Minutes - Council Work Session - 07/14/2020

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City Administrator Ulrich stated that typically they begin negotiations around this time. He stated that typically they are two-year contracts but perhaps this would be a circumstance where a one- year contract is negotiated. Administrative Services Director Lasher stated that all four notices of desire to negotiate have been received from the unions and meetings are setup beginning in late August. Councilmember Musgrove asked if that is the normal timeframe for the negotiation process. Administrative Services Director Lasher confirmed that is the normal process. She explained that it is labor intensive with multiple meetings throughout the three to four-month process. Councilmember Musgrove asked if Ramsey is behind other cities. Administrative Services Director Lasher stated that Ramsey is not behind. She stated that other cities may have had a different two-year period which expires in 2021, whereas Ramsey’s contracts expire in 2020. Councilmember Musgrove commented that it would make it easier to look at the remainder of the budget if that figure were already known. Mayor LeTourneau recognized that there are many moving parts in this process, and this is just the beginning where general direction is given, and more specific details are worked out as the process moves along. Councilmember Specht thanked staff for their work on the draft budget. He asked for details on how capital equipment purchases are decided upon, using the example of the police administration vehicle. Finance Director Lund replied that the City falls under the State contract for police vehicles and therefore they review what is available under that contract. Police Chief Katers stated that there is a fleet service and each of the vehicles is on a rotation schedule, along with input from the mechanic. He stated that they purchase all vehicles on the State contract that is negotiated with specific vendors at predetermined prices. He stated that there can be some variation between the different brands. He noted that there is typically also a police package, although that can be different for administrative vehicles. Finance Director Lund provided additional details on the State contract and how the State negotiates in place of the cities. Councilmember Riley referenced the body cameras. He asked if there is outside funding or grants available for that equipment. Police Chief Katers stated that there has been a lot of discussion on that topic, noting that the State is in the process of negotiating with vendors and then the City would purchase on the State contract. City Council Work Session / July 14, 2020 Page 2 of 7