5.a)4) Minutes 10-1-14 Council Work SessionOctober 1, 2014
A Work Session meeting of the City Council was held on the above date. Mayor Simonson
called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. The following were present: Mayor Randall Simonson,
Council members Dan Lee, Chris Ness, Jim Schneider and Sally Swanson. Staff present: City
Administrator Kristina Handt, Public Works Director Tim Kieffer and Deputy Clerk Brenda
Eklund.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Ness, seconded by Lee, moved to approve the agenda as presented. The motion carried 5-0.
EGINTON GARAGE AND STRUCTURES, 2ND STREET VACATION
Administrator Handt explained that before a decision on the request to vacate an unopened street
in the Vasa Plat could be determined, the issue of structures in the right of way needs to be
addressed. Mr. Eginton, 16930 197th Street, just recently provided a copy of his deed which will
be sent to the City Attorney to review. If the entire road had been deeded to Mr. Eginton's
parcel years ago, then that would solve the concerns about vacating 2nd Street.
Lee, seconded by Ness, moved to table the issue until a review by the City Attorney is
provided. The motion carried 5-0.
DOUG BERGLUND WASHINGTON COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Doug Berglund, Emergency Director to the Washington County Sheriff's Office, presented
information on the county and city's roles during a natural disaster event. His department carries
out overall coordination and support of emergency response activities after incidences or
disasters. Mr. Berglund offered information on grants that are available to fund purchases of
emergency equipment such as warning sirens and generators, and offered to provide assistance
regarding the City's inquiry into applying for these funds.
PART-TIME, PARKS AND GROUNDS MAINTENANCE WORKER JOB
DESCRIPTION
Administrator Handt explained that 2015 draft budget includes funding to bring back a part-time
year round parks and maintenance position which was not filled after a retirement in 2008.
Handt noted the difficulties in recruiting for part-time positions and the expenses that are
incurred in filling these with each new hire. A job description was prepared that allows for 24 to
28 hours per week, with tasks that include grounds maintenance, ice rink preparation and
maintenance, and snow plowing as needed.
Council member Schneider stated that he is totally against filling this position as there is enough
staff to perform this work and it could end up including medical insurance coverage.
Schneider, seconded by Lee, moved to take no action on a part-time year round position
and to advertise for a seasonal ice rink maintenance worker.
Discussion followed in which staff addressed the three seasonal positions that this job would
cover, along with the limited hours and pay scale, set at $10-$12/hour. Public Works Director
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Kieffer explained the consolidation of the summer and winter temporary jobs and the benefit of
employing one person year round who does not need to be trained in with each position. Handt
and Kieffer stated that, although it would vary with the season, hours are carefully watched in
order to not exceed the upper limit of 28 hours per week. Health insurance coverage is avoided
by limiting hours to less than 30/week. Handt noted the additional park maintenance duties
which have been added with the development of Lilleskogen Park and expanded Vinterfest
activities.
Mayor Simonson asked about unemployment costs. Handt answered that the City has paid on
average $2,000 per year for claims of seasonal employees.
Mayor Simonson called for a roll call vote on the above motion. Lee — yes; Ness — yes;
Swanson — yes; Schneider — yes; Swanson — yes. The motion carried 5-0.
2015 HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN
Administrator Handt reported at the September Work Session that health insurance premiums
would be increasing by 40% in 2015, and Health Partners must be notified by November 7th if
the City wants to change plans. Following a meeting with the City's insurance agent, Handt
confirmed that there would be very little change in premium if the City switched providers. She
provided several options which the Council could consider such as changing the employee
contribution and/or the HSA, or providing a stipend for an employee to find coverage if the
Council wanted to make changes.
Handt explained that changes to the budget were made at the last work session to accommodate
the $10,000 increase to the General Fund.
Council member Lee stated that he did not want to threaten anyone's health insurance coverage
given the short notice to make changes. Swanson agreed, while Schneider stated that now is not
the time to change, but at some point the City will need to put a cap on its contributions to health
coverage. Simonson noted that there is uncertainty in costs across the nation and agreed that the
City should stay the course.
Lee, seconded by Swanson, moved to direct staff to prepare a resolution to stay with the
current plan and contributions. The motion carried 5-0.
2015 BUDGET
At the September Work Session, the Council certified the maximum preliminary levy at a 2.14%
increase over 2014. Administrator Handt asked for direction on any further changes to the
budget before the public hearing on December 3rd.
The Council discussed the purchase of a generator for the Fire Department/Public Works. Handt
stated that the 2014 budget included this at a cost of $36,000. The portable generator has not yet
been purchased. Kieffer explained that a stationary generator may be a better choice because he
could rent a portable generator to run lift stations if needed. Council member Swanson agreed
that a powerful enough generator at the fire station would be needed to operate the well and the
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building as a command center in case of a disaster. Further discussion about kilowatt needs and
costs continued and it was agreed that further research is needed.
Council member Lee stated that he is okay with the budget as it stands. The Council was in
consensus to proceed with the budget as it is.
OCTOBER 28, 2014 BUDGET WORK SESSION
Ness, seconded by Swanson, moved to cancel the October 28, 2014 Budget Work Session.
The motion carried 5-0.
ADJOURNMENT
Ness, seconded by Lee, moved to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried 5-0.
The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Brenda Eklund
Deputy Clerk