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Mounds View City Council March 28,2011 <br /> Regular Meeting Page 8 <br /> H. Resolution 7760, Authorizing Layoff of Kenneth Roberts, Community • <br /> Development Director,and Issuance of Severance. <br /> City Administrator Ericson stated it was with great sadness the Council was asked to consider <br /> the layoff of Kenneth Roberts the City's Community Development Director due to tight budget <br /> constraints, the loss of LGA, and market value homestead credits. In addition, the City has <br /> experienced a severe reduction in building activity, building permits, and license fees which has <br /> led to reduced revenues and staffing needs. In order to reach a sustainable budget going into the <br /> future, Staff recommended the Council layoff Mr. Roberts, effective March 28th and issue a <br /> severance. He explained that in no way was the layoff a reflection of Mr. Roberts' performance. <br /> Mayor Flaherty indicated he spoke with Mr. Roberts today as this was a tremendously difficult <br /> issue. He thanked Mr.Roberts for his professionalism and service to the community. <br /> Gary Meehlhause, 7400 Parkview Drive, thanked the Council for the opportunity to speak this <br /> evening. He commented he understood the budget concerns the Council was facing and <br /> respected the Council for being fiscally responsible. However, he encouraged the Council to <br /> look at the position from a strategic standpoint and consider how the City would be affected in <br /> the future especially with potential opportunities with the neighboring TCAAP property <br /> Mayor Flaherty explained the decision was not being made lightly. He noted the position was <br /> not being eliminated but temporarily vacated. If in the future the City had a need for additional <br /> Staff support in the Planning Department, the Council could hire for this position. • <br /> Resident, Brian Amundson of 3048 Woodale Drive, thanked Mr. Roberts for his work in the <br /> community over the past two years. He also acknowledged the Council for making tough <br /> decisions on behalf of the City, given the current state of the economy. Mr. Amundson <br /> encouraged the Council to review the essential staffing structure of the City to assure that it was <br /> properly staffed going into the future. <br /> Council Member Stigney questioned if the City was part of the State unemployment program. <br /> Finance Director Beer explained the City was not a contributing employer and therefore paid the <br /> entire amount of the employment benefit. <br /> Council Member Stigney asked the current liability per month for unemployment and questioned <br /> the length of this liability. Finance Director Beer indicated the State/City was responsible for 26 <br /> weeks with a 13 week extension. The Federal government would assume the expense after those <br /> 39 weeks. The maximum amount of benefit paid to Mr. Roberts would be$585 per week. <br /> Council Member Mueller noted Mr. Roberts would be dearly missed. <br /> MOTION/SECOND: Flaherty/Mueller. To Waive the Reading and Adopt Resolution 7760, <br /> Authorizing Layoff of Kenneth Roberts, Community Development Director, and Issuance of <br /> Severance. <br /> • <br />