09-04-2018 CCM - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Minutes Page 13 September 4, 2018 ----------------------------- Councilmember Wagner says she currently does not support the parental leave Policy. Mayor Dietz agreed. Councilmember Wagner suggested bringing it up again during a year when a pay increase was smaller. 10.4 2019 Budget Ms. Ziemer presented the staff report. Mayor Dietz asked if the proposed 7.9% levy included the Fire Relief Funds and Police Grant. Without these two items, it would be a proposed 5.3% general fund increase. Mayor Dietz asked about the proposed code enforcement and engineering positions. Councilmember Ovall asked if the engineering position was a permanent need or whether it was a 4-5 year need. Mr. Pormer said there was value with having a person on staff and there were other things besides the Highway 169 project they could pick up. If they did not hire someone now they would most likely come to Council again for this position down the road. Mayor Dietz asked Mr. Femrite what percentage of time his newly added supervisory role took up. Mr. Femrite estimate it currently takes about 50% of his time. The Highway 169 project has not yet begun and major planning effort is coming soon. Some of the things he currently does will roll off onto the new person depending on their skill set. This would not be a position that was only for the Highway 169 project. It would be difficult to hire a temporary person for a 5-6 year period. Mayor Dietz asked how much of the budget would have to be cut to get the levy increase under 5%. Mr. Portner estimated about $40,000-50,000 would need to be cut. Mayor Dietz asked if the engineer position could start mid -year to make up this difference. Councilmember Olsen mentioned 2019 will be a major pavement year and it would be good for an engineer to observe the process. P a I I R E I I C NATURE