Minutes - Council Work Session - 10/26/2021

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Councilmember Woestehoff stated that he has 14 cities as clients, most in Hennepin County, and none have less than four IT staff. Councilmember Musgrove asked IT Manager Frederickson for his thoughts if this were a part time position or a student intern. She referenced the two hours dedicated to security with other duties being assigned and wondered if they weren’t able to find someone to work full-time, would he consider other options. IT Manager Fredrickson answered it was his understanding that this role, based on the title, is directed at security students coming out of school looking to break into the industry. A Security Analyst, which is the next higher position, would require five plus years of experience. He has been hearing there is a lot of interest in this type of position so he doesn’t think they will have trouble finding someone but they would have a harder time filling the role as a part-time position. Administrative Services Director Lasher noted that currently and historically, the City has had a hard time retaining part-time employees. There is high turnover, which would be a concern from a recruiting perspective. Mayor Kuzma asked if there is a consensus to move forward with what is being proposed. Councilmember Musgrove commented that she supported the new position for IT and a part-time receptionist. She questioned funding for the receptionist. Administrative Services Director Lasher answered that cost would be offset every year with this position because they wouldn’t hire an intern. Councilmember Musgrove commented that she would like to see the Parks Maintenance position adjusted. Mayor Kuzma noted that five Council Members are supporting it. The consensus of the Council was to follow staff’s recommendation. 2.04: Discussion of Franchise Fee Rebate Continuation City Administrator Ulrich stated the Council is asked to reconsider the franchise fee rebate, which had been proposed during the process of going to the tax levy to eliminate that rebate. He noted it is up to $168 dollars a year, which is the amount of the franchise fee, the lesser of that, or the annual assessment was rebated. City Administrator Ulrich reviewed the staff report and the impact to commercial properties. He explained the easiest thing to do, if the Council wanted to keep the franchise fee, is to be at the lesser of $168, or the annual assessment for commercial properties, and continue the program. An alternative would be if the Council wanted to make the annual rebate less, to set it at $100 or $300. He noted the commitment the Council made initially when they started this program was that the $168 franchise fee would be rebated but the Council is expanding that now to include the entire City Council Work Session / October 26, 2021 Page 12 of 15