Minutes - Council Work Session - 02/01/2024 - Special Strategic Planning

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Economic Development Manager Sullivan stated they are no longer working remotely like they were during COVID; however, the flexibility that people have been given as far as working hours has been working really well for Staff which he believes plays into employee morale being better. City Administrator Hagen asked the Council and Staff to think of the things that may not be working well in and around the City. Planning Manager Larson shared that the planning review software could be improved. Economic Development Manager Sullivan agreed. City Administrator Hagen explained they are trying to shift to a new software; however, it is not happening as quickly as they were told it would shift. Economic Development Manager Sullivan added that he does not feel as though Staff is as engaged in the process on how this software will work and what its features will be. He said one of the components of the new software is business licensing and he does not feel as though they are a part of the process. He said it has taken longer than anticipated. City Administrator Hagen shared they have not paid for anything yet. City Engineer/Public Works Director Westby shared there are some policies that make things difficult for Public Works to do things cost effectively and efficiently. City Administrator Hagen said this can be discussed during policy reviews. Councilmember Musgrove asked if City Engineer/Public Works Director Westby was saying that the current policies need to be reviewed and updated. City Engineer/Public Works Director Westby said yes and added that some were developed because of direction from previous Councils and these views may have changed. He highlighted the tree pruning policy as one of the policies that causes issues. Economic Development Manager Sullivan noted the availability of vehicles is another area of concern. He shared there are a number of cars that the building inspectors are typically using all of the time and with more active Code Enforcement a lot of the vehicles are in use. Finance Director Lund added that they have not been able to get vehicles because of the manufacturing delays in the market which is causing them not to be able to pass down vehicles like they typically do in the City. Councilmember Riley noted that there have been three straight years of large tax increases in the City. Finance Director Lund asked if he is referring to the upcoming year or the three previous years. City Council Special Work Session / February 1, 2024 Page 4 of 20