95-828�. �
Presented 8y
�. ��
WI�REAS, the Saint Paul City Council has established a goal of working in
collaboration with other units of govemment to improve services and achieve greater
efficiencies in government; and
WHEREAS, on Febri�aiy 8, 1995, The City Council accepted the Report and
Recommendations of the Saint Paul/Ramsev Countv Print Shon Task Force dated January
1995 which is attached for reference; and
WHEREAS, on Ju1y 11, 1995, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners
adopted Resolution # 95-298 approving the consolidation of the Ramsey County
Central Auplicating Facility with the Print Shop operated by the City's Department of
Planning and Economic Development and authorizing the Counry Manager to execute a
Memorandutn of Understanding related to employee issues;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Saint Paul City Council agrees
to the consolidation of the two separate City and County printing facilities into one
facility operated by the City on behalf of the two governments; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that as part of this consolidation, the City agrees to take
over the Ramsey County's lease and rental agreements for two pzinting presses needed to provide
services in the consolidated printing facility; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Citq agrees to accept the transfer of approximately
$5,000 worth of miscellaneous printing equipment and office furniture from Ramsey County to the
City; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor is authorized to execute a lease with
Ramsey County for rental of space in the Ramsey County Government Center West Building to house
the new consolidated printing facility; and
Covncil File # 9s �a Y
Green Sheet # 12095
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor and other appropriate officials are
authorized to finalize and execute the Memorandum of Understanding related to employees who are
associated with the consolidation of the City and Ramsey County printing facilities (draft attached); and
RESOLUTION
CITY �F SAINT PAlll _ MINNES�TA _a7
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City agrees that the effective date of this
consolidation will be the beginniug of the first pay period after the fmal adoption of
tlus resolution and any associated budget resolutions; and
y's-�-a�
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Saint Paui City Council coxnmends the City and
Ramsey County staff who helped bring this project to its fruition.
Adopted by Covncil: Date
Adopti CerCified by Cou
By:
Approved b a o: D�.t�
By: G
Requested by Department of:
Finance & Manaqement Servic
EY ��"��Y VIXi,-
Q� �zu
�� Form�2s0 ed b ' ty toP
By:
Approve y Mayor to
Counci �
By:
I
I�(/�(� GP/
DEPARTMENT/OFPICE/COUNqL DATE INITIATED
Rinance & Mana ement �ervices 7/10/95 GREEN SHEE �� -12Q95
CONTACT PERSON & PHONE INITIAUDATE I TE
�OEPAHTMENTDIRECTOq CINCAUNdL /'
Linda Cam 266-8920 a���x �qTYATfORNEY pNCLERK
MUST BE ON COUNCILAGENDA BY (OAT� ppUTING � BUOGET DIRECTOR � FIN.B MGT. SERVICES Dlp.
� / OflOER � ti7pyOR (OR ASSI5TAN'n ❑
l
TO AL # O ATURE AGES (CLIP ALL LOCATIONS FOR SIGNATURE)
ACTION REQUESTEp: �
Adopt resolution calling for the._merger b� the Ramsey County Central Duplicating Facility
with the Print Shop operated by the Department of Planning and Economic Development.
RECOMMENDATIONS: npprove (a) w qeiecc (R) PEFiSONAL SERVICE CONTFiACTS MUS7 ANSWER THE GOLLOWING QUESTIONS:
_ PLANNING COMMISSION _ CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION �� Has this personffirm ever worketl uiMer a contract for this departmeni?
_ CIB COMMI7TEE YES NO
_ S7AFC z. Has this personffirm ever been a city employee?
— VES NO
� DIS7RIC7 COURT — 3. Does Mis persoNfirm possess a skill noi normally possessed by any curreM city emptqee?
SUPPORTS WHICH COUNGL OBJECTIVE2 YES NO
Ezplain all yes answers on Separate sheet antl attaeh to green sheet
INITIATING PROBLEM, ISSUE, OPPORTUNITV (Who, What. When, Where, Why):
A City/Ramsey County Task Force found that consolidation of the printing facilities had the
potential to reduce annual operating costs and aavoid pur se of duplicate printing
equipment in the near future. The City prinzing fa s the expertise to expand to
accomodate Ramsey County needs.
