Minutes - Council - 08/11/2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

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7.07: Consider Adopting Resolution #15-08-204 to Hire Public Safety Administrative Support Personnel Human Resources Director Lasher reviewed the staff report and recommendation to adopt Resolution #15-08-204 to Hire Public Safety Administrative Support Personnel (hire Ms. Ann Marie Busak as the City' s new part-time Fire Technician, effective on or near August 26, 2015 at Step 1 of the 2015 wage scale; and to hire Ms. Jemma Peterson as the City's new full-time Lead Police Records Technician, effective on or near August 16, 2015 at Step 3 of the 2015 wage scale). Councilmember Riley stated that although there would be a cost savings to this year's budget there would be an increase in spending in 2016 and each year forward. He stated that this will also add a full-time staff, which will receive full benefits, which is against the current trends. He stated that for those reasons he will be opposing this item. Councilmember Kuzma stated that in the Work Session discussion the positive benefits were reviewed and asked staff to speak to that. Fire Chief Kapler stated that when the staff had been scaled down there were support services that were decreased. He stated that this position would help to further both the Fire and Police Departments. He stated that County -wide, every police, fire and sheriff's office is upgrading to a new software system and there will be a significant amount of data entry required. He stated that the full-time employee will bring 16 years of experience in the dispatch center. Police Chief Katers stated that in 2014 the Police Department had one full-time and two part- time administrative employees. He stated that while the short-term gaps were filled with other staff during the time of staff cuts, that is not the best option and this full-time position would provide support and continuity. Councilmember LeTourneau stated that the Council has had quite a bit of energy placed into the Strategic Plan, which focuses on a smart citizen government. He stated that as the community continues to grow, public safety becomes a growing concern and therefore this action will allow the City to continue to meet the need of the City and community. He stated that this action is necessary and acknowledged that there will be an increase to the budget. Motion by Councilmember LeTourneau, seconded by Councilmember Johns, to adopt Resolution #15-08-204 to Hire Public Safety Personnel. Further discussion: Councilmember Kuzma stated that the City is participating with the County to upgrade the software and acknowledged the additional cost this position would have in the future; noting that if the City were required to have its own dispatch that would be a much higher cost. Councilmember Williams stated that she agrees with Councilmember LeTourneau that this is a value decision over financial. She stated that if this action supports staff and their ability to serve the community in an effective manner she would support the request. City Council /.August 11, 2015 Page 8 of 10