09-25-1985 SpecialCITY OF RICHFIELD, MINNESOTA
SPECIAL MEETING - BUDGET HEARING
SEPTEMBER 25, 1985
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Hamilton at 7:07 p.m.
COUNCIL PRESENT: John Hamilton, Mayor; Ivan Ludeman;
Donald Priebe; Howard Bunce; and,
_ Michael Sandahl.
STAFF PRESENT: John Cartwright, City Manager;
Steven Devich, Administrative
Services Director; Tom Morgan,
' Public Safety Director; Don
Fondrick, Community Services
Director; Thomas .Ferber, City
Clerk; William Fillmore, Liquor
Operations Director; and, Jean
Mitchell, Finance Manager.
Item #1 PUBLIC SAFETY BUDGET PROGRAM
City Manager Cartwright reviewed Council Memorandum No. 130
regarding the staffing level in the Police Division and the
status of the Bicycle Safety Program. The City Manager
recommended that the city council authorize 44 officers, giving
the Public Safety Department the ability to operate with an
actual staffing level averaging 43 officers throughout the
year. He stated the anticipated cost of this approach would
require an additional $10,000 during 1985 and an additional
$35,000 in 198.6.
Council members gave unamimous approval to this proposal and
directed that it be implemented immediately.
City Manager Cartwright reported to the council that
addition of the Bicycle Safety Program to the 1986 Budget would
require an additional $7,500 appropriation for the Public Safety
Department. Discussion followed regarding possible. funding
sources for this program. City Manager Cartwright also reported
on the request from Storefront/Youth Action for additional
funding.
The City Council directed the city manager to investigate.
the possible revenue sources for the additional items and report
back to the council at the next budget meeting.
Item #2 COMMUNITY SERVICES BUDGET PROGRAM
City Manager Cartwright reviewed the Community Services
Department budget.
Budget Hearing Meeting -2- September 25, 1985
Council Member Priebe expressed his concern regarding the
proposed 4.5~ salary adjustment and the anticipated step and
merit increases provided to city employees by the City's
compensation program.
Administrative Services Director Devich responded to council
members questions regarding the City's compensation program.
Council Member Ludeman suggested that using a contingency
fund for salary increases rather than building a percentage
increase into the operating budgets would allow for more
flexibility in salary negotiations.
Council M-ember Priebe stated that the fee schedules for the
swimming pool, ice arena, and golf course should be presented to
the city council for review at a regular council meeting prior
to the budget hearings.
Council Member Bunce suggested that lowering th.e swimming
pool fees would increase attendance and stated that he supported
a fee of $25.00 for a family pass. .Council Member Bunce also
advocated more publicity be given~to the fact that a reduced
rate is available to low income families.
1
Ttem #3 SPECIAL FUNDS
City Manager Cartwright reviewed the Revenue Sharing Fund,
Municipal State Aid Street Fund, Special Revenue Fund, and
Contribution Fund.
Item #4 INTERNAL SERVICES
City Manager Cartwright reviewed the Internal Services
budgets.
Discussion followed regarding the affect of the purchase of
a new computer system on the 1986 budget proposals.
The City Manager informed the council that the Self
Insurance Fund received a $90,600 from the state's second injury
fund due to the efforts of Administrative Services Director
Devich.
Council Member Priebe questioned what should be the ideal
fund balance in the Self Insurance Fund. Discussion followed
regarding the need to maintain an adequate fund balance in the
Self Insurance Fund to cover the risk exposure.
1
1
1
Budget Hearing Meeting -3- September 25, 1985
State Representative Chris T~ornholm suggested that cost
saving incentives for employees, similar to the state's program,
could be used to help control budget increases which are of
concern to his constituents. He also asked what is done with
appropriated funds that are not spent by the operating
departments.
The City Manager responded that unexpended monies are
returned to the fund balance.
The meeting was adjourned at g:~
Date Approved: 10/14/85
f //?~~?~~ / t
~Fhomas P. Berber
City Clerk