Agenda - Council - 09/08/2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Police Chief Katers commented that it was important for the City to have this position during the recent challenges of COVID. Councilmember Menth commented that the City can do the best job but if that is not communicated to the public, it will not be known. He stated that whatever the City does, it needs to be communicated to the public. Councilmember Riley stated that his frustration is perhaps that the position should be better defined to ensure the desired results are being achieved. Councilmember Musgrove stated that staff puts a lot into their communications and feels that the existing staff can meet that objective without the additional position. Mayor LeTourneau stated that if that role is removed, it would become clear as to the void that would be created. He noted that the members of the Council that predate that position are aware of what that situation is like. City Administrator Ulrich stated that it seems that there is consensus that there is work to do on better defining the position to meet the expectations of the Council. Councilmember Specht stated that he would be interested in seeing the other side, as to what it would look like without that position. Councilmember Musgrove asked for details on the public works equipment requests. Public Works Superintendent Riemer provided additional details on that equipment. Finance Director Lund asked if there is consensus on the preliminary budget for adoption at the proposed increase rate of 5.72 percent. She noted that the Council can continue to make reductions prior to the final adoption in December but that figure could not be increased. City Administrator Ulrich explained that his preference would be to have the Council provide the direction on where it would like to be and staff could then come back with an explanation of which items/services could be cut to meet that goal. He stated that originally, the goal of six percent was provided from the Council and staff has met that goal. Councilmember Musgrove asked if the police body cameras could be purchased in halves and the likelihood of receiving grants for the purchase. Police Chief Katers replied that if the equipment is to be purchased, he would want all officers to have the body cameras and not half of the officers. He stated that the possibility of obtaining grants for that purchase is very low. Councilmember Menth stated that he is comfortable with the proposed budget as staff met the goal provided by the Council and it would be unfair to continue to move that target. City Council Work Session / August 25, 2020 Page 5 of 7