2020.08.04 WS Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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included in the budget at the same level of funding as 2020. He reported the proposed budget removes the Assistant City Administrator position and adds a Human Resources Technician position. He explained the budget does not include a Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator. He stated the proposed changes administrative changes would have a net decrease in the overall budget. It was noted the City’s election services would be less in 2021 than 2020. Smith discussed the Finance Department budget noting she was proposing a $30,000 increase in 2021. She indicated staffing levels would remain as is. The license bureau increases were discussed with the Council and it was noted the increases were due to personal expenses. It was her hope the new MNDRIVE system (which would roll out in November) would fix the issues the City has been having with MNLARS. She commented through COVID the City has picked up several small dealers which was increasing revenues within the license bureau. Staff commented further on operations within the passport office. Councilmember Jacobsen questioned when the license bureau would be revenue positive for the City. Smith stated the City has been working to increase services being provided within the license bureau in order to create positive revenue streams, however then MNLARS and COVID happened. She was hopeful that the license bureau would be showing positive revenues in 2021 or 2022. Schlichting reviewed the Community Assets and Development budget with the Council. He discussed utility, fuel and staffing expenses for his department. He updated the Council on how the City manages building permits and recycling. He stated the City was hoping to sponsor a cleanup day yet this fall. Fink discussed how COVID-19 has impacted the Parks and Recreation Department. She noted she had budgeted for decreases but had not eliminated all services. She described how the City would be addressing tree removal going forward in order to be more efficient with staff time. She explained she was only proposing a $5,000 increase in her budget due to decreased participation and revenues. She reported her staff was investigating new program options in order to create new revenue streams. She stated the golf course has had a great year. Paetznick commented tonight should have been celebrating National Night Out in the community, but this event has been moved to October 6th due to COVID-19. He discussed the 2021 Public Safety budget with the Council and noted significant changes planned for the coming year. Councilmember Jacobsen questioned if there would be any changes to the SRO’s in 2021. Paetznick reported he just recently spoke with the school district and SRO’s would continue for the upcoming school year. Davitt reviewed how the City’s current property values would impact the City’s tax capacity. Massopust discussed how the inclusion of a Diversity Director would impact the 2021 budget. He stated if this position were included in the budget, the budget would see an increase of 2.67%. He commented another option for the Council to consider would be to hire a consultant to assist the City with this work. Mayor Johnson thanked staff for the great presentation. She noted she was a little bit concerned about not hiring an Assistant City Administrator and how this will impact the budget in future years when the position is filled. She suggested the City budget for half of the position in 2021 in preparation for 2022. Massopust stated she get direction to his staff to hire no new staff in order to present the Council with the lowest levy possible. Councilmember Jacobsen supported the City budgeting for half of this position in preparation for future years. Councilmember Allen agreed the City should be planning for this position.