Long Prairie City Council Proceedings
Tue, 02/27/2024 - 3:41pm
admin
City of Long Prairie
6:30 P.M. Tuesday February 13th, 2024
City Council (Work Session)
The Long Prairie City Council met at City Hall, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday February 13th, 2024. Acting Mayor David Wright called the meeting to order with the following present: Council members, Lilah Gripne, Jim Kreemer, Clint Krueger and Interim City Administrator/Clerk Ted Gray. Others present were Police Chief Ryan Hanson, City Attorney Joe Krueger, Deb Laumeyer, Amanda Hinson, Steve Hinson, Otis Ostendorf, Daiv Freeman, and Ritsuko Freeman.
Council member Gripne motioned Kreemer seconded to approve the agenda.
1. Review City Administrator / Finance Director Positions
2. Review Community Resource Office Position
Motion carried unanimously.
(New Business)
The city council reviewed information regarding a proposal to divide the City Administrator/Clerk position and add a Finance Director Position. The council reviewed potential city structure, wage scales, wage comparison between the City of Staples and the City of Melrose, and scenarios on possible financial impacts for the addition of a Finance Director Position. Through discussion, concerns were raised regarding the tax impacts related to the creation of this position. Questions were asked about the financial ability of Staples and Melrose to support both positions. It was explained that those cities provide an additional electrical utility, along with water and sewer. With this utility comes additional staff and financial revenue that allows for additional positions. The council asked interim administrator Gray to collect data on other cities such as Wadena and the City of Rockville for additional comparisons. Acting Mayor Wright explained that this would come back to the city council at the February 20th meeting for final decision on the proposal. The council briefly discussed hiring tactics for the City Administrator/Clerk position.
The city council reviewed a proposal to create a Community Service Officer to assist the Police Department in various non-enforcement community engagements. This position would also assist as a recruitment tool for new officers, as individuals applying would need to be working towards completion of their Minnesota Pease Officer Stands and Training (P.O.S.T) license. Questions were raised regarding the equipment such as body cams, radios, and vehicles this officer would be using, as well as concerns with conceal and carry guidelines. Chief Hanson and Interim Administrator Gray would review these policy questions and provide answers to the city council by the February 20th meeting for a decision.
After no further discussion council member Gripne motioned and Kreemer seconded to adjourn the meeting at 7:14 pm. Motion unanimously carried.
F28C
o o o
______________________________ _______________________________
Ted Gray David Wright
Interim City Administrator/Clerk Acting Mayor
