City Council Minutes 2012 10 16 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Meeting Minutes October 16, 2012 Page 12 of 15 Human Resources Manager Hix agreed part-time employees are critical to the City's operations and the budget does include raises for them. She stated the employee survey addressed benefits for all employees, full and part-time employees. The City is approving an additional holiday and PLB (Personal Leave Bank) time for part-time employees so they may receive paid holidays as well. Finance Director Watson explained in the long-term financial plan, there is a 3.6% annual increase for all employees. Within the 3.6% there is a 1% annual increase for all part-time, non-benefitted employees. City Attorney Light explained the Charter requires a public hearing on the budget. No formal action is required this evening. Council may close the public hearing or continue the public hearing to the November 5, 2012 meeting for final Council approval. City Manager Fleming explained the budget is a very complex document and if one item in the budget is changed it may alter something in another area. He asked Council for specific direction. If the budget was finalized this evening, the City Council can approve the budget at the next meeting. COUNCIL COMMENTS Council member Jasiak asked Ms. Heaney to speak to the time constraint on the energy assessment. Ms. Heaney explained the study can be done in 2013 for$12,500. There is no confirmation the study will be carried forward by UC Denver much longer. Council member Yarnell stated her understanding setting money aside and identifying its use in the budget does not mean it will be spent. City Manager Fleming confirmed her statement. He explained if the amount is smaller than $50,000, the approval is at the City Manager's discretion. Council member Yarnell suggested leaving the sustainability study in the budget. Mayor Pro Tem Dalton felt there was no reason to leave the study hanging in the budget. Council can discuss this matter further and then provide direction to the City Manager. Council member Loo stated in the budget process, this study was not discussed, neither was it a desire expressed in the citizen survey. She noted in some cases studies are done and the information is not used for projects because there isn't any funding. She suggested not including it in the budget. Mayor Pro Tem Dalton stated if Council examines a study for a potential program, there will be a cost associated for staff's time to implement and administer this program.