JuL � z. �g
ADVANTAGES IFAPPROVED: ;a' . '
Anticipate thaC approximately $60,000 in annual print shop operating costs will be saved;
avoid $85,000 in equipment replacement costs, and avoid payment of $11,000 in Minnesota
Sales Tax.
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DISADVANTAGES IFAPPROVED: /�� �
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DISADVANTAGES IF NOTAPPROVED:
Potential for duplication of efforts and printing equipment.
TOTAL AMOUNT OF TRANSAC710N $ SEe companion budget 2 .m 2 �GENUE HUDGETED (CIRCLE ONE) YES' NO
FUNDING SOURCE � ��y`+� ( �%1� � ��^'�'�� ��� e ACTIVITY NUMBER �,..`'y � C� �
FINANCIAL INFOPMATION� (EXPLAIN)
�s=���
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING C D�
July _, 1995
Consolidation of City of Saint Paul and Ramsey County Print Shops
Agreements Related to Employees
An agreement among the City of Saint Paul, Ratnsey County, AFSCME Councii No. 14,
AFSCME Locals 8, 1842, and 2508.
As a result of consolidating Ramsey County's Central Duplicating Shop with Saint Paul's Print
Shop in the Department of Planning and Economic Development, the parties agree to the
following with respect to the employees associated with this consolidation.
I. Wages
A. The wages for employees in the classifications of Duplicating Shop Manger and
Duplicating Equipment Operator (Two Color) shall be as provided in the Local ] 842
Bazgaining Agreement.
B. Individuals in the County's Duplicating Equipment Operator title who transfer to the
City shall become part of the City's Duplicating Equipment Operatar class. A pay
variable will be used to incorporate the current salazy of the transfened employee(s)
so that the individual(s) receive the same bi-weekly salary as before the transfer.
C. Once transferred into the City, employees shall be eligible for step increases based on
their combined length of service as City and County employees. Transferred employees
shall also be eligible for cost of living increases that would be negotiated through the
collective bazgaining process.
II. Benefits
A. The transfened County employees will receive any life insurance, health insurance, ar
other benefits negotiated far the bargaining unit.
B. Accrued vacation time will transfer up to the City's limit of 120 hours. The County
will pay the employee far amounts accumulated beyond that at the time of the transfer.
C. Transferred employees will earn vacation in accordance with the appropriate City
Union Bazgaining agreement. "Yeazs of Service" will be determined by combining
City and CounTy service.
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D. The County will also pay any transferred employees for other accumulated paid time,
such as comp time at the time of the transfer.
E. Unused floating holidays will be transfened to the City.
F. If the County employee is eligible for severance pay at the time of transfer to the City,
the employee may choose between the following:
i) The County will pay severance pay at the time of transfer earned rate. No sick
leave wouid transfer to the City, but the employee would earn sick leave at the
rate applicable for the yeazs of service being transferred. Employees who
choose this option would then begin earniug severance pay in accordance with
the appropriate City Bazgaining Agreement and, if eligible under the terms of
that agreement on the length of City service, would receive appropriate
severance pay.
2) Employee may transfer over a11 sick leave earned with the County. No
severance pay would be provided by the County at the time of transfer.
Severance pay following transfer to the City would be in accordance with the
appropriate City/Union Bargaining Agreement and be based on combined City
and County service.
G. Retiree health benefits will be auailable as provided in the appropriate City/Union
Bargaining Agreement. Eligibility and CiTy contributions will be based on combined
City and County Service.
III. Tes6ng/Promotion Rights
A. Transferred County employees shall obtain City promotion rights on the effective date
of this transfer. No promotion exams nor appointments to Print Shop tiUes shall be
made prior to the effective date of this consolidation.
B. County employees who transfer to the City will be eligible to use combined City and
County years of service for additional points as provided by City rules in applicable
exams.
C. Employees will be eligible for Veterans Preference in accordance with State law.
IV. Layoff/Seniority
A. In light of the current circumstances, for a twelve month (12) transition period
following the effective date of the merger, the City agrees that no employee will be
laid off from the Duplicating Equipment Operator in the consolidated City print shop.
