Agenda - Council - 10/12/2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councihnember Elvig requested figures regarding outsourcing done by the City. He commented the comparisons with other cities show Ramsey as being very understaffed, and they must be covering it somewhere else. If outsour¢ing includes a substantial amount of funding they may be able to pull some of those dollars in-house. City Administrator Norman indicated the current budget proposal includes three employee cuts from the document previously presented to the Council. The positions that have been eliminated inchlde the building clerical position, one of the three patrol officer requests, and the fire inspector. Community Development Frolik indicated the Community Development Department had requested a Community Development Assistant as a half time position. The Police Department has also proposed a half time CSO position. It has been concluded the Community Development Department would not need the half time position they requested if they could shift code enforcement duties to be handled by the Police Department. Councilmember Elvig asked how many City of Ramsey employees there are. City Administrator Norman replied there are 65 full time employees, and the proposal is for nine full time equivalent employees. Councilmember Elvig noted this proposal is for a 15 percent increase of staff. He questioned what the cost is associated with the space that will be needed for the employees. City Administrator Norman replied staff will find ways to use the space they currently have. He indicated if the Council approves the preliminary budget at the September 13th meeting, staff would propose moving on the positions of the Police Officer and the Human Resources Technician. Mayor Gamec inquired if it would be beneficial to start a Public Works employee early to be trained and ready for snow removal. Public Works Director Kapler replied although it may be a good thing, they do not have the vehicles to put the employees in. Councilmelnber Cook expressed concern that the Council had approved one additional police officer hist year with a second officer to be considered after six months. They then agreed to consider the second position after the preliminary budget was completed. They are now saying they would start one officer right away and would then only hire one additional officer next year. He stated to be fail' there should really be three officers included in this budget, rather than two. Police Chief Way indicated the two officers would be adequate. Public Works Director Kapler stressed the need to do hiring earlier in the year when the pool of candidates is better. The Human Resources Technician will play a big role in that. City Council Work Session/September 7, 2004 Page 4 of 7