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<br />. Can the service provided be reduced, eliminated, or contracted out? <br /> <br />The service provided cannot be eliminated. Elements of the position could be contracted out, <br />but not the day to day phone calls, the meetings with citizens or helping the drop-ins. Also, it <br />would not be practical to contract out site plan review, although it could be done. Planning <br />services are typically contracted at $70.00 to$120.00 an hour depending on the level of <br />expertise needed. The department already contracts out larger projects on an as needed basis. <br /> <br />. What is the budgetary impact if the position is not filled (e.g., additional <br />overtime/compensatory time off costs) <br /> <br />The environment coordinator consistently maxes out on compensatory time because of the <br />additional hours put in on projects and events. We have been extremely busy lately with the <br />community center focus groups, preparation of ordinance revisions, preparation of the <br />comprehensive plan, and other evening meetings. And all of this is indicative of a workload <br />during a downturn in the housing market. As the housing market recovers, the workload will <br />increase even more and the City should be prepared to be proactive rather than. reactive. <br />Therefore it is my recommendation that the associate planner position be filled in order that the <br />Department can deliver services consistent with expectations. <br /> <br />3. What is the total annual cost ofthe position (e.g., salary, taxes, benefits, equipment, <br />etc.)? <br />The amount would be $62,737 for single health coverage at Step 1 and $65,821 for Family <br />health coverage at step 1. This position is funded 50% by the HRA levy. <br /> <br />I have reviewed this position in the context of the long term vision of the department and the City. This <br />position is vital to dealing with the foreclosure issues facing the community as well as reaching out to the <br />community through additional citizen participation in addition to the planning related duties. With the <br />anticipated retirement in the department within the next year, there will be the additional opportunity to re- <br />classify the assistant director position to a planning manager to concentrate more on the HRA and citizen <br />participation issues. With the community feedback we have heard throughout the Ramsey3 and <br />comprehensive planning process regarding a more inclusive process for development review that <br />involves the public, the change in both of these positions to include more public participation is paramount <br />to meeting that requirement. <br /> <br />-117- <br />