2024.01.22 CC Packet - Goal Setting

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Administration and Finance: Election. 2024 is an election year, including a primary in March. A presidential election is a significant work effort for the City Clerk, who will likely request staffing assistance with either a new intern, or the hiring of a permanent administrative position, which is currently budgeted and unfilled. A Deputy Clerk, or similar position could serve in a variety of roles including improved coordination of City-wide communications, website management, social media efforts, and meeting room management. City website. A new website is in the process of being designed and will be launched in 2024. Administrative Policies. There are several updates staff intends to evaluate in 2024 to the personnel policy. Staff also anticipates modifications to human resources practices, and payroll processes. The State has made substantial changes to statutes in 2023, which affect the City in several ways. The City will now begin preparing for the State’s new Paid Family Medical Leave Program. Tax Rates. The City has both an “Urban” and a “Rural” tax rate. Council has requested additional information on this topic. Staff will address with Council at a workshop in 2024. Fiscal Policies and Bond Rating. These policies have served the City well. Over the next year or two, the Finance staff will consider supplementing these policies with new measures that could improve the City’s bond rating. Technology. The staff continues implementation of a document imaging system. Much of this conversion to electronic files has been complete, which is improving the way that service is delivered. Staff has also gone live with new software that allows for acceptance of on-line building permit applications and payments. Staff is discussing a new plan review system and is preparing to scan all old commercial building plans. As a result, much of the transactional business that used to occur at the front counter, occurs on-line instead. New A/V equipment was recently installed within the Council Chambers, Oneka Room and Peter Pedersen Pavilion. The City is now capable of performing hybrid meetings, and has expanded the ways in which the public can view and participate in meetings. Facilities. Staff intends to perform an in-house evaluation of all facilities to determine whether they continue to meet the needs of the citizens, and the working staff. We do not expect any immediate need for substantial improvements, however minor updates and upgrades might be advisable. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends council use the information provided to discuss and prepare a list of goals for 2024.