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B. At the end of the rivelve month transition period, the classification seniority for a11
employees within each bazgaining unit sha11 be combined. A single seniority list for
each classification shalt be established based on combining City and CounTy experience
an the classification. It is understood the City title, Duplicating Equipment Operator,
and the CounTy title, Duplicating Equipment Operator Layout and Design are
equivalent titles and time served in either will be counted when establishing a
Duplicating Equipment Operator Seniority list.
V. Probation
A. The City agrees to waive the requirement of a probationary period.
VI. Effective Date
A. The proposed effective date for the transfer is the start of the first pay period after the
consolidation proposal is agreed to by the County and the City (i.e. resolutions are
adopted by the County Boazd and then the City Council and signed by the Mayor.
VIL County Employees Who Do Not Transfer
A. The Clerk IV assigned to Ramsey County Central Duplicating will be offered a
comparable posirion with the County.
B. If there aze unresolved issues related to a County employee's ability to elect to remain
a County employee rather than transfex to the City at the time the consolidation
receives final approval, nothing in this agreement shall prohibit the parties from
attempting to resolve the disagreement through the normal gzievance procedure
provided for in the relevant bazgaining unit agreement, nor shall the signing of this
Agreement be construed as a waiving of the rights of any of the parties to resolve such
disagreements through established grievance procedures.
IX. Precedent
A. It is agreed by all parties that the decisions specified here apply to this specific City
of Saint Paul and Ramsey County consolidation only and that they do not establish a
precedent for any future similar undertaking.
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Signatures
On behalf of the bazgainiug units:
AFSCME Council 14,
AFSCME Local 2508, President
AFSCME Local 2508, Business Agent
AFSCME Local 8, President
AFSCME Local 8, Business Agent
AFSCME Local 1842, President
AFSCME Local 1842, Business Agent
On behalf of Kamsey County:
County Manager
Assistant County Attorney
John Johnson
On behalf of the City of Saint Paul:
Mayor
Assistant City Attorney
Director of Finance and Management Services
Mary Kearney
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Report and Recommendations of the
Saint PauURamsey
Print Shop Task
County
Force
January 1995
c�s_g
Table of Contents
se�hon
Executive 5uminary
Section I: Background
• Project Initiation
• Study Process
Section IL• Findings
• Printing Expenditures
• The Internal Print Shops
• Issues
• Restructuring Printing Services
• Options For Restructuring
Section III: Recommendations
List of Tables
• Table 1: Saint Paul and Ramsey County Department
Printing Expenditures
• Table 2: Comparison of 1995 Proposed Print Shop Costs
• Table 3: Comparison of Costs Per Impression
• Table 4: Projected Equipment Replacement Costs
List of Graphs
• Crraph i: 1993 City Sources of Printing Services
• Graph 2: 1993 Counry Sources of Printing Services
• Graph 3: 1994 Projected Sources of PED Print Shop Revenues
• Graph 4: 1993 Actual Sources of RC Duplicaring Revenues
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Executive Summary
During the smnmer of 1994 a special CiTy of Saint Paul/Ramsey Counry task force was convened
to look at the merits of consolidating the four printing facilities operated by the two governments.
Task Force members looked at five different approaches, anciuding a status quo option, three
options for partial consolidation, and rivo options for full consolidation of the printing services.
Service delivery issues were examined as well as short and long term cost impacts. At the
conclusion of the study process, the group determined that benefits would accrue to both
governments if some restructuring of the printing functions was implemented as quickly as
possible.
Savings
It is estimated that cost savings for the two governments will be created in three areas from these
changes:
• Annual print shop operating costs are expected to be reduced by approximately $60,000;
• Equipment replacement costs will be reduced by approximately $88,000 over the next
two yeazs;
• City and Ramsey County department staff will save approxnnately $11,000 each year
in Minnesota Sales Tax.
These savings will be achieved through more efficient use of staff and equipment, savings on
facilities and operating costs, and a likely reduction of one staff position.
Key Recommendations
1. A partial consolidafion should be implemented as quickly as possible during 1995 to take
maximum advantage of efficiencies and cost savings. This consolidation should include the
PED Print Shop, Ramsey County Central Duplicating, and the Saint Paul Police Department
Print Shop. The new function should be under the jurisdiction of the City of Saint Paul within
the Department of Planning and Economic Development for the present.
