Minutes - Council Work Session - 10/10/2023

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Administrator Services Director Lasher explained that the start times would be staggered. She reviewed the beginning of recruitment dates versus the start dates for these positions. She stated that they are all staggered through the first few months of the year. Councilmember Riley asked if this timeline works with the budget and spreading out the staff coming on board. City Administrator Hagen explained that originally all of the Public Works positions were to start January 1; however,they shifted the positions to start anywhere from January 1 to March 1 to save one full year of salary across all of the positions. Councilmember Specht asked if benefits start right away for these positions. Administrative Services Director Lasher shared that it has been the City's practice since 2005 that City benefits start on day one of being hired. She noted that if the individual comes on board after the 15th of a month then they are not charged for the benefits for the first month. Councilmember Musgrove stated that she does not support the early hiring. She noted that they have a lot of State funds in the budget that are going to cushion them this year; however, they will not be there next year. She stated that she tried to present some alternatives to the Staff hiring but it was not accepted. She added that next year they are likely going to have a more difficult time with this. She stated that she would rather wait until after the budget starts to approve this if the budget passes. The consensus of the Council was to move forward with the hiring timeline as presented in the case. Councilmembers Musgrove and Howell did not agree with the timeline as presented and preferred to wait until after the budges was approved to start the hiring process. 2.02: Contract for Civil Municipal Legal Services City Administrator Hagen reviewed the Staff report in regard to the contract for City Attorney Knaak's services. He reviewed the draft agreement and shared that this contract is the same as the two year contract that is currently in place, with a new effective date and a 2% increase to the monthly rate. Councilmember Specht stated that he has been very happy with City Attorney Knaak's work on the issues that have been worked through. He shared support for continuing the contract. Councilmember Woestehoff agreed. He asked if there is room in the budget for the 2% rate increase. City Administrator Hagen said yes. Mayor Kuzma shared that he has also been pleased with City Attorney Knaak's services and he will support continuing the contract. City Council Work Session/ October 10, 2023 Page 2 of 11