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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, May 16, 2016 Page 13 the intent would be to put these resources in that direction to free up the Human Resources Manager for larger items versus tasks, and ultimately benefit the entire organization. Assistant Cit��er Position City Manager Trudgeon noted past discussion about reinstating this former posi- tion or creating a new position. Mr. Trudgeon noted this would allow having an Assistant available in the Administrative Department to better manage administra- tive department functions. Mr. Trudgeon noted that he currently oversaw all core operations on a day-to-day basis as well as the overall management of the city or- ganization. Mr. Trudgeon opined that would allow the City Manager to provide better oversight of all departments; carry out strategic initiatives for the benefit of the community and the city organization; and be more proactive in problem- solving for the organization. Mr. Trudgeon also noted this would allow the City Manager to think "bigger picture" and be more involved in the community; and ultimately would help the organization's overall health, allowing for better inter- nal services to staff and the City Council, including City Council packet prepara- tion and city clerk functions. For reference, Councilmember Laliberte asked how and why this position had been eliminated in the early 2000's. City Manager Trudgeon advised that his research indicated that the position had been eliminated in the 2003 budget, but wasn't clear why that action had been taken, but he suspected it was financially motivated. Councilmember McGehee stated it was a budget inove during big efforts to hold the annual city levy flat or negative. Councilmember McGehee opined that the position at that time had proven extremely useful and provided an additional knowledge base at City Hall for residents to contact. Councilmeinber McGehee further opined that it was a nice position and made the city better. While staff needed to identify all cost ramifications for reinstating the position, Councilmem- ber McGehee opined that it should be considered. At the request of Councilmember Laliberte, City Manger Trudgeon advised his recommendation would be to transform the full-time Assistant to the City Manag- er position, formerly held by Ms. Collins, to an Assistant City Manager position. Councilmember Willmus noted this position had been tossed around for years; and while he was initially supportive it as a positive, he would want to see the net dollar amount created through the various transitions in positions. Councilmember Etten referenced people and resources shifted in the current 2016 budget cycle to provide additional assistance to the Human Resources area, and asked for clarification as to that situation.