2. The shop operated by CommuniTy Human Services should remain in a status quo mode, except
that a series of internal nnprovements should be initiated to improve coordination and to more
cleazly identify the costs of operating the internal shop. Staff in the shop should collaborate
in a number of azeas with the new consolidated facility. The issue of consolidating this shop
with the new facility should be revisited at the end of 1995, after the improvements are
implemented.
3. The new facility should be located in the Ramsey County Government Center West Building
to capture savings in facilities and operating costs.
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4. The new consolidated facility should be renamed to reflect the fact that it will be an internal
service to both governments. This will allow the City and County to take advantage of an
exemption from the Mumesota Sales Tax that eacists for internal services.
5. Two committees should be established, a standing City/County Printing Services Advisory
Committee and a short-term technical committee to oversee the restruchuing and automation
of the billing system.
6. The Task Force did not address any employee issues (i.e. senioriry, compensation, layoffs) that
aze likely to be created by the shift of staff from one government to another. An appropriate
group of staff should be designated to begin working on these issues as soon as possible.
7. To achieve the maximum cost savings and other benefits during 1995 the City and County
adopt the goal of implementing these recommendations within two months.
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Section I. Background
Project Initiation
In eazly summer 1994, the Saint Paul/Ramsey County Joint Purchasing Office was asked by a
representative of the Mayor's Office and a Ramsey County Commissioner to investigate the in-
house printing services operated by the two governments. Facilities to be included in the analysis
were the lazge Print Shop managed by the City's Aepartment of Plauuing and Economic
Development, Ramsey County's Central Duplicaring Shop managed by the Department of
Information Services, the small shop operated by the Saint Paul Police Department, and the small
shop managed by the County's Deparhnent of Community Human Services. A key question from
both governments was whether any savings or other benefits could be obtained if the existing
printing facilities were consolidated into a single operation.
In response to this request, the Purchasing Systems Manager convened a task force of individuals
who were knowledgeable about the existing prinUng operations or who had other relevant
expertise to contribute to the discussion. Members were as follows:
Convener
Linda J. Camp, Joint Purchasing Office, Deparhnent of Finance and Management Services
Ramse County Representatives
Jan Geisen, Central Duplicating, Deparhnent of Informarion Services
Don Jones, Communit7 Human Services Department
Jim Kavaloski, Department of Information Services
Barbaza Swan, County Attorney's Office
Jim Theurer, County Manager's Office
Vern Wehlage, Budget and Accounting Office
Citv of Saint Paul Renresentatives
Thomas Boraas, City Council Reseazch
Don Brau, Print ShoplDepartment of Planning and Economic Development
Dianne Davis, Joint Purchasing Office, Department of Finance and Management Services
Carol Otto, Department of Planning and Economic Development
Steve Roscoe, Saint Paul Police Department
Al Singer, Saint Paul Police Department
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Study Process
The full task force met three times between July and September to discuss the request and to do
some background work. Steps at this point included a review of e�sting services and customers
for each facility; a review of facilities, equipment, and staffing at each location; and,
identification of some of the issues related to a status quo scenario versus those related to a
consolidation. In addirion, the group brainstormed various possibilities foz improving printing
services. From these discussions, several possible options emerged for furdier discussion
including; a) incremental improvements to the status quo; b) consolidarion of some, but not all
facilities; and, c) consolidation of a11 facilities.
At the conclusion of the third group meeting, it was agreed that a subcommittee would do more
detailed analysis of the options and the costs and benefits associated with each and bring a draft
report back for consideration by the full task force. This subcommittee met two times to further
develop the options and evaluate cost and service issues. Individual members of the
subcommittee prepared cost information and did site visits to each of the printing operations.
The full committee was reconvened in early December to review the work of the subcommittee
and discuss the findings. What follows is a detailed analysis of the City and County printing
services and the Task Force recommendations for the future.
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Printing Expenditures
Section II: Findings
Both the City of Saint Paul and Ramsey County aze "information intensive" organizations. To
carry out their public service missions, each routinely creates, collects, processes, and
disseminates a wide range of informafion in a variety of forms. While there is an increasing
emphasis on electronic options, sigzuficant resources aze still expended for printed materials.
