Minutes - Council Work Session - 02/28/2012

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Councilmember Elvig agreed those funds were set up for park maintenance. Councilmember Strommen stated Councilmember Wise brings up a good point as the Council goes forward in making decisions, and looking at gaps and one -time money. She agreed that a longer -term revenue source is needed to fund on -going issues. However, the flip side is where the Council anticipates growth or expansion to make sure it is not cutting back long -term and then having to find funding. She felt the goal was to keep it more even. Councilmember Wise stated the receptionist provides the "face of the City" and people coming into City Hall may be upset already and need direction. He also did not support an automated telephone system for the same reason. Councilmember Tossey agreed with the importance of having a receptionist. Councilmember Backous stated he was not ready to address personnel items on a line by line basis and would like to pursue voluntary retirements with the two interested employees. He noted that decision will affect further budget decisions. Councilmember Strommen stated she is also not ready to address the personnel line by line but completely agrees with the importance of the receptionist, noting the cost for that position has a minimal impact on the property tax bill. She questioned the timing for looking at consolidation of the police and fire departments given the shared discussion underway, which may or may not have a budget impact but she felt major budget decisions should not be made until those discussions are completed. Councilmember Backous agreed the front kiosk should be staffed because this is a large facility. He stated he thinks things will turn around and would advocate to cut interns prior to permanent staff. Councilmember McGlone stated he does not want to make decisions while waiting for the fire contract because no mater what the Council does, if that issue moves forward, there is change in that realm irrespective of what the Council does. He agreed that with Deputy City Administrator Nelson leaving, everything is in flux including the economy but he is not willing to gamble on that. Councilmember Tossey stated he serves as an alternate on the Joint Fire Board, and agrees it would be wise to delay decisions to see where that discussion leads. He indicated there is a lot of interest to consolidate those services and he expects Ramsey will be the lead since it is the largest community. Mayor Ramsey stated his frustration with the Council's debate and asked where it is getting better when the Council is talking about taxing its residents another $300 to $400 each year in franchise fees. He believed that nothing is getting better and suggested the City Administrator be given the Council's goals and asked to figure out how to solve this problem. Mayor Ramsey stated he would support cutting staffing levels, salary/benefits, to use no more than 50% of the City Council Work Session / February 28, 2012 Page3of6