Council discusses capital facilities report, staffing model and upcoming union talks

Councilmembers raised questions about the city’s capital facilities report and whether maintenance and construction work should rely on city employees or outside contractors. Councilmembers said the question affects long-term cost and quality-of-work tradeoffs.

One councilmember noted the capital facilities report had been circulated but said it still needed refinement because the administration was weighing employee positions against contracting. Councilmember B said the city has been “battling with the union for months,” and staff confirmed they are scheduled to meet with the union next week and expect to include the new public works director in those discussions.

Councilmember A said the administration’s stated goals are twofold: saving taxpayer dollars and obtaining professional-quality work. Staff framed possible savings from a revised staffing model but noted the city must balance cost and service quality. No staffing changes or specific contract awards were decided during the meeting; staff said they would continue negotiations and report back.

Council direction: involve the new public works director in the upcoming union meeting and continue evaluating the capital facilities plan with an eye to employee/contractor balance and long-term cost implications.