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Councilmember Elvig inquired if it was possible to review if staff is accounting for enough time <br />for capital improvement projects and storm sewer projects. <br />Finance Officer Lund replied that staff could review situations where projects are not being <br />bonded. <br />Councilmember Elvig inquired if the City would be better off outsourcing the work for CIP <br />projects and free up staff time so that it can be covered under a bond. <br />Finance Officer Lund stated that she would research if they can include their own staff time into <br />a bond for CIP projects. <br />Director of Public Works/Fire Chief Kapler reviewed the Public Works budget. <br />City Administrator Norman explained that a few years ago staff did an analysis on employees per <br />capita and they were surprised to find that they were on the bottom for public maintenance <br />workers. As the population grows the demand for public service increases as well. <br />Director of Public Works/Fire Chief Kapler explained that the 2004 budget includes the same <br />number of seasonal workers as the 2003 budget prior to cuts. In addition it includes an additional <br />Maintenance Worker. He stated that he is concerned that they have not focused enough on the <br />on -going maintenance issues and will catch up to them. <br />Councilmember Kurak replied that that goes back to her idea of adding a maintenance fee on <br />developments along with park dedication that could be used to hire staff to do maintenance work <br />during the difficult times. She emphasized that she seriously wanted to research the opportunity <br />before the Town Center comes on board. <br />Councilmember Elvig noted that he would even be willing to go 50/50 on the maintenance fee <br />and park dedication fee. <br />Councilmember Kurak replied that they have to be cautious - that the money will end when <br />development stops and they do not want to reduce the amount of park dedication funds, but <br />increase the funds and utilize that in a separate fund for maintenance. She was not sure that she <br />could go along with a 50/50 split. <br />Councilmember Elvig stated that if they don't slow down the park building they are not going to <br />get a handle on the maintenance. <br />Councilmember Pearson agreed with increasing park fees and using that increase for <br />maintenance costs. <br />Mayor Gamec stated that he strongly disagrees with the way park dedication is currently put into <br />separate districts because they are sitting in districts where it is not needed and could be used <br />City Council Work Session/August 5, 2003 <br />Page 8 of 11 <br />