HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Packets - 2006/01/30
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION AGENDA
NEW BRIGHTON CITY HALL
Monday, January 30, 2006
7:00 p.m.
Revised as of 1/30/06 @330pm
ROLL CALL: Marty, Stigney, Gunn, Flaherty, Thomas
PUBLIC COMMENT
Citizens may speak to issues not on tonight’s agenda. Before speaking, please give your full
name and address for the minutes. Also, please limit your comments to three minutes.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
_______ 1. Mounds View History Video (Jerry Skelly, MV Cable Committee Chair)
ITEMS FOR CONSENSUS DISCUSSION
_______ 1. Communications:
a. Cable Technician/Communications Coordinator Funding and Hiring
Schedule
_______ 2. Public Works:
a. Infrastructure Reconstruction Plan
b. Security Card Reading System (verbal report)
_______ 3. Community Development:
a. Medtronic Development Proposal Terms and Conditions
1. Mounds View Tax Payers Association Presentation
b. Code Compliance of Canopy at Premium Stop Gas/Convenience Store
(verbal report)
c. Active Living Ramsey County Walkable Community Workshop Update
d. Review TIF Expenditure Projections and Budget
_______ 4. Administrative
a. Consider Banquet Facility Interim Leases
b. Non-Union Salary Compensation
c. Announce the Mounds View Council Staff Retreat scheduled for February
6th and February 7th at the Mounds View Community Center at 5pm.
(verbal report)
Next Work Session: Monday, March 6, 2006 @ 7pm
Next City Council Meeting: Monday, February 13, 2006 @ 7pm
Item No: 01A
Meeting Date: 1/30/06
Type of Business: Work Session
City of Mounds View Staff Report
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: Kurt Ulrich, City Administrator
Item Title/Subject: Cable Tech/Communications Coordinator Funding and Hiring
Schedule
Background
Staff has discussed with the Human Resources Committee and the Cable Committee the
Cable Tech/Communications Coordinator position. This position would be a full time
exempt position, and will be a union position under the AFSCME contract. Attached is
the position job description for your reference. This new position was established to
assist in city communications to include cable television support, web page updates, and
the city newsletter to name a few.
Discussion
The funding parameters for this position are outlined in Exhibit A. The funding allocation
of the position would be based upon the approximate amount of time the employee would
spend on various activities and would be split among the Cable TV Fund (75%), the
General Fund (16%), the Water and Sewer Funds (3.5% each), the Street Light and
Storm Water Funds (1% each). Based upon this allocation formula no additional General
Fund monies would need to be appropriated.
Labor Relations did an market HAYS points analysis on this position, and the step
progression (as recommended by Labor Relations) is as follows:
Step One $17.78/hr
Step Two: $18.89/hr
Step Three: $20.00/hr
Step Four: $21.11/hr
Step Five: $22.22/hr
Following our standard personnel policy practice, the candidate would begin employment
at Step 1, with an increase to Step 2 after six months of employment. Step 3 would occur
after 12 months of employment with Steps 4 and 5 due 12 months thereafter,
respectively. Below, is the proposed hiring schedule. Staff anticipates the candidate to
start employment on or about April 12, 2006.
Council Authorization to Advertise Position: Feb 13, 2006
Submit Advertisement in the Focus News
MV/NB Bulletin and Sunday edition of the
Pioneer Press: Feb 14, 2006
Deadline for Submitting Applications: March 3, 2006
Review all Applications: March 6-March 7, 2006
Top 5 Candidates Decided; March 8, 2006
Interviews: March 13-March 17, 2006
Top Candidate Presented to City Council: March 27, 2006
Candidate starts employment: on or about April 12, 2006
Staff has discussed this new position with the AFSCME Union representatives and the
representatives are in agreement with the job description and wages. Staff would draft a
Memorandum of Understanding confirming this agreement, and the position would be
added to the 2006-2007 AFSCME Union Contract.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council discuss the position, funding allocation, wages
and timeline. If the City Council is in agreement, the position would be presented to the
City Council at the next meeting scheduled for Monday, February, 13, 2006.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Position Title: Communications Coordinator/Cable TV Technician
Department: Administration
Accountable To: City Administrator
Status: Full Time Exempt
PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF POSITION:
To provide the community with government access programming through the technical
preparation of Cable TV taping, program production, cable casting, video technical
expertise and provides producer-type work for community programming.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Works under the general guidance and direction of the City Administrator.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
None. May supervise additional cable help.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Cable Television
• Cable casts all regular and special City Council meetings and ensures that the
tapes are replayed at scheduled times.
• Cable casts other special public information meetings as directed.
• Sets monthly meetings with the Cable Committee for planning monthly programs.
• Arranges producer type work regarding Cable TV programs.
• Performs editing as necessary for special programs.
• Performs technician taping procedures for programs intended for viewing.
• Prepares messages for the Cable monitor.
