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City Council Minutes <br /> December 9, 2008 <br /> Page 5 of 6 <br /> Tim thanked the City for working with WSN in 2008. <br /> 8. Other Business <br /> Council Member Ryan discussed the status of the finances of the <br /> Water/Wastewater Department. He noted that the department is losing <br /> revenue due to several issues. He noted that he has been trying to <br /> address the concerns regarding the declining revenues in the water and <br /> the sewer funds. He indicated that the City needs to determine the true <br /> needs and impacts on the revenues and expenditures. He stated that it <br /> seems the departments are treading water. He suggested that this is <br /> partially due to economic issues and partially due to users reorganizing <br /> the way they operate to improve expenses. Council Member Ryan stated <br /> that another impact is the summer sprinkling which reduces revenues in <br /> the sewer fund. <br /> Council Member Ryan stated he has an idea to address this situation <br /> which would serve the city's needs. He noted that going back in history <br /> there have been times when there was only one person in the sewer and <br /> water department with the Street Department assisting on an as needed <br /> basis. <br /> Council Member Ryan stated that he is proposing a reorganization of the <br /> two departments; water/wastewater and building/street/park departments <br /> into one department and calling it a public works department. He proposed <br /> that there be one department head to operate and oversee those <br /> departments. Council Member Ryan stated that he and Council Member <br /> Sjoblad believe that Mike Loven has the skills to oversee the functions <br /> based on his long term history with the City. <br /> Council Member Ryan noted his concern with the drop in revenues and <br /> increase in expenses. He stated that there are not many variable costs to <br /> consider making changes other than payroll and benefits. He stated that <br /> he believes the transition to the reorganization can be made in about four <br /> weeks without diminishing service levels. Council Member Sjoblad stated <br /> that the only way to accomplish this is to cut staff. <br /> Council Member Nagel questioned the differences that would be realized <br /> in payroll with this change. The Council noted that discussions have been <br /> held regarding hiring an outside service to handle the water and <br /> wastewater departments, however, this was also too expensive. Council <br /> Member Oraskovich stated he needs to hear more specifics about this <br /> reorganization. What does this mean for staff? Council Member Ryan <br /> stated that the City would have to lay off Gary Giltner as the Supervisor of <br />