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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-05-2015 Work SessionMeeting of: COLUMBIA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL Date of Meeting: October 5, 2015 Time of Meeting: 7:00 PM-Following the Assessment Hearings Location of Meeting: Conference Room #1 Purpose of Meeting: WORKSESSION CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL The meeting was called to order at 7:33 PM Present: Mayor Peterson, Councilmembers Murzyn Jr, Nawrocki and Schmitt Absent: Councilmember Williams Also Present: City Manager Walt Fehst, Finance Director Joe Kloiber, Human Resources Director/Assistant to the City Manager Kelli Bourgeois, Recreation Director Keith Windschitl, Fire Chief Gary Gorman, Library Director Renee Dougherty, Police Chief Scott Nadeau and City Clerk Katie Bruno. Discussion regarding the 2016 Budget: Finance Director Joe Kloiber reported that in 2016 all departments have a new line item for Information Services costs, it was noted that this was transfered from the General Government budget. Councilmember Nawrocki questioned how the 2016 levy compares to the 2015 levy for all departments. Director Kloiber stated he would create that document, and provide it to the council at a later date. Recreation: Recreation Director Keith Windschitl gave an overview of the nine divisions included in the Recreation Budget, noting an overall decrease of $5,172 for 2016. Councilmember Nawrocki asked Director Windschitl how he would eliminate any increase in the levy. Windschitl noted his department’s budget has decreased. Director Kloiber explained that the overall increase in the levy is not necessarily shared equally through each department. Councilmember Nawrocki stated he would like to see the overall levy reduced to a 5% increase, closer to the library bonding amount. Kloiber noted that with approved contract salary increases of 2.5%, it may be difficult. Fire: Fire Chief Gary Gorman reported there were not many changes in the fire budget from 2015 to 2016. The Information System increase of $11,000 is the most significant. Councilmember Nawrocki asked Chief Gorman how he would eliminate any increase in the levy. Chief Gorman stated the fire budget is underfunded, and any decrease would be difficult. Councilmember Schmitt asked if the department has looked into a Community EMS program. Gorman indicated that he has looked into the program, and currently we do not have adequate staff to support the program. City Manager Walt Fehst suggested there could be liability issues associated with the program. Director Kloiber explained the SAFER grant, and how it is reflected in the budget. Library: Library Director Renee Dougherty reported the construction of the new library will provide more efficiency in energy costs. Staffing changes will be necessary due to the Affordable Care Act. The adoption of RFID (self-check) technology is anticipated, this can result in a decrease in staffing requirements. Dougherty reported the Library Foundation has indicated they are interested in funding the RFID technology, an estimated cost of $65,000. Councilmember Nawrocki questioned why staffing costs are not reduced as a result of building the new library. Director Dougherty stated that the new library will be open for only a portion of 2016, and there will likely be a period of transition. Councilmember Nawrocki asked Director Dougherty how she would eliminate any increase in the levy. Dougherty noted that 71% of the library budget is staff cost, so that would be the area she would reduce. Finance: Finance Director Joe Kloiber reported the Finance Department had a minor decrease in staffing due to the Affordable Care Act. Kloiber clarified the recent title change from Secretary II to Account Clerk II, had no change to salary. A substantial increase of $20,000 is planned to replace the City’s wireless connection, as the current system is no longer supported. Director Kloiber noted the council has previously authorized replacement of the City’s accounting system, and hopes to have an RFP ready later in the year. General Government: Finance Director Joe Kloiber explained that the allocated amount from Information Services has been moved from this budget to the specific departments. Kloiber reported that the city is scheduled to replace four copers in 2016, these machines will be in their 5th year. It was reported that after five years, the maintenance agreement becomes expensive and parts become hard to obtain. Kloiber stated that the 2016 budget does not presume any change in the Newsletter. City Manager Walt Fehst shared a recent edition of the Fridley Newsletter, and suggested we continue to put an effort in communication. Councilmember Nawrocki stated he would like the newsletter to include all sides of a story. The council discussed the inclusion of $1,400 for the Public Arts Commission, noting it is likely a one-time cost, and it may not continue on annual basis. Councilmember Schmitt explained the PAC is under the understanding that any donations they receive are to be channeled through the City, and this allows an avenue to do so. Councilmember Nawrocki asked Director Kloiber how he would eliminate any increase in the levy. Kloiber suggested the elimination of accepting over the phone utility payments. Councilmember Schmitt questioned what budget the current library building will fall under in the future. City Manager Walt Fehst reported Director Hansen is in the process of getting an appraisal on the current building. Police: Chief of Police Scott Nadeau reported the significant changes to the Police Department budget include Police Safety Data System and Two Factor Authentication increases. The department intends to purchase three vehicles in 2016; two marked and one unmarked. Chief Nadeau reported the addition of a part-time CSO will provide many benefits including; freeing up sworn officers, as well as aiding in recruitment efforts. Nadeau stated it can also help in public perception of the police department. Councilmember Nawrocki asked for an update on the recently implemented body cameras for officers. Chief Nadeau spoke highly of the program, noting they have exceeded expectations. Councilmember Schmitt asked for an update on funding sources for a police substation in the Circle Terrace neighborhood. Chief Nadeau reported letters of support have been received, and he will look at various funding options. Chief Nadeau said if he were to reduce his budget, it would likely be in the area of community outreach. Meeting Adjourned at 9:38 PM Respectively Submitted, _________________________________ Katie Bruno, City Clerk/Council Secretary