• Maintains the Cable TV equipment, material and supplies so that they are in
good working order.
• Catalogues and stores tapes in the tape resource library.
• Maintains an inventory of Cable TV equipment.
• Purchases supplies as needed for production and technical work.
• Assists in preparation of an annual budget.
• Supervises the use of equipment.
• Prepares grants for Cable TV equipment or programming projects.
• Coordinates an integrated communications program with the public via Cable TV.
• Coordinates programming with Channel 33 and other programs that would
benefit the community.
• Schedules crew members for tapings as necessary.
• Arranges use CTV15 facilities, and use of the mobile van for special programs
such as the Festival Parade.
2. Coordinates the production of the City Newsletter including editing, format, layout
and content.
3. Assists in the distribution of routine press releases
4. Updates the Mounds View Website on a Daily Basis
5. Organizes and tracks multi-departmental committees to ensure effective
communications and building operations throughout City Hall.
6. Manages and Updates the Mounds View Electronic Board
PERIPHERAL DUTIES
• Assists in other areas as designated, including website maintenance
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
(A) High school diploma or GED equivalent.
(B) Two years vocational/technical school or AA Degree
(C) Ability to operate all TV and video equipment.
(D) Two years experience in established cable TV system.
NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
(A) Considerable knowledge of the equipment, facilities, operations and techniques
used in a comprehensive government access programming;
(B) Skill in operation of listed tools and equipment;
(C) Ability to develop, coordinate, and direct varied activities involved in government
access programming; Ability to establish and maintain effective working
relationships with employees, supervisors, vendors, contractors, participants, and
the general public.
(D) Knowledge and ability to update and develop City Web Page.
(E) Proficient with computers and modern office practices and procedures. This
includes proficiency in Microsoft Applications.
(F) Writing and editing skills
(G) Organized
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Valid state driver's license.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED
Video, audio, computer and cable related equipment, calculator; copy and fax machine;
phone; automobile
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by
an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the
essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit
and talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle,
feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The
employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision
abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust
focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an
employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the
essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside
weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid
conditions, toxic or caustic chemicals.
The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet while in the office, and
moderately loud when in the field.
SELECTION GUIDELINES
Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference
check; job related tests may be required.
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work
that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude
them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the
position.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the
employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the
employer and requirements of the job change.
Approval: ______________________ Approval: ____________________
Supervisor
Appointing Authority
Effective Date: Revision History: 8/05
HAYS Points: 261
Item No. 3C
Meeting Date: January 30, 2006
Type of Business: WK
WK: Work Session; PH: Public Hearing;
CA: Consent Agenda; EDA: EDA Business
City of Mounds View Staff Report
To: Mounds View Economic Development Authority
From: Heidi Heller, Planning Associate
Item Title/Subject: Walkable Community Workshop
Date of Report: January 26, 2006
Discussion:
Mounds View has been participating in the on-going Active Living Ramsey
County (ALRC) initiative. ALRC’s mission is to create and promote environments
that make it safe and convenient for people to integrate physical activity into their
daily routines. As a part of this initiative, Ramsey County received funding to
hold workshops in eight Ramsey County cities. Interested communities were
invited to apply to host one of these workshops. Mounds View was recently
chosen to host a Walkable Community Workshop, which will be led by trainers
from the National Center for Bicycling & Walking. St. Paul (3), Roseville,
Lauderdale, St. Anthony, and New Brighton will also be holding workshops.
Hosting a Walkable Community Workshop will be a great way for Mounds View
to engage a group of staff, residents, elected officials and city commissioners
and address specific barriers that make it unsafe or inconvenient for people to
walk or bike in our community. The workshop will consist of concentrating on a
specific geographic focus area in the city, and planning design and safety
guidelines. The focus area for our workshop will be the proposed County Road
10 trail section on the south side of CR 10 running between Long Lake Road and
Silver Lake Road. This stretch is just over ½ mile long. This particular area has
a high amount of pedestrian use, and is a small enough area to be able to work
on in one day.
This 4-hour workshop will be held on the afternoon of May 11, 2006. All elected
officials, city commissioners and staff are invited and encouraged to participate in
the workshop.
Respectfully submitted,
____________________________
Heidi Heller
Planning Associate
Item No: 04A
Meeting Date: 1/30/06
Type of Business: WS
City of Mounds View Staff Report
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: Kurt Ulrich, City Administrator
Item Title/Subject: Consider Banquet Facility Interim Leases
Background
The City recently received notice from Canyon Catering that, effective April 1, 2006, that
they will no longer provide services under the current contract (see attached letter: Roy
Dodds 1/19/06). In response to this anticipated change, the City Council recently
appointed a Mounds View Community Center task Force to help provide direction to the
future course of this facility. They are scheduled to report back to the Council on March
6, 2006.
