Minutes - Council Work Session - 07/21/2009

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Public Works Director Olson stated that it is getting very difficult to keep up with maintenance activities at their current level with the staffing that they have available. He stated they would like to hire one more seasonal worker to get the City through the peak period this year and then wait until the budget cycle is completed before considering replacing the full time worker. City Administrator Ulrich noted that this should be referred to the Personnel Committee for greater discussion. He distributed copies of information that was gathered last year from the Council on what they felt were the priorities for the City and its activities. He stated, for example, the priorities last year included police, fire and the City newsletter. Deputy City Administrator Nelson noted that this Council has not completed it in total because two of the new members have not completed this exercise. She stated that she feels the point Public Works Director Olson. was trying to make is that when you tell employees there is going to be a two week furlough and the contract employee hours are not cut, that creates a very difficult position for the City. Councilmember Look suggested trying to fill the position internally because there are some deep cuts that will have to be made. He stated that he doesn't think the City is in the position to hire, even contract labor. Councilmember Jeffrey asked if the City has done a functional analysis of all the departments in the City to see if there are some cross-functional duties that could take place. He stated that he feels this could make the City more efficient and may be a good interim fix. City Administrator Ulrich stated that the City has not done this analysis. Public Works Director Olson reiterated that his point was their service level is defined by their stafflevel because their people don't just sit around on their hands. City Administrator Ulrich noted that they are not looking for a resolution this evening, but to be able to bring on a seasonal employee this year and have the Personnel Committee take a closer look at the situation. Councilmember Elvig asked about revenue projections for inspections for 2010. Finance Officer Lund noted that she is projecting it at 50 or 60 units. She stated that the City is currently at about 31 % of the amended budget for permit numbers for 2009, but noted that there will be $25,000 coming in as part of the water tower project, which will help offset this. Councilmember Elvig stated that he has laid off half of his staff and has tried shifting duties and efficiencies. He stated that he is always for trying to find more work. He stated that he would like the City to focus a bit more on creating revenue and not so much on making cuts. He stated that retraining people takes up quite a bit of time. He stated he thinks about the City of Blaine and the USA Cup Tournament that has about 1,000 volunteers and brought in about $1 million in City Council Work Session I July 21, 2009 Page 5 of9