HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987/07/27 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study Session MINUTES
1111 _ CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
July 27, 1987
1 . Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. Roll Call
The following Councilmembers were present at roll call : Ronald Backes, Thomas
Duffy, Allen Friedman, Keith Meland, Larry Mitchell and Lyle Hanks.
Also present were the City Manager, City Attorney, Planning Director and Assistant
City Manager.
3. Executive Session
An executive session was held to respond to potential litigation issues identified
by the attorneys for the Oakmont Partners Ltd.
4. Budget goals and objectives
1111 The City Manager discussed the budget goals and decision packges that were
submitted by the various City departments. He highlighted those budget goals
and decision packages which will be receiving attention from staff.
The City Manager noted an interest in exploring revisions to the City's current
sick leave program. He explained that some municipalities are moving toward
a personal leave policy that encompasses both vacation and sick leave.
Mayor Hanks stated some of the problems he has observed with the use of personal
leave days. He asked that information be provided to Council indicating the
percentage of time that sick leave is currently used. This information should
accompany any report which Council received on revising the current sick leave
program.
Councilmanber Friednan said that he was concerned that some employees might use
all of their personal leave for vacation and then become ill and not have
leave time available.
The City Manager noted that these concerns would be addressed in a report
on a new sick leave program.
The City Manager also noted that staff would pursue the development of a step
plan for employees in labor positions. The step plan would provide incentive
for laborers to work up to the Maintenance I position. Councilmembers said
they supported development of this plan.
Councilmember Mitchell asked that a goal be added to the City Development
and Engineering budget goals that corresponds to addressing the impact that
traffic on I-394 will have on Cedar Lake Rd.
The City Manager told Councilmembers that there are new requirements for jail
facilities with which the City must comply. One of the areas for upgrading
noted in the Police Department goals and objectives concerns monitoring
capabilities for the booking room and lockup facility.
Councilmember Friedman asked why the City didn't use the Hennepin County
facilities rather than maintain a separate jail . The City Manager replied
that the cost to house prisoners at the Hennepin County facility is greater
than the cost of operating a jail . Councilmember Friedman asked for a cost
benefit analysis when recommendations are brought back to the City Council .
Councilmember Friedman also noted that the Police Department should give some
consideration to working on a "public relations" pamphlet that would answer
the most frequently asked questions motorists who are stopped for speeding
through the use of the traffic corder. He said that this information would
assist officers in doing their jobs and perhaps result in fewer City expenses
in prosecuting speeding tickets.
Mayor Hanks said that he believes the use of the traffic corder on Hwy. 7
is a problem. He said it gives the City a "speed trap" image.
In reviewing the Fire Department goals and objectives, the City Manager said
that a reorganization of the Fire Department is being contemplated. He described
some of the changes that have been proposed and was directed by the Council
to proceed with development of a reorganization plan.
Councilmember Mitchell noted that a budget goal and objective that should
be considered is the establishment of a grievance policy. He said that such
a system would help Councilmembers direct residents to the City staff and
would help Council avoid getting into administrative matters.
Councilmember Friedman maintained that Councilmembers would get calls from
constituents from time to time regarding problems they are experiencing. He
said that this was part of the role of a Councilmember to respond to these
complaints, even if that meant getting individuals in touch with the appropriate
City officials.
Councilmember Backes noted that when he receives complaints from constituents,
he likes to call City staff members and have them get back in touch with the
complainant to resolve the problem.
5. Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
i 0 1_01J
haron G. Klumpp