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Councihnember Anderson stated that if the City has the opportunity to exceed the levy limits for <br />the year 2001 it would seem as a missed opportunity if they do not have a modest increase. <br /> <br />Finance Officer Lund noted that the budget increase in the levy from last year was approximately <br />$194,000. <br /> <br />Assistant City Administrator Moore-Sykes explained that the budget includes the hiring of <br />additional staff, but noted that the City is. having a difficult time with retaining employees <br />because their pay standards are behind. <br /> <br />Human Resources Manager Heryla explained that it takes a Ramsey employee seven years to <br />move up on the steps, and in some cities they may move through their steps at a much faster <br />pace. <br /> <br />Assistant City Administrator Moore-Sykes stated that staff has requested authorization to work <br />with Labor Relations, Inc. to reexamine the contracts and provide ways to update the City of <br />Ramsey's compensation plan. They would work with AFSCME to create a more equitable <br />contract for the City's various employee groups and implement recruitment and employee <br />retention strategies including, but not limited to, performance-based step plans for all job <br />classifications, salary increases awarded on an employees' anniversary date, and exploring <br />alternatives to employee benefits. <br /> <br />Councilmember Anderson stated that she would not want to see a large diSparity start to occur <br />between the different departments. <br /> <br />Assistant City Administrator Moore-Sykes replied that the City will still have to stay within a <br />pay equity range. '. <br /> <br />Councilmember Connolly stated that it does makes sense to separate the Public Works <br />employees from City Hall employees. <br /> <br />Consensus of the Council was to direct staff to move forward and work with Labor Relations, <br />Inc. <br /> <br />Councihnember Hendriksen stated that he has a perception that the City is promoting the Police <br />Department a lot and he does not have good vision of the POlice organization. He requested that <br />the Police Chief put together some kind of document explaining the Police organization and <br />explanation of why they need sergeants and corporals to discuss at a future work session. <br /> <br />Councihnember Zimmerman stated that six or seven years ago the Council undertook a study to <br />determine which positions were being underpaid which instituted a plan to raise those wages, but <br />the last three years the City has not kept pace with the private sector. He stated that he would be <br />comfortable with a moderate budget increase. <br /> <br />City Council/August 8, 2000 <br /> Page 2 of 3 <br /> <br /> <br />