Minutes - Council Work Session - 02/05/2013

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Councilmember Backous asked that it be part of next year's report. Councilmember Elvig agreed the Economic Development position is an ambassador as much as everything else but it needs to be done on an on -going basis. With the land, when businesses look to move to Ramsey, he felt it was an issue of timing and having something available to seize the opportunity. Councilmember Elvig suggested also finding out what they think is positive about Ramsey. Councilmember Tossey stated he would like to know how many that complained about taxes received TIF. He indicated he does not have concern about EDA versus HRA because he wants to move the Personnel Committee recommendation forward, noting the EDA has been active since 1992. However, the HRA is in its infancy and could be discontinued to separate The COR from the rest of Ramsey. Councilmember Tossey supported staff's recommendation and also eliminating the HRA. Mayor Strommen stated the divergence of the economic development activities has been a frustration of hers. She felt there was value to bringing together the HRA with respect to The COR and traditional EDA role to create a unified vision for the community that includes housing. She noted that during the last strategic planning session, there had been discussion of the function of HRA and EDA and whether both are needed. Mayor Strommen stated she likes that this allows flexibility depending on the direction the Council wants to go but the issue is how to define this job. She noted that housing is still supported by Economic Development staff and she liked the idea of a unified approach since it allows flexibility and the Council can address the structure of the EDA and HRA in the future. Mayor Strommen requested the EDA's feedback, when available. The consensus of the Council was to approve the job description and recommendation of the Personnel Committee, as presented, and direct staff to move forward with recruitment of the Economic Development Manager position based on staff's recommendation. 2.04: Discussion Regarding 2013 Union Contract Negotiations for AFSCME, LELS- Patrol and LELS- Sergeants (Discussion closed to the public) Human Resources Manager Colleen Lasher reviewed the staff report to discuss the three union contracts. She advised that under Minnesota Statutes, Section 13D.03, the meeting can move into closed session to discuss labor negotiations strategy for the City's union contracts. She indicated closed session discussion will relate to 2013 negotiations for AFSCME, LELS - Patrol and LELS - Sergeant union contracts. The closed session will be tape recorded and that tape will be maintained for a period of eight years. Motion by Councilmember Tossey, seconded by Councilmember Kuzma, to move to Closed Session to discuss acquisition negotiations. City Council Work Session / February 5, 2013 Page 12 of 18