Minutes - Council - 09/29/1987 - Special

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Handout H regarding a letter from Hakanson Anderson Assoc., Inc. relative to providng planning and clerical support services to the City of Ramsey was reviewed. Highlighted were the hourly salary rates for various contracted personnel levels. Mr. Hartley stated that the Council has indicated its desire to privitize City functionsand this is anopportunitytodothat. Rates for snow plow drivers was addressed and a $.50 an hour increase was considered. City part-time salary rates were discussed and the following hourly rates were recommended: Skating Rink Manager $5.00/hour Skating Rink Supervisors $4.75/hour Fire/Weed Inspector $50.00/retainer + $5.75/hour Chief Election Judges $4.50/hour Election Judges $4.00/hour Several pages of the proposed budget were reviewed byMr. Graczyk relative to capital outlay items and full-time and part-time positions. The review revealed that many capital equipment items and staffing positions are being requested that are not in the proposed 1988 budget. Mr. Hartley stated that City staff recognizes and respects the direction of the City Council regarding holding down on purchasing of capital equipment and the addition of staff but present staff also thinks that it is important that the Council know what the City needs are. Mr. Hartley added that by listing the items Department Heads are trying to recommend what they see are the existing needs within the community while repecting the City Council's decision not to make these acquisitions or increase staffing levels. Councilmember Cox suggested that consideration be given to an outside reviewal process. This, stated Councilmember Cox, would aide in assessing benefit of particular capital equipment and staffing and also aide in determining what course of action the Council should take. Mr. Hartley commented that the Council should stay mindful of what their ultimate objectives are; is it to maintain a certain level of service to the community or is it as important not to expand government employees. He suggested that the Council make a forum to explore what direction they are heading. The Council discussed the benefit of using outside consultants to aid in determining thebest course of action. Councilmember DeLuca referred to the safety storage cabinet for storage of flammable fluids at a cost of $500.00 requested by the Public Works Department. He asked that, because of its importance to safety, the cabinet be added to the 1987 Budget so that it can be purchased immediately and the other Councilmembers were in agreement. Mr. Graczyk stated that he will put the action in the form of a Resolution and add it to the Consent Agenda of the next Regular Session of the City Council. Mr. Gracyzk reviewed the estimated taxbase, actual levies, and projected millrates of the proposed 1988 Budget. He stated that the proposed 1988 Budget expresses no special levies and he also reconm~nded that the Council should not City Council/September 29, 1987 Page 6 of 7