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City Council Study Session - 11/15/04 Minutes - Page 7 elimination of maintenance employees, resulting in detriments to the City's infrastructure through insufficient maintenance and delays for maintenance, resulting in additional long-term costs. Mr. Schroeder opined that by adding back in all positions flagged for elimination, and reducing COLA, it would spread the impact across the board to all employees, not just select departments. Further discussion included specific infrastructure areas that were declining; cost projections for this year's leaf pickup program (at a net cost under $10,000 for the City after registration fees and costs for cleaning gutters); and code enforcement for those not in compliance with the leaf pickup program. Councilmember Schroeder noted there were residents dumping leaves into parkland along Wewers Road, which added phosphorus to the lake; as well as some raking across the road onto city parkland for city crews to clean up. Councilmember Kough suggested a "pay-as-you-swim" collection at the swimming pool to assist with operating costs. Further discussion included COLA cost savings and impacts to employees. Mayor Klausing opined that, in the overall process, the City Council needed to allow the City Manager to manage the City and make management decisions. Mayor Klausing noted that City Manager Beets made his recommendations, based on sustainable criteria, with the least impact on taxpayers and employees, and to hold him accountable to manage. Councilmember Ihlan shared her concerns regarding eliminating positions and the potential need to budget for them again next year; while noting the validity of falling behind in COLA increases to retain employees, and the need to maximize permanent positions. Councilmember Ihlan noted that, while she respected the City Manager's proposals, it was ultimately the City Council's call, opining her desire to consider all options.