Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout08.10.20 Work Session Minutes CITY OF FARMINGTON CITY COUNCIL MINUTES WORK SESSION AUGUST 10,2020 Call to Order Mayo Larson called the work session to order at 6:00 p.m. Roll Call Present-Larson, Bernhjelm,Craig, Donnelly, and Hoyt Absent-None Also Present-Police Chief Rutherford, Parks and Recreation Director Distad, and Finance Director Malecha Agenda Motion by Bernhjelm,second by Craig,to approve the agenda as presented.APIF, motion carried. 2021 Draft Budgets Finance Director Malecha presented the second draft of the 2021 General Fund budget and tax levy. Bernhjelm asked who determined that the vehicles were police only being replaced. Malecha stated that it was discussed by McKnight and her to reduce it to that number.The capital improvement plan will be brought back at the September 14th work session and fleet is a part of that.The vehicles replaced can be changed with that amount. Larson asked Rutherford how many vehicles were replaced at the PD. Rutherford stated that the PD was mindful due to the budget but was unsure of the number. Bernhjelm and Donnelly requested clarification for what year the liquor store profits were from. Donnelly was concerned that the city was allocating funds that were not yet earned. Malecha clarified that the funds were from previous years; part was allocated to the arena approved at the last meeting and this would be the remainder. Donnelly asked where the$200,000 from the LGA reduction would come from. Malecha explained that due to Farmington's growth being at nine percent and the average of other cities at 5.8 percent, Farmington would see a reduction in LGA of roughly$220,000.She stated that there are some options that her and McKnight would like to discuss prior to bringing it back to council. Donnelly stated that he was not comfortable with six percent with that outstanding. Craig and Bernhjelm would like staff to discuss reopening union contracts. Donnelly and Bernhjelm would like to be mindful of the current economy and staffing, but raises should not be included in the budget. Malecha stated that raises and benefits are included in the current GF draft budget. Even if contracts were able to be reopened it would not be completed by the September 21St meeting to adopt the levy. City council is not comfortable adopting a six percent increase. Donnelly stated that once it is adopted it will never be reduced. It has historically been done once. Council requested that an additional work session be held to further reduce the draft budget with no specific number provided.They requested staff to bring additional ideas. Bernhjelm would like to see the city align their preliminary budget with other comparable cities. Donnelly stated that the fund balance is something that could be used to reduce the levy. Malecha stated that staff would further revise the budget and bring it back at the work session on September 14th with the CIP. Law Enforcement Reform Legislation Police Chief Rutherford discussed peer counselling and stress management teams including what is privileged information and what is not.The information firms up peer counselling for public safety. Not available in Farmington yet. Rutherford is unsure of how well it would be received among staff.Our PD does have annual wellness checks. The legislation authorized BCA to create a special unit to handle use of force, conflict of interest,and criminal sexual conduct. Four-year sunset included in legislation. There was a residency incentive authorized. Bernhjelm asked whether we would have to adopt a resolution. Larson stated the council would be supportive. Use of certain types of restraints was banned including: hog tying,chokeholds including vascular neck restraint.They have not been used in Farmington 12+years. Rutherford stated our policies are being updated to reflect. Cleaned up language on use of deadly force. Warrior style training has been prohibited. Larson asked if our officers are able still able to protect themselves. Rutherford said they are. Craig is concerned by the language regarding warrior style training and restrictions on officers. POST Board must establish advisory council,central depository for information, require new and updated policy on use of force, database for misconduct. Passed legislation for more training and funding for conflict management, menta Rutherford stated that Farmington adopts POST Board policies as they come out verbatim. f Grievance arbitration selection procedure refined to six arbitrators. Donnelly requested clarification on previous process of arbitration. Rutherford stated that it was previously much broader and described how it could cause issues.Craig asked if six people are enough. Rutherford believes that it will be and will be a positive change. Larson said that it was good information. Bernhjelm thanked Rutherford for providing the information and explaining how it would apply to Farmington. Rutherford stated that the vascular neck restraint was the best tool they had and is disappointed of the change. If used properly it is more effective than a taser, baton,or chemical sprays. Adjourn Motion by Hoyt,second by Bernhjelm,to adjourn the meeting at 6:49 p.m. APIF, motion carried.