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would be helpful to obtain input on the organizational structure as the City grows, and where the <br />emphasis should be when additions are made. The City should have a qualified staff that is able <br />to provide the services the residents want, and it would be helpful to have a consultant come in to <br />help staff determine what is needed to prepare for the population growth. She requested input <br />from the Council as to what should be looked at, as well as authorization to conduct more <br />research. She would like to clarify the City's goals and look at a possible process with who <br />would be involved and the costs. She explained the city of Eagan was vague about what was <br />desired in their study, which caused the bids to come in high. Being specific about the goals will <br />bring the price down. She explained the second piece to this is the compensation study. As <br />Ramsey grows they will move into a higher bracket and will be competing with cities like <br />Bloomington, Woodbury and Maple Grove. These cities are all operating on a higher <br />compensation schedule and Ramsey would need to beef up its pay scale to compete with those <br />cities for staffing. She is requesting authorization to look into this further and bring something <br />back at a later date. <br /> <br />City Administrator Norman indicated he would also propose the compensation study from one <br />other angle. Ramsey is not at the level of many of the cities they would be compared with, but <br />Ramscy's workload probably surpasses the other cities because staff is being stretched while they <br />arc going through this growth period. Staff is requesting authorization from the Council to <br />continue working on this, which will be tied to the budget because there will be a cost for the <br />studies. It will need to be determined where the studies fit into the 2006 budget or where an <br />amendment can be made to the 2005 budget. Staff recognizes how critical the 2006 budget is <br />based on the timing with the Municipal Center. <br /> <br />Councilmember Strommen commented this would be a good time to complete the study so they <br />arc making informed decisions when staff is added into the budget. <br /> <br />Councihnember Jeffrey concurred. He stated the City has a great staff and even if the study <br />indicates no one is needed at this time it will give them a benchmark for the future. Both studies <br />are critical. <br /> <br />Councilmember Pearson commented he would like to see information from the city of Maple <br />Grove, due to their rapid growth. His concern with Ramsey's fast development is if they will be <br />able to keep up and who will steer them along the way. <br /> <br />Councihnember Elvig asked if this study would include absorbing information from other cities. <br /> <br />ttuman Resources Manager Reed responded in the affirmative. <br /> <br />Councihnember Elvig stated he agrees that both studies are important. There may be specific <br />cities to survey and he would be interested to see cities on the higher end. <br /> <br />City Administrator Norman indicated Eagan found that one of the areas to hammer out more was <br />thc delivery of service element. Ramsey may want to put less emphasis on this portion of the <br />study, as that is almost a policy decision. <br /> <br />City Council Work Session/May 3, 2005 <br /> Page 2 of 8 <br /> <br /> <br />