The table below provides a three-year overview of acival and anricipated printed expenses for the
two governments. The numbers aze actual or proposed departmental expenditures for printing
services under City budget codes 0241 and 0242 and Ramsey County budget code 020501.
Actual or proposed costs for operating the print shops aze not factored in nor aze departmental
copier purchases.
Tabie l. Saint P�pI �nd Ramse�' �ounty #l�parfinent Privtin� Expenditnres
Enti
�aint Pau1
neparkllents
Ramsey County
I�eparqtuents
Tt�t�ls
1943 1494*
Aatual To Date
$627 $332,123
$82fi,476 $6Ub,�40
$1,453,947 $138,SG3
19�5 Tatal
Pr4vosed E�endiYures
$631,U$b $1,59p,640
$686,371 $2,119,�89
$2,3�7,�157 $3,71�,�27
City eXpendi�urea thraugft Novembcr 199A; CounE}= expe�ditutes Yh1'augh Ockober 1994.
CiTy and County departments obtain printing services in several different ways. By faz, the
largest share of services are obtained from one of the four in-house print shops. In addition, the
Joint Purchasing Office bids out vazious services that cannot be obtained in-house. Deparhnents
also make use of a master contract for forms management services and purchase printing under
the authority of City and County small purchase (Pick up Order) policies. (See Graphs 1 and 2
for distribution of sources during 1993.)
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1. 1993 City Sources of Printing Services
1993 City Sources of Printing Services
Intemal Print Shop
55%
Up Orders
7 0%
ontract
10%
Graph 2. 1993 County Sources of Printing Services
1993 County Sources of Printing Services
Intemal Print Shop
61%
Up Orders
7%
ntract
Formal Bids
25%
Formal Bids 18%
7 4%
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The Intemal Print Shops
At one time, several City of Saint Paul departments operated their own print shops, including the
Saint Paul Pubiic Library, the Division of Pubiic Health, the Personnel Office, and the
Department of Plamuug and Economic Development (PED). By 1985, a11 had been phased out
except the PED Shop which then began providing services more broadly within the City, and
eventually to County departments as well.
Ramsey County Central duplicating was originally operated as a shazed City/Ramsey County
service under the auspices of a"City/County Services" unit. This was jointly funded by the two
governments. Although the history is not entirely clear, the shazed printing operation was
eventually subsumed under the Ramsey CounTy Central Services Deparhnent that was created in
late 1974 or eazly 1975.
Statistical records from 1979 show that 41% of this print shop's business came from the City.
However, business from the City steadily declined to 24.7% in 1990 when the PED Print Shop
purchased a high speed duplicator. City use of the central County shop has continued to decline
to only 11 % in 1993.
PED Print Shoo
The lazgest internal facility, in terms of volume handled, and with the most sophisticated
equipment, is the Print Shop under the jurisdiction of the City's Department of Planning and
Economic Development. Capabilities include 4-color and multi-colar printing, layout and design
of materiais, collaUng, printing a11 size booklets, type setting, customer and standard folders, and
high speed duplicating. The shop is located on the second floor of the Lowry Square Building.
It is staffed as follows: 1 Duplicating Shop Manager, 2 Duplicating Equipment Operators, and
1 Duplicating Equipment Operator/2-Color.
This printing facility is operated as an enterprise fund. That is, the operation must generate
revenues sufficient to cover costs. (No other City budgets subsidize this activity.) Services are
billed at actual cost plus a 5% markup, which is set aside to finance future equipment
replacement. It is estimated that, in 1994, 74% of the revenues will come from City depariments.
Ramsey County will generate approximately 26% of 1994 PED Print Shop total revenues.
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Graph 3. 1994 Projected Sources of PED Print Shop Revenues
1994 Projected Sources of PED Print Shop Revenues
Ramsey (.�����y
26%
°_D
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Ramsey Countv Duplicating
Ramsey County also operates a large central duplicating facility, transferred from Property
Management to the Departrnent of Information Services in February 1994. It also provides a
range of printing services, though it is particularly well equipped to handle high speed
duplicating. Color and offset capabilities are more limited than the PED shop. The County
facility is located in the West Building with good storage capabilities and access to a loading
dock. Current staff include: 1 Clerk IV, and 2 Duplicating Equipment Operators/Layout.
