03-21-11-J, WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—MARCH 21, 2011 2 2. STAFF UPDATES A. Preliminary Review of Joint Meeting Public Works Director Maurer explained that he wanted to review expectations for this evening's joint meeting. He stated that he had made it very clear to the Parks, Trails &Recreation _ Committee (PTRC) members that this would be their opportunity to talk with Council, to ask questions and get direction from the Council. He wanted them to understand that this would not _ be a Staff driven exchange. S. Sheriffs Contract City Administrator Klaers stated that the 2010-2012 Law Enforcement Agreement with Ramsey County was scheduled for renewal at the end of 2009. The agreement is identical to the previous - three-year contract. We are now midway through the contract period without having renewed the contract. He further explained that there is a termination clause in the contract requiring a 9 month notice of intent to not renew. He pointed out that the new Sheriff has plans to monitor the quality of services provided to contract cities. He asked if the Council wants this matter on their next agenda so action can be taken. Councilmember Holden commented that the Council simply wanted the Sheriff to do what they were supposed to do under the contract. Now, she stated, it seems that they are actually enforcing the City's ordinances and she would vote to approve renewal Mayor Grant stated that the Council should give the new Sheriff a chance to improve the services and he agreed that things have been getting better. After some discussion, the consensus of the Council was to place the Sheriff's contract on the March 28th Council agenda under Consent. C. Non-Union Wage Adjustment City Administrator Klaers explained that this matter had been discussed during the budget process. The City has 25 fulI time employees, eight of which are union employees. In 2010 the union employees were granted a 3% increase while there was no increase for non-union employees. He stated now that the union contract negotiations have been completed, he would like the Council to consider an increase to allow the non-union employees to "catch up" in terms of wages. He suggested a I% to 2% increase for non-union employees with I% to be retroactive to January 1 and then a 1% increase effective July 1. He explained that there are monies available in the contingency fund for this increase. Councilmember Werner questioned what surrounding cities are doing as far as pay increases. City Administrator Klaers stated that some communities are not offering any increases, some are giving i% and others, such as St. Anthony, have approved a 2%increase.