson had indicated that he and the former Housing Inspector in their respective positions,were inspecting the same houses and properties, and could not understand why this was necessary, however, that was what each of their job descriptions called for. He stated this was a duplication of job services, and a waste of time and manpower. He stated this proposal was a creative effort on the part of Community Development Director Jopke and his staff, to attempt to streamline their department, and make it more efficient. He stated he would also like to commend Community Development Director Jopke for his efforts. Community Development Director Jopke thanked Council Member Marty for his comment. He stated their intention was to do things in an efficient and effective manner, and he believed this proposal would assist in that goal. Council Member Stigney stated he had no problem with the concept being presented,regarding how they wanted to merge their staff to do the jobs, and he would prefer they did not even talk about specific individuals in this regard. He stated he was referring to the factors they were utilizing to establish a salary range, a Stanton Survey, based upon population. He stated the information indicated, after one year, the new salary would be $4,504, however, there would be additional 3 percent increases during that time. Council Member Stigney inquired when the City would begin to look at how much these things were costing. He stated it was his understanding that the largest cost to the City taxpayers was the cost of City employees and their benefits,yet everything that he had seen indicated the City was spending more and more. He stated he thought government should be researching ways to reduce costs. City Administrator Whiting stated he agreed with Council Member Stigney in his comment that this discussion of these matters should be separated from the individuals being considered for the positions. He stated the points Council Member Stigney made were in regard to the policy of how to establish a pay plan. He stated he did not disagree with this. He stated they had entertained this discussion numerous times, and it was actually included within the budget discussion as personnel costs,personnel, and staff assessment. He stated, however, they were going to have to make some judgments as to how to proceed. He stated he would like to have a system in place, which would make these types of discussions moot. He stated no matter what system they utilize, it would not be so broad or all encompassing to allow them to deal with all of the specific situations they face, and the opportunities they are presented with. City Administrator Whiting stated, in regard to Cari Schmidt's position, and presently with Jim Ericson's position,these proposals were mindful of the persons performing the job, and attempting to structure the positions to take advantage of the employee's skills. He stated that many City employees are never provided this opportunity,primarily because of the nature of their position, not their abilities. He stated this was a good opportunity to rectify this situation. He stated Council 36C:\ADMIN\MINUTES\CC\8-23-99.CC