Like the PED shop, this faciIity recovers its costs by biIIing for services provided. In 1993,
88% of total revenue was generated by Ramsey County departments, I 1% by City departments
and, 1% from other sources.
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Ciry of Saint Paul
49%
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Graph 4. 1993 Actual Sources of RC Duplicating Revenues
1993 Actual Sources of RC Duplicating Revenues
Ramsey Countv
88%
Other
1%
11%
De�artment Facilities
The City and County each have an additional small printing facility operated primarily for the
benefit of a single department. On the City side, the Police Deparhnent has its own shop located
in the Public Safety Building on East l lth Street. IY is equipped with a Kodak 97 copier and one
Multi offset press, along with a small number of pieces of support equipment. It is staffed by
one Duplicating Equipment Operator. Jobs produced in a typical year include forms, envelopes,
booklets, newsletters, and award certificates. This actzvity is noY operated as a revenue cenTer,
but rather is supported by the General Fund.
Ramsey County's Department of Community Human Services also has its own in-house print
shop located in the Ramsey County Government Center East Build'ang. Users of this facility
include functional azeas such as administration, social services, and personnel, along with the
County Nursing Home and Lake Owasso. There are two Duplicating Equipment Operator/Layout
positions that work under the direction of a supervisor within the Support Services sectiott. All
three individual handle other non-printing related duties as well.
The equipment in this loca6on, a new high speed duplicator and two relatively old Multilith
offset presses which will need to be replaced in the near future. Like the Police shop, this facility
also has a limited range of support eguipment, such as a plate maker and drill punch.
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`Pab2e 2. Compariso� of i995-Proposed-Prinf �hop Cosfs
�ateevrv PED Shou IZ� S�on . Pc�Fice Shon Hum. �erv. Totals
Persannel $173,QZ2 $116,463 $ 33,fl97 $ 74,3$3 $413,96'7
Ogeratiug $ I $ 3,b54 __ $ 45t} $ 3b4 $ 6,?D4
�upport
Faciilities $ 2Q,flOfl $ i�,U29 $ * � * $ 33,fl2R
Equipment &$ 61,2Z� $ 76,t758 $ 2,�99 $ 18,300 �I58,38�
M�intenanee
Supplies $117,728 $ 73,D25 $ �a,QQ6 $ S�,OOt� �+2b�,fi53
t�ther $ bU,586 $ 1,8Q� $ 4,33� $ 0 �+ 6�i,825
Totals $&46,3�9 $���,(331 � 66,685 $1�2 $943,I�8
�` Allo�at�an af ac7ual facilities cosfs was ncat availabl�_
The proposed 1995 budgets for the four shops appear in Table 2.
Issues
As part of the research and analysis process, Task Force members identified a number of issues
related to the fuhxre direcfion of printing services for the City and Ramsey County. Some of
these issues will exist whether or not a resttucturing of services takes place.
Efficiencies
Efficiencies in printing services are directly linked to the type of equipment available and the
management of individual printing jobs. For example, if jobs are properly planned, more work
can be run in a day than if the machine is idle for some period of time, thus resulting in more
cost effective use of equipment and staff.
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3'able 3. Comparison nf Costs Per Impressioa
En#it 1993 Actuat Fmpressions
PED Siiog 23,506,bQQ
Police - -
RG Dup_
Hum.Serv.
T'�D Shop
Police
l�C Dup-
T�Twn. Serv
Z,i oa,000
7;382,b35
4,84�,OUQ
1993 Fropnsed
29,1Q(�f�OQ
2,3(Yi�,U(Jb
4,2Q�,i�flQ
S,�t00,U4U
�943 Aatnal Costs
$393,I9U
$ 62,736
$28S
$126,aflfl
1995 1'rc>posad
P
$4�t4 399
$ 6&,b8�
$?84,Q39
$152,b�43
1493 Gosftlsnpressian
$_fll7perimpressi�n
$.U2�3per ungzessian
$.039per impressinn
$.fl26per�nprassian
t9X5�asfsttmpre�sivn
$.015 per impre,ssiern
$.U24perimpression
$.fl3 per impression
$A2R per impzessian
One way to look at the overall efficiency of an operation is to relate annual shop operating costs
to the number of "impressions" (an impression is one pass of one page through a printing
machine) produced in a year. Task Force members used this approach to assess the efficiency
of the four print shops. By this measure, the PED Print Shop is the most efficient, with an actual
cost per impression during 1993 of $.017 and an estimated cost per impression for 1995 of $.015
(see Table 3).
