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Regular City Council Meeting <br />Monday, March 30, 2009 <br />Page 12 <br />Mayor Klausing expressed concern that short-term savings may have long-term nega- <br />tive impacts; and how staff had factored in those ramifications to their recommenda- <br />tions. One example used by Mayor Klausing was that of the proposed reduction in <br />the Engineering Division for right-of--way, and erosion control management in the <br />amount of $20,000. <br />City Manager Malinen noted that internally, staff had taken those concerns into con- <br />sideration. <br />Public Works Director Duane Schwartz advised that staff was not eliminating doing <br />right-of--way function review; however, staff was confident that permit revenue fees <br />and contractor compliance, as recently revised, would provide sufficient revenue to <br />support that mandated review. Mr. Schwartz advised that further analysis was being <br />done to consider combining the functions now done by 2-3 people, into one person to <br />provide additional efficiencies. <br />City Manager Malinen sought further feedback from Councilmembers prior to a more <br />formal request for action, pending legislative action related to the Homestead Credit. <br />Mayor Klausing sought clarification related to the Police Department reduction in <br />physical and psychological screening mechanisms in place for new hires; and reduced <br />involvement in the Family Violence Network; questioning if those two items should <br />be cut since they appeared to be a core function. <br />Police Chief Carol Sletner advised that the reduction in physical and psychological <br />testing would be realized by leaving one position vacant and by not repeating atwo- <br />interview hiring process; and indicated that further discussions with the Tubman Cen- <br />ter for Family Violence was needed to see if costs could be reduced. <br />Further discussion included reduced printing for citations; further identification of <br />professional services reduction in the amount of $19,644 and the type of services in- <br />dicated. <br />Councilmember Pust suggested that individual taxpayers contact their state legislators <br />expressing their concern with reducing market value homestead credits to local gov- <br />ernment, potentially negating further cost reductions by the City. <br />Councilmember Roe concurred, and indicated that individual Councilmembers ex- <br />press their thoughts to the legislature as well as corporately. Councilmember Roe <br />suggested that further consideration be given to reducing City Council compensation <br />under these circumstances. <br />c. 2030 Comprehensive Plan Status and Next Steps <br />Economic Development Associate Jamie Radel provided a status report and sug- <br />gested next steps related to the 2030 Comprehensive Plan Update. Ms. Radel indi- <br />