The Canyon Catering contract was originally negotiated at a rent of $5,000 per month
and was to provide $60,000 per year of lease revenue to the City. The breakeven point
for MVCC operations is approximately $58,000 per year in revenue. Canyon Catering
currently operates the facility without rent due to the City Hall temporary relocation. They
continue to be responsible for paying taxes of about $1,000 a month for the facility.
Discussion
With the pending termination date of April 1st approaching, staff is recommending that
work begins to secure temporary short-term (i.e., 30 day) lease arrangements with In the
Word Church and Canyon Catering to continue operations and to generate revenue for
the City until such time a long-term decision is made by the City Council.
The City would attempt to generate lease revenue to cover the entire expenditures of
$58,000 needed to make that section of the facility generate a positive cash flow,
however, if the entire amount was not achievable, the goal would be to off-set building
expenditures as much as possible.
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the City Council authorize staff to begin negotiation with Canyon
Catering and In the Word Church for short-term lease agreements to cover the period
until long term plans for the facility have been formulized.
Respectfully submitted,
________________________
Kurt Ulrich
Item No: 04B
Meeting Date: 1/30/06
Type of Business: Work Session
City of Mounds View Staff Report
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: Kurt Ulrich, City Administrator
Item Title/Subject: Non-Union Salary Compensation
Background
The Human Resources Committee is in the process of reviewing the Salary
Compensation guidelines as outlined in the Mounds View Personnel Manual. The
basis for the review is to determine if another group of comparison cities other than
the Stanton Group 6 cities provide a better means of comparison. Market rate
adjustments, as required by the existing Stanton Group 6 policy, were deferred for
all non-union employees until other methods could be reviewed. The non-union
group includes the City Administrator, all department heads, and confidential
employees. Market rate adjustments for union employees were included as part of
the 2004-05 contracts, however, no compensation/market rate adjustments were not
made on non-union salary since 1998.
The Human Resources Committee is pursuing a compensation study that puts into
consideration population, city market value, and taxable tax capacity instead of just
using Stanton 6 cities (population 10,000 – 25,000) as outlined in the Personnel
Manual. The study would encompass all positions within the City.
It was also determined at the last Human Resources Committee that an RFP be
drafted in order to accept bids to have an outside agency do a compensation study
on all job descriptions (union and non-union), and to draft a pay equity report which
is due to the Department of Employee Relations on January 31, 2007. This RFP will
be ready to be presented to the Human Resources Committee at the next meeting
sometime in March. Any compensation adjustments resulting from this study could
then be negotiated into new contracts and/or included in budgets for 2007.
Discussion and Alternatives
Attached is a draft of the non-union compensation study as outlined in the Mounds
View Personnel Manual. According to City records, the last time a comprehensive
salary compensation study and market adjustments was in 1998, meaning that the
policy has not been followed for approximately seven years. Many of the current
employees were hired under the current policy referencing Stanton 6 as the
benchmark for compensation. Consequently, many of the non-union positions are
relatively close to the Stanton Group average because most salary ranges were
updated at the time of hire.
The Council has the option to revise or suspend the current policy and is advised to
take that action if that is the intent. Taking some action (as opposed to not taking
any action and continuing in non-compliance) provides more clear direction and
understanding for staff.
Alternatives:
1. Keep current wages per 2006 Budget
Additional cost: $0
Advantages: - No additional cost
- Keeps salaries at current levels until compensation plan
is revised
Disadvantages: - Some employees lagging further behind the market
- Salary compression in Police Department
- Not in compliance with current policy
2. Current policy – 100% Stanton mean with cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA)
Additional cost: $30,671
Advantages: - Keeps salaries market competitive
- Adheres to current personnel policy
Disadvantages: - Significant cost
- The compensation plan is currently under study
3. Revise policy - 97% Stanton mean with cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA)
Additional cost: $10,085
Advantages: - Less expensive than current policy
- Allows some flexibility to implement new compensation
plan
- Adjusts the jobs with the greatest market deficiencies
Disadvantages: - revises current policy and put employees approximately
2 years behind Stanton Group 6 mean average
4. Revise policy - 103% Stanton mean with cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA)
Additional: cost: $57,881
Advantages: - Keeps salaries market competitive and adjusts for one-
year lag in Stanton data
Disadvantages: - Significant cost
- Compensation plan currently under study
- Revises current personnel policy
Issues and Recommendations
Until a new policy is in place, Staff recommends to abide by the current policy and to
implement the appropriate adjustments for the non-union positions. For union
employees, market data is utilized to review jobs and has been used in past and
current contract negotiations. In the alternative, option 3 addresses the worst of the
salary market discrepancies and allows flexibility to implement a new pay plan,
which may be overall lower than the current compensation plan. Funding for any of
the proposal would be recommended to come from Council Contingency.
Based upon Council direction this item will be scheduled for consideration at the
next City Council Meeting.