Minutes - Council Work Session - 01/25/2011

Home

Finance Director Lund said there is no way to replenish this fund at this time. Councilmember Wise asked about changing the current Environmental Coordinator to an Associate Planner with the majority of the pay still coming from the Landfill Tipping Fund. Finance Director Lund said the pay for 2012 would be an 80/20 split. Councilmember Elvig asked if the staffing suggestion is just a title change or is the individual truly qualified. Deputy City Administrator Nelson said the individual performs a tremendous amount of planning work now, including presenting to the Planning Commission. She added that while his work has shifted from environmental issues to a more increased effort on code enforcement, his degree in environmental planning and forestry is a natural overlap into planning. Councilmember McGlone suggested graduating the pay to a 20/80 split once the full transition takes place. Councilmember Backous asked if the pay increase is due to additional responsibilities. Deputy City Administrator Nelson said that is correct, adding the individual will play a bigger role in planning with regular planning work and various code enforcement issues. She said eventually the Land Tipping Fund will run out and this position is important, so they are suggesting the shift now in order Yb be prepared. City Administrator Ulrich said this position has been accepting more responsibility than an entry -level planner since the earlier layoffs, adding this could be at a higher level of 20% to a suggested 50% of the increase that could be feathered in over time. Council consensus was to accept staff's recommendation for alignment of staffing with the 2011 Council strategic goals, including the recommendation to remove the Planning Manager position from the 2011 budget. Councilmember Wise asked if they would be creating problems with the remaining staff. Deputy City Administrator Nelson said the action includes changing positions, adding that when a when a position or class changes staff reviews the market for similar -sized cities. She stated the Senior Planner has an existing pay scale in alignment with the referenced Associate Planner position. Council consensus was to schedule the proposed 2011 staffing alignment for Council consideration for the February 8 regular meeting. Councilmember Elvig said this is a difficult decision and aggressive move, adding his desire to return to the 2010 staffing level for planning once they get through the current difficulties. City Council Work Session / January 25, 2011 Page 2 of 3