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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, Jnne 11,2007 Page 31 Councilmember Pust advised, from the HRA perspective, the rationale for this model to use public funds more effectively at government pay rates, rather than private consultant fees. Councilmember Pust opined that this structure would also serve to increase communication be- tween City staff and the HRA; and make use of the City's Human Re- source and Payroll functions, with reimbursement by the HRA to the City. Councilmember Pust noted that this position could not be guar- anteed a job for life any more than any City staff was guaranteed. Councilmember Kough agreed with in-house staffing for the HRA; but spoke in opposition to the use of HRA monies to fund the posi- tion, preferring the funds come from the City Council or Community Development Department budget. Councilmember Roe concurred with the analysis by Councilmember Pust related to the HRA not having administrative staff to perform Human Resource functions for employees; and spoke in support of funding the position with HRA funds, similar to funding of the Execu- tive Director position, and opined that it made sense to take advantage of the City as fiscal agent for the HRA. City Manager Malinen, from his management perspective, spoke in support of the request, recognizing the opportunities and challenges of the HRA and how the City can best support the HRA in their endeav- ors. Mr. Malinen advised that, after reviewing various alternatives and their respective advantages and disadvantages, this appeared to be the best alternative, and would serve to make the position more valu- able to the HRA as they develop greater knowledge and familiarity with the community and community housing needs. Councilmember Ihlan reiterated her concerns with the position funded by the HRA and not a City employee. City Manager Malinen observed that, absent the HRA, there would be the need for the City to employ staff to take responsibility for housing programs, as it was an obvious need in the community. Mr. Malinen noted the agreements in place for fiscal and staffing services between the HRA and City, and relative language regarding employees.