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<br />Mayor LeTourneau stated that while the COVID calls may be reduced in the future, the population <br />continues to grow. <br /> <br />Councilmember Musgrove stated that she could support the Records Technician but does not <br />believe she could support both positions. <br /> <br />Councilmember Menth stated that the population is growing and the calls for service have <br />increased. He stated that the Officers are asking for body cameras due to current events but <br />because the Council is attempting the squeeze the budget, that equipment is being taken out. He <br />stated that Ramsey should be cautious about becoming Minneapolis. He stated that he likes the <br />Ramsey Police Department, who can respond to calls within five minutes. He stated that he would <br />have a huge concern with squeezing requests from Police or Fire. <br /> <br />Councilmember Musgrove asked the number of staff members within the parks department. <br /> <br />Public Works Superintendent Riemer reviewed the flowchart for the Public Works and Parks <br />Department and the duties of each of those employees. He stated that the Parks Department relies <br />heavily on seasonal workers, noting that they hired everyone that applied and still only had nine <br />seasonal employees, three of whom have already left. He reviewed the duties that those seasonal <br />employees handle. He reviewed the number of work orders that have been completed and noted <br />that Parks Maintenance Workers also assist with winter snow removal on sidewalks, trails, and <br />skating rinks. He stated that he believes it is warranted to add another Parks Maintenance Worker <br />as they have not requested additional staff for that position for the past 14 years, although the City <br />has grown significantly during that time. He provided a list of the contracted work the City has <br />for some of the duties. <br /> <br />Councilmember Musgrove asked for details on the use of contractors for certain duties and <br />confirmed that as the population has grown, the use of contractors has increased. She stated that <br />she favors the use of contractors as the relationship can be easily terminated and the cost can be <br />negotiated through bidding. She stated that she cannot see the justification of another Parks worker <br />this year due to COVID and the state of the economy. <br /> <br />Mayor LeTourneau asked why the City does not contract for this service. <br /> <br />Public Works Superintendent Riemer replied that not all services can be contracted for in a timely <br />manner and have to be reacted to when they happen. <br /> <br />Deputy City Administrator Gladhill stated that staff has reviewed the effectiveness and cost <br />efficiency of contracted services to determine which elements add value. <br /> <br />Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated that staff reviews that closely <br />and scrutinizes the ability to complete duties in-house compared to contracting. He stated that <br />they contract the maintenance duties they can, but mowing is always more beneficial to complete <br />in-house. He provided examples of troubles they have had with hiring mowing contractors. He <br />City Council Work Session / August 10, 2020 <br />Page 4 of 8 <br /> <br />