Minutes - Council Work Session - 07/14/2020

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Councilmember Musgrove asked if she could receive paper copies of the information. Councilmember Riley commented that if there is a six percent growth in the tax base, he would not want to see more than six percent increase to the levy. He stated that would include the increase in debt. Mayor LeTourneau stated that he likes the idea to provide a target as this is the first review. He stated that this is the first review and will not be the final adopted budget. He stated that he likes the idea of having a target but that comes with a focus. He stated that the Council would need to give direction to staff on what should be changed in the budget at the next review of the budget. Councilmember Specht referenced the cost of living for this next year and stated that he would like to see that lower for this year. He stated that perhaps this could be a one-year contract due to COVID. He noted that many have lost their jobs or have had lessened wages and therefore he would like to see that lower for this year. He asked for more information on the need for the additional parks maintenance person. Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated that prior to the recession there were a number of dedicated parks maintenance workers. He noted that since 2006 two maintenance workers have been lost and Council previously chose not to replace them. He stated that since that time the City has expanded its parks and road system which add maintenance needs. He stated that staff feels that there is not enough manpower to cover the maintenance needs. Councilmember Specht asked for examples of maintenance needs that could not be completed if this additional person is not hired. Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated that some work has been contracted out when possible. He stated that residents have noticed the reduction in service that occurred when staffing was cut. He stated that since that time the parks facilities and public works needs have expanded as the City continues to grow which increases the demand on staff. He stated that a thorough analysis has been done in terms of contracted services and noted that could be shared again with the Council. He stated that public works has about 40 different contractors that they work with to provide different services. He stated that maintenance workers have a certain level of expertise which provides flexibility in being able to adjust and change with the weather and/or priorities. Mayor LeTourneau summarized that the City is in the customer service business with residents being the customers. He stated that it appears that staff is hearing quite a bit from residents when the level of service is decreased. Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated that when residents reach out to staff related to a request, they expect the City to address that request. He noted that when time is taken out to address the request, that interrupts the flow and efficiency of staff to complete other tasks. He stated that they have been as judicious as possible in making personnel requests, but staff feels that this request is warranted at this time. City Council Work Session / July 14, 2020 Page 4 of 7