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City Council Study Session — 08/16/04 DRAFT Minutes - Page 14 as part of the agenda packet by Public Works Director Duane Schwartz and Assistant Public Works Director Deb Bloom dated August 11, 2004 addressing impacts of budget recommendations. Councilmember Schroeder concurred with impacts of staff reductions to an already over-taxed maintenance crew. Councilmember Schroeder opined that the City's infrastructure was not being adequately maintained at current staffing level, and recommended additional staffing in the maintenance areas to increase trail and sidewalk maintenance. Councilmember Schroeder used Councilmember Kough's initiation of additional City beautification efforts and the maintenance department resources required with additional expectations. Councilmember Kough addressed his expectations for internal maintenance of city-owned police squad cars and other city- owned vehicles upon completion of the public safety building to alleviate contract maintenance costs. Councilmember Kough sought clarification of contract maintenance for pathways. City Manager Beets responded that the maintenance was for application of bituminous materials, following initial preparation by city maintenance staff, to reduce maintenance costs. Councilmember Kough further sought clarification of inter- department cooperation to make the most utilization of employees at all times. City Manager Beets responded that as much as is feasible, departments are continually attempting to improve their work efficiencies and cooperative relationships. Mayor Klausing recognized the maintenance issues and opinions of individual Councilmembers, but sought to return to the $700,000 structural deficit in the system and how best to address it. Mayor Klausing noted that with the voter-approved referendum levy increase of 10%, and the City Manager's recommendation for an additional five percent levy increase, unless the public were willing to accept a levy increase of 15%, some of City Manager Beets' recommendations for increasing revenues and/or reducing costs were necessary.