HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-24-2003 - MinutesMEDINA CITY COUNCIL
RETREAT MINUTES
February 24. 2003
6:00 p.m.
Council Members Present: Dan Becker, Paul Demitriades, "Thomas Morgan, Todd Nunn,
Mary Oderniat and Robert Rudolph
Absent: Drew Blaney
Other Attendees: Mike Knapp. Police Chief, Shel Jahn, Director of Public Works; Doug
Schulze, City Manager; Dee Endelman. Facilitator; and several Medina residents.
Mayor Daniel Becker called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and turned it over to Dee
Endelman to facilitate. The group reviewed and agreed to abide by a set of ground rules
I'm- the meeting and reviewed the agenda.
City Manager Doug Schulze gave a brief presentation regarding Cit_v Services.
Thereafter, the Council discussed the current levels of service, VI nh input and questions
from citizens present, using a worksheet. The group found the worksheet di fficult to
score as suggested and engaged instead in a general discussion of services. After
discussima several items in some detail', the group agreed that it was difficult to make an
assessment regarding detailed levels of service. The Council members further agreed to
assume going forward that current levels of service are appropriate.
The discussion then turned to the issue of whether service should be provided through
staff or through consultants. In this context, Doug Schulze was asked to review an earlier
staff proposal to reduce City costs by replacing consultants Nvith staff in certain
permitting functions. Council members had questions regarding whether they were
comparing "apples to apples". After further discussion, including taking input from
citizens in the audience, Council Member Todd Nunn asked that other members state
NNhat they wanted to see as part of a cost saving analysis. Council Members Deanitriades,
Becker and 'Morgan articulated the following items they wanted to make a decision
regarding whether to replace consultants with staff:
Expenses for Staff
l . Base salary, both Current and for five vears;
2. Benefits, both current and for five years:
3_ Direct support costs;
4. Pro rated costs of utility. building. etc.
Saving
1. Hours, costs and billing rate of the person you would be replacing (for past three
years);
ttcros discussed included: lntereo�ernmental affauslceislanve rc\ icw: Council meeting minutes: and
property and casement recordings.
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2. A "ruthless weaning out" of charges to the Citv versus pass through charges;
3. Estimate of fee increases over the neat five years.
Council members said that they also wanted to understand the various housing options
for staff, including, possibly, another review of the costs of renting space in downtown
Rellevuc. Council concluded, however, that this part of the analysis should not be
included initially. Rather, Council should make a detennination of whether to convert
From consultants to staff based on the revenue analysis set forth above. After making this
determination, they will take on the issue of finding cost effective alternatives for housing
staff. Once this housing cost analysis is complete, COtmCll miaht choose to re -look at its
decision regarding staff versus consultant help. Doug Schulze said that he could have the
cost analysis figures above by the COunCll's April Study Session.
The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
SUbmltted by:
Dou,las.1. Schulze
City Manager
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