CC_Minutes_2009_0309 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Regular City Council Meeting Monday, March 09, 2009 Page 15 recreation programs, based on quality of life preferences of citizens; and their in- trinsic value to this community. City Manager Malinen reminded Councilmembers that another portion of the process was identifying other revenue sources, a process already initiated on a staff level by department, as they analyzed services and programs, and considered ways to generate revenues. Councilmember Roe recognized the concerns expressed by Councilmember John- son in a third party making value judgments for the City without looking at the overall picture of the community and implications. However, Councilmember Roe also noted that a third party could provide the actual cost of providing ser- vices and programs; and allow a more detailed review of efficiencies available, since the City's staff was too close to the picture to be objective. Councilmember Roe opined that the broad picture be reviewed, without any assumptions, and community input sought on those programs or services that the community may be willing to pay higher taxes or fees to continue or improve. Councilmember Pust opined that the study being sought, as per the staff report, was not consistent with seeking efficiencies, and without including value to com- munity versus dollar amount to provide services or programs. Further discussion included timing anticipated for completion of the study in rela- tionship to the 2010 budget process, with staff anticipating 90 days for comple- tion; monies to fund the study from the City's existing budget, but those resources not yet identified by staff, pending further analysis of impacts of lost state aid funds; one-time cost of the study, not a structural obligation, but part of the strate- gic planning effort; and impacts of that $50,000 based on other priorities. Klausing moved, Roe seconded, authorizing staff to hire an independent outside consulting firm for the purposes of calculating the direct and indirect costs of City services; at an amount not to exceed $50,000. Mayor Klausing spoke in support of the motion, while recognizing concerns ex- pressed by Councilmembers, but noting the need to make some serious decisions based on expenses and revenues, and with community input on their preferences. Councilmember Ihlan questioned whether the study would cost the full $50,000, and sought more definition of those services sought, and whether staff could pro- vide ashort list of qualified firms; and questioned whether the firm would provide sufficient data analysis, or if it would be repetitious of that already available to staff. City Manager Malinen assured Councilmembers that staff would certainly attempt negotiating for less than the proposed $50,000.