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Mayor Strommen stated the language is "may post" and the Council would retain the authority to <br />hire for that position. <br />Councilmember Tossey stated he is comfortable with staff's recommendation and thinks the <br />Council has come a long way in allowing staff to follow Council - established policy. <br />Councilmember Johns concurred. <br />Mayor Strommen asked if there were any other issues of concern. <br />Councilmember Kuzma asked if the pay plan would be established within the approved budget. <br />Mayor Strommen stated it would. <br />The consensus of the Council was to allow staff to return to the Personnel Policy language (in <br />practice) and granting more authority back to the City Administrator with regard to recruiting for <br />personnel as detailed in the revised staff report to eliminate reclassifications /promotions. It was <br />indicated that these changes will be reflected in the Personnel Policy when it is brought forward <br />to the Council for formal adoption of the updated Policy. <br />2.03: Discuss City of Ramsey Bus Service <br />City Administrator Ulrich briefed the Council on the ridership of Bus Route 852, explaining that <br />Metro Transit has observed an average of 2.4 boardings using this extension over 24 minutes of <br />service, about five passengers per hour or one passenger per ten minutes. This ranges from zero <br />to four boardings per weekday. He explained that Metro Council finds the numbers are <br />disappointing and do not merit continuing service; however, staff prefers that the 18 -month pilot <br />program be allowed to run to completion as negotiated upon the City entering into the Transit <br />Taxing District. <br />Councilmember Riley voiced support to stop the route extension. <br />Mayor Strommen asked if route ridership is declining due to NorthStar and if riders get off <br />before the extension. <br />City Administrator Ulrich stated staff can obtain that information. <br />Councilmember Kuzma asked if there would be a cost savings to the City if the route extension <br />is stopped. <br />Mayor Strommen stated there would not be. She explained the City's residents would be taxed <br />anyway and the Council had required additional service to enter into the Transit Taxing District. <br />However, if residents are not taking advantage of the, service, the Council should determine <br />whether it makes sense to continue it. She asked about the promotion that has occurred and <br />suggested the ridership numbers be reviewed prior to making this decision. <br />City Council Work Session / January 7, 2014 <br />Page 6 of 13 <br />