CAREFREE TRUTH
Carefree truth #321
Carefree Truth
Issue #321, May 5, 2014
Earlier in the workshop Councilwoman Melissa Price, who was attending telephonically, noticed that her cell phone battery was getting low. Mayor David Schwan tried to call her after the connection was broken, but the battery had died, so she was unable to participate in the remainder of the session.
Gary Neiss described the Capital Improvement Program as consisting of economic development projects, a possible donation for a splash pad, and some minor carry over from this year's streets project if any part of it was not completed or if bills had not been received before the beginning of the coming fiscal year. Councilman Glenn Miller added that fees for consultants are included, as well as any construction for a gateway to create a sense of entry. Councilman Mike Farrar commented that Chandler had installed traditional gateways, then removed them because of maintenance issues such as roosting birds.
Mr. Farrar liked the idea of a dedicated marketing staff member, but suggested also investigating intern programs or local contractors. He mentioned that Kim Prince had done the marketing for Carefree a few years ago and had done a good job. Mr. Neiss said the staff position would be "multi-dimensional", and that having an internal marketing person would increase accountability and allow Carefree to control the direction of the marketing. In order to cultivate and improve events, a liaison between The Town and the promoters would be helpful. This staff position would include ongoing event management and diversification, for instance, the addition of concerts in the Pavilion, as well as handling increased social media interaction and a marketing website. The staffer would also build on and improve the relationships with existing businesses, and would work to attract new businesses.
Mr. Neiss went on to say that internships are only as good as the intern and are temporary. Carefree is looking for continuity, as well as someone with an existing skill set and connections in the business and marketing communities. This position is a form of economic development. However, no additional positions will be considered until a replacement is found for Assistant Planning Director D.J. Stapley, who will be starting law school in the fall. Vice Mayor Les Peterson suggested that a good person working for the Town could be supplemented with an intern. Councilman John Crane said that Owens Harkey has "gotten some things rolling" and that money shouldn't be spent on anything already started by them. The Vice Mayor, who was at one point involved in marketing during his career, stated the criteria is delivering value for money spent. Always ask if there is a better and less expensive way to accomplish the goals.
Mayor Schwan stressed that Carefree has a small staff. The priority is finding a replacement for Mr. Stapley and assuring that the new staff member will be right for the job, which can only be ascertained after that person is on the job. No new hiring will be explored until that position is acceptably filled. The Mayor's preference for marketing is eventually an
in-house staffer who is dedicated to Carefree. When dealing with an agency, all clients are one of many. Mr. Farrar said any lacking skill sets could be supplemented by an intern. Mayor Schwan replied that some interns are better than others, and while they are an inexpensive option, you have to train them and watch them all the time.
Next, staff benefits were discussed. A switch in carriers will be made that will reduce the cost when the current contract expires in August. Vice Mayor Peterson was concerned about the possibility of a decline in staff benefits with the new package. Mr. Neiss said the current package is projected to rise 14% in price. He investigated insurance pools in Arizona, and the staff worked with an insurance broker who got bids. The Town has too few employees to qualify for the large pools, and the small pools don't insulate participants from spikes. Healthnet, the chosen company, is a growing provider in the Arizona market, and is offering a richer benefit package at a lower cost. Town accountant Jim Keen said there have been 10-15% increases over the past 8 years. Mr. Neiss assured the Vice Mayor that he has read the contract thoroughly and it is an improvement over the current plan. If it goes up the following year, the Town will put it out for bid again. Mr. Crane asked if it included a good pool of doctors and hospitals. Mr. Keen said it does. Mayor Schwan added that it is less cost to the Town and the employees, with moderately improved benefits. Mr. Keen reported that Workmen's Compensation costs are down this year because there have been few claims. If there are more, it will increase. It goes up and down.
Mr. Farrar asked Mr. Keen how confident he is in the HURF revenue projections. Mr. Keen replied that the figure came from the League of Towns and Cities, and their estimates are always close. HURF funds, which are restricted to street maintenance and repair, are generated by the gasoline tax, so are based on gas sold in the state. Vice Mayor Peterson asked if any changes are expected in construction tax. Mr. Neiss replied that there are none known of that would adversely effect the Town. HURF is actually improving, and the League is lobbying the State Legislature to restore funding that had been taken away from local communities. Mr. Keen observed that more income and sales tax money has been coming into the State. There is a 2 year lag time, but it is coming back well now.
Mayor Schwan ended the workshop by asking if anyone felt the need for additional workshops. Hearing none, he stated that the Town will do the appropriate advertising. The budget bottom line will be approved at the May Council meeting, and the overall budget will be on the June agenda for approval. Mr. Keen added that any adjustments for figures unknown at this time will be small. The Mayor reiterated that money within the budget can be moved around, but the bottom line cannot be exceeded. Government is unlike business, where advantage of opportunities can be taken as they arise. Government is required to think ahead and include all possibilities. If it is not budgeted, it cannot be spent.
After Council discussion at workshops is concluded, the public is permitted to comment or ask questions. I asked if the Town was planning to continue the marketing contract with Owens Harkey, or if it RFPs were sent out annually. The Mayor replied that the intention is to continue with Owens Harkey this year.
Lyn Hitchon
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