Minutes - Council Work Session - 07/21/2009

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Public Works Director Olson discussed some of the costs associated with maintaining the unpaved roads. Councilmember Elvig suggested that this be brought back to the Public Works for further discussion. 2) 2010 General Fund Budget City Administrator Ulrich reviewed what Department Heads have been asked to put together for the 2010 budget. Councilmember Dehen arrived at 8:15 p.m. Finance Officer Lund distributed Policies for Council Direction. She reviewed the estimated tax capacity rate for 2010 and noted that the City has tried to keep this rate the same, so a $1.3 million cut will need to be made, if this rate is kept the same. She reviewed the current General Fund Balance policy, which is currently at 60%. She noted that this could be decreased by 10%, on a one-time basis, which would be $960,249.30. She reviewed TIF financing and the limits on how that money can be used and also the current staffing levels. Public Works Director Olson noted the recent vacancy of the Parks Maintenance worker and the demands that have been added to this department since 2005 when the last worker was hired. He noted that the bottom line is that there has been about 2,278 hours added to their duties since 2005. He reviewed staffing levels since 2008, when the City had the use of the Department of Corrections Work Crew. Councilmember Dehen asked why the City wouldn't continue to use the Department of Corrections program to help alleviate some of the problem. Public Works Director Olson stated that it is hard to ask employees to take a two-week furlough and then bring in the Work Crew to do the work. He stated that there hasn't been an issue with employee relations since he started. Councilmember Dehen asked if this meant there would be a union issue if the City used too much of the Work Crew. Public Works Director Olson stated that the City does use a lot of seasonal workers, but noted that the Work Crew is not trying to, nor are they meant to, supplant full-time workers. City Administrator Ulrich reviewed some of the contract language, two-week furloughs and the Work Crew duties. Public Works Director Olson reviewed the reduction in available labor for the Public Works Department of about 5,000 hours. Parks Supervisor Riverblood reviewed some of the estimated mowing reductions. City Council Work Session / July 21, 2009 Page 4 of9