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City Council Regular Meeting - 07/26/04 Minutes - Page 36 ability to retain employees. Mayor Klausing agreed with the general concept of the incentives. Councilmember Schroeder opined his concern that this system may lead to the philosophy of a chosen few, and may not accomplish the intent desired. Councilmember Kough questioned whether a performance or merit system would work or whether personalities would get involved. City Manager Beets noted the current incentive program used for the City's collective bargaining units to encourage them to improve their skill levels; and noted that employees had existing complaints regarding the City's pay scale. Councilmember Ihlan recognized that this was an important management issue to raise, and the Council needed to think long- term on how to create incentives for people to work; but opined that her main concern was that it may be difficult to give such an incentive program the financial support or attention it deserves while trying to deal with a deficit from loss of state aid. Councilmember Ihlan opined her support of continuing the City's historical COLA for another year or two until the City could get the overall budget picture ironed out. City Manager Beets requested Council guidance on whether to include $25,0000 in the proposed budget for a community-wide surveyor an employee workforce survey, or some other alternative, such as a community visioning process. Councilmember Maschka spoke in support of surveys as being helpful; and recognized the value in any of the three options. Councilmember Kough spoke in opposition to community surveys, using the example of the community's desire for a community center, and the continuing lack of one. Councilmember Kough opined that if the community wanted a survey, each household should share the expense and pay $1.00