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Ms. Dodge suggested that possibly the newsletter could be contracted with her people and that there are probably some money saving options she can offer. Ms. Dodge stated she would research the options further. Mr. Hartley stated he would also do some research into the possibilities. Claudia Dodge expressed her concerns regarding the importance of "Friends of the Earth", "Study Buddies" and the work that Carol Redbird, the school Social Worker is doing regarding the at risk children. Ms. Dodge stated she would like some direction in deciding what to cut out if there isn't enough money. Councilmember DeLuca stated that environmental issues could possibly be funded different ways, such as KAB, however, regarding Community Ed's involvement with the newsletter, etc. there were too many unknowns at this point. He feels there is a need for more responses to certain issues before decisions can be made. Councilmember Peterson stated he feels Ms. Dodge knows best how to allocate the dollars and come up with priorities. He feels it is her decision to reduce quality and keep all the programs or cut some programs and maintain the quality. Mr. Hartley stated that Police Chief Mike Auspos is willing to serve as labor negotiator for the Police Department, however, if there is an arbitration, then Mr. Hartley would become involved. Chief Auspos also wanted it known that he would probably tend to side with the labor side. By Chief Auspos serving as negotiator, certain negotiator fees would be alleviated. Councilmember Peterson stated he would like to see the City Council get more involved. The decision making body has to have great confidence in the negotiating team and take the advice as highly valuable or be a part of it. City Council needs to be comfortable with the end results. Councilmember DeLuca stated he is opposed to having Chief Auspos as negotiator. He stated the City has been "burned" in the past due to a small slip up during negotiations. He feels that for the amount paid, it's preventing a lot of future problems. He sees Chief Auspos as a Police Chief, not as a negotiator. He realizes Chief Auspos has the comradery, but negotiator expertise must be maintained. Councilmember DeLuca also stated that in the past the City has maintained a fair representation and the City hasn't been out of line. If there is a change now, there is no gain, actually it is a loss as far as the City Council becoming more active. Mr. Hartley stated he has worked with City Council and also with negotiating teams and each situation works, however, he stated Councilmember Peterson and Councilmember DeLuca have some very valid concerns. Mr. Hartley explained the amount added in for election, the reduction for the Key Communicator Program, the equipment for the Street Maintenance Department, the cut in interns for personnel services and the absence of funding for Police Sergeant. He also stated that Chief Auspos feels he can keep the Police Department overtime down to $10,000.00 from $22,000.00 last year. The overtime is not planned intentionally, it occurs when covering extended work shift for completing reports and covering court time and vacations. Mr. Hartley stated he sees the Fire Department Officer's pay as a token. He stated the City could use an engineering intern, however there is no facilities to house such an intern. He stated the street maintenance worker should be fully funded next year. Mr. Hartley explained the way the wing operators and drivers are paid and also the qualifications for employment. Councilmember Peterson asked if the Parks people and the Street Maintenance people could interchange jobs during snow storms. Budget Committee/October 15, 1990 Page 2 of 4