Agenda - Council - 11/26/2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Employee Appreciation Luncheon Department Update Administration October 2013 Financial Stability New Economic Development Manager The City is eagerly awaiting its new Economic Development Manager's first day, which is planned for November 18th. This position will be responsible for directing and managing economic development and redevelopment activities that will help retain and attract businesses within the City —with financial stability being key. Adding the new economic development position will open up time for existing staff to complete the City Owned Land inventory process that began in 2012. The goal of this process it to identify city owned properties that are unneeded for current/future city functions and dispose of surplus city owned land — if possible. Removing properties from tax exempt status (i.e. back on the tax rolls) promotes financial stability. Minimum Maintenance Fees The City implemented `minimum maintenance fees' for room rentals in the municipal center in May of 2013 (along with updating/adjusting other room rental fees). The purpose of the new fees is to help cover the cost of city maintenance staff. The City has seen almost no slowdown in room rental —and an increase in revenues. A financial report will be provided to the Council in May of 2014. Smart, Citizen -Focused Government Internships Administration, Community Development, Public Works and the Police Department have recently worked with several interns to help continue the delivery of quality services at a reasonable price. An Effective Organization Communications Committee Communication is an essential element of effectiveness and Administrative Services staff have been working together as a "communications committee" to promote the City's Strategic Plan, Mission, Vision, and Values. This includes the addition of department Mission and Core Values posters which are displayed throughout the building; as well as meetings such today! Three Year Staffing Plan Staffing is also an essential element of effectiveness. Staff have developed a preliminary three-year staffing plan which includes staffing projections, reclassifications, employee training, and much more. New Agenda Templates In an attempt to maximize meeting effectiveness, staff developed a new agenda coversheet template to be used for work session topics. The new template includes the purpose, which will communicate to the Council reason(s) why the topic is being brought to them for discussion. A timeframe was added to aide in keeping the discussion on task as well as give staff and the Council an idea of the time needed for discussion, especially on an evening where there are multiple meetings. "Responsible parties" was added to the information boxes which gives Council a better idea relating to what staff/department is responsible for the item — from writing the case to completing the direction. The "action" dialog box