Minutes - Council Work Session - 05/06/2008

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Councilmember Olson stated that she agreed with Councilmember Jeffrey and feels these questions and criteria should always be used, not just in tough economic times, because it is the responsible thing to do. Councilmember Look stated that, in his tenure, he doesn't think he has seen the Council not fill a position that has opened up. He stated that the proposed levy rate is daunting and he thinks the City will need to take a look at any and all expenses so as not to burden the taxpayers. He stated that he thinks sending a message that the City needs to creatively take a look at all positions and say, in the event that there is one less staff person, how the duties can be diversified or positions be cross-trained in order to pick up the duties. He stated that he understands Councilmember Jeffrey's point, but he would like the City to take measures to "hole up" during this economically difficult time and doesn't feel a hiring freeze is inappropriate. Councilmember Strommen asked if Councilmember Look was suggesting that there be an investigation of critical duties for existing staff as well as for new hires. Councilmember Look stated that he would encourage that and feels it is good practice. He stated that the Council recently went through emergency management training and role playing was a part of that training. He stated that he is suggesting that staff do the same thing and figure out how duties would be divided if they were short a staff member. Councilmember Strommen stated that she is concerned about the angst this would create among staff. Councilmember Look stated that he agrees it could create angst, but this is how corporate America operates. He stated that the Council can make it clear that the City is not trying to eliminate positions. He stated that one of the biggest critiques of government is that they don't operate like the business world. Councilmember Strommen stated that a big difference is that the City needs to provide certain services regardless of the economy. She stated that there is a Consensus of the Council to use the criteria, the question is whether it is called a hiring freeze or not. City Administrator Ulrich suggested the criteria be brought forth and adopted as a resolution and stay away from the hiring freeze terminology. Councilmember Look stated that he doesn't think that approach has enough "teeth" in it. He stated that these are tough economic times and the Council will have to address this in some way and he feels the City should be proactive about it now. Police Chief Way states that this written criteria just formalizes what has been done in the past by department heads. Community Development Director Miller stated that she feels department heads do this kind of due diligence every year when they are working on the budget. She stated that they look at workloads and whether positions are necessary. City Council Work Session I May 6, 2008 Page 10 of 13