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Special City Council Strategic Planning Meeting Saturday, February 7, 2009 Page 26 Councilmember Johnson spoke enthusiastically for partnering opportunities. Mayor Klausing concluded Council comments regarding budgeting for outcomes, including: ^ Concerns with cost and timing ^ Observations that it wouldn't work this year, but would like to look at it again ^ Need to review services provided, even if traditional or historical, and determine a current service level ^ Determine a more formal process for community input, whether through neighborhood meetings as logistically applicable away from City Hall campus ^ Limiting past budget process impacts by focusing on the budget process throughout the year ^ Agreement that this type of discussion on a more informal level outside of meeting times was productive for both the City Council and staff rather than only during the budget presentations by departments in August ^ Appreciation for staff's honest and insightful comments and Councilmember's desire to raise the trust level while having discussions whether in agreement with each other or not ^ Desire to meet again informally within the next 60-90 days, and allowing for public input, with the goal of continuing teambuilding and teamwork. Ms. Gourlay encouraged Councilmembers to be clear on their purpose in seeking public input; defining cost for providing services, not cost versus service; to avoid frustrations of the public from their expectations based on the City's realities. Councilmembers Roe and Johnson suggested that the City Council should seek input on the proposed financial plan for 17% annual tax increases based on realities. Conclusions City Manager Malinen advised that he anticipated the following steps: ^ Staff would begin to bring more specific proposals to the City Council for their ongoing feedback on some level of reduced spending, and equated to some level of potential reserve fund use. ^ Each department would look to their staff, the City Council, public comment for input as it became apparent that services/programs may not be continued at their current levels. ^ Each Council Agenda would include a section entitled, "Budget Adjustment Discussion." For public information, summarize each departments listed options for public information. Note: Finance Director Miller cautioned that, since some of those options included existing City employees and their employment status, that care be given to how notice was framed. Interest of the City Council in hearing from employees for their input and perspectives and creative ideas for resolution