Service Deliverv
By faz, the biggest issue generated by any kind of restructuring of printing services is quality of
services. The two internal department prinring facilities exist primarily because the users want
to be able to feel confident that quality printed materials will be available when needed. This
concern exists for users of the two central print shops as well. A quesrion raised when examining
various options for printing was whether customer service would remain the same or be
improved. A lower quality of service would not be acceptable.
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Under the current structure, City and County departments have several printing oprions to choose
from. If one of the two main shops cannot meet a deadline, the other shop may be able to
accommodate the request. The multiple facilities provide a measure of back up as well as
competirion. If a consolidation were to take place, these elements would be lacking intemally,
though competition and backup wouid be available through private printing sources.
One consolidarion strategy explored was the idea of combining all of the required printing
equipment into a single location at the present site of RC Duplicating in the Ramsey County
Government Center West Building. Advantages to this approach include: the availability of
storage space, easy access to loading docks for bulk paper deliveries and job pickups, significant
savings in facilities costs, and the possibility of making an array of printing services available in
one location.
Questions were raised about whether, with a single, consolidated faciliTy, it would be possible to
easily and cost effecUvely drop off and retrieve printing jobs. Accessibility is an important
service issue for all City and County prinfing customers. Some members of the task force felt
it was possible that new "hidden" costs could be created in transporting documents under a
relocation of faciliries.
Paper Costs
Paper costs have been rising and aze likely to continue to spiral higher during the next year.
Some of the current paper contracts established by the Joint Purchasing Office do not appear to
meet the needs of the various print shops. These contracts need to be restruchued to take
maximum advantage of opportunities such as bulk deliveries and purchasing directly from the
manufacturer. While such steps cannot prevent a price increase, they can help stabilize costs.
Equipment
A number of pieces of equipment will need to be replaced within the next 3 years. This includes
both printing presses and the smaller support items, such as drilling equipment. As printing
requirements grow more sophisticated, so will the need for more sophisticated equipment. Task
Force members raised the question of whether it made sense for each location to be creating the
same kinds of internal capabilities. Under a consolidated environment, fewer pieces of more
efficient equipment would need to be purchased. Over a period of time, this would result in
savings in capital and maintenance costs. Table 4 provides estimates of future equipment
replacement costs if the four print shops continue to operate independently from one another.
Another tangential benefit of consolidating equipment is in the area of plate making; the cost
involved with duplicate equipment or sending out for negatives would be greaUy reduced.
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Ta61e 4. Projecteil Equipment Beptaeemeat Costs�
� _ _ �fems - - - Amauat _
CI� Shop New I'ress - $ 23,0(TO
Plake h'��er $ 9d1Q�
Sutitotai � 32�U4U
Palice Shap
I�C �entral
Iluplicafing
Crrai�d TofaI
Plate IvIaker
Cuitator
Subtatat
New Press
Plate �ker
Baoklrx Maker
Collatw'
Fotder
Su�sttit�l
'� EsEimated reptaceFrc�ts �to oecm� in 1996 ar 199'F
Billine Services
$ 4,4Q0
$ 4.UOt�
$ 13,U40
$ 53,Di1fl
$ } tfOD
$ S,54Q
� b,5D0
$0�
$ 7�c,&t10
$1 I�,846
The billing function is currently quite cumbersome within the two central printing shops and
would become more so under any kind of consolidation if no changes were made. There is a
need to look at options for automating billing tasks and integrating the system with City and
County financial systems.
Electronic Options
The availability of more and more computer technology within both local governments has strong
implications for the future of printing services. As more and more deparhnent staff rely on
electronic