CC_Minutes_2011_1205 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Regular City Council Meeting Monday,December 05,2011 Page 19 residential and commercial rates; noting that Finance Director Miller projects a 35% increase in single-family residential rates; a 39% increase for seniors and disabled residents; and only a 21%increase on commercial properties. Mayor Roe suggested that this discussion wait for the applicable agenda item. Councilmember Willmus advised that he would have comments on utility rates as well at that time. City Manager Malinen directed Council discussion to those points still up for dis- cussion as detailed on page 1, lines 27 — 34 of the staff report dated December 5, 2011; as the City Council considered whether to include additional items in budg- et priorities, or use those funds to further reduce the levy. Councilmember Willmus advised, as he'd previously noted, his support for the General Fund's portion of the Asset Management Software ($30,000) and alloca- tion for higher fuel costs ($15,000). Regarding additional items, Councilmember Willmus asked that City Manager Malinen provide more background information on reallocation of staff resources for web-based or internet services. City Manager Malinen advised that those resources were intended for reallocation from Elections, now contracted out to Ramsey County; and would increase access for the public to City documents. Discussion ensued on staffing comparisons for Budgeted FTE provided as a bench handout, attached hereto and made a part hereof Mayor Roe asked that City Manager Malinen respond to Councilmember Willmus request for FTE staffing in the Communications Division back at 2010 levels. Mayor Roe reiterated his previous support for use of reserves for the one-time General Fund share of the Asset Management Software at $30,000; and also the $30,000 for the employee compensation and comparison study as a one-time ex- pense from reserves rather than increasing the base levy going forward. Regard- ing re-establishment of the Park Improvement Program (PIP) at $145,000 to fund to current levels, Mayor Roe advised that he was not necessarily supportive of that. Mayor Roe advised that he had some interest in having a discussion in Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) for all employees at $220,000, he had not made a firm decision at this time. City Manager Malinen clarified with Public Works Director Duane Schwartz that the updated cost of the General Fund's portion of the Asset Management Software had been reduced from $30,000 to $15,000.