Agenda - Council - 09/14/2021 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Heineman stated there will be more opportunities to discuss this before that date. Mayor Kuzma stated, in the past, the City Council has started at 5% and worked down from there. He added he thinks it should start a little higher. Councilmember Howell stated she supports starting at 5% and working down from there. City Administrator Ulrich stated two non -union contracts have not been settled yet, and potential settlements for other unions. He added the Police Patrol is a big one. He stressed the importance of making the City Council aware of these issues and their impacts. He noted there is some flexibility within the budget that is proposed. Councilmember Musgrove asked whether the CARES Act funding can be used for wages and revenue. City Administrator Ulrich stated the plan this year is the American Rescue Plan, the purpose of which was to replace lost revenue, which the City has very little of, as there has been no lost tax base or revenue. He added the American Rescue Plan is more limited than CARES funding, but it can be used for things like water projects and body worn cameras. Finance Director Lund stated wages relief is focused on front-line workers dealing with Covid- related issues. Councilmember Woestehoff stated he is comfortable with the budget as written here, excluding the laserfiche upgrade and body worn cameras, at 5.45% increase. He added it would be great to get to 5%. He noted he would like to understand more about the laserfiche upgrades, and how that will increase efficiencies. Councilmember Heineman stated there is an increase in salt prices. He asked whether there are any stored from last year. City Engineer Westby confirmed this, adding there is approximately 1200 ton left from last year. Councilmember Musgrove asked whether it will be possible to make adjustments to keep the equipment fund with more of a balance over the next few years. Finance Director Lund stated the police have pushed out two vehicles into 2023, and the scrubber was removed from the building to be used as part of the larger Public Works campus. She added Public Works uses a point system rather than going by years. Mayor Kuzma stated his recommendation is to go with 5.45% right now but not lock in until contracts are settled. Councilmember Riley stated he is supportive of the equipment and the 5.45% increase, with the idea of getting it to 5%. City Council Work Session / August 24, 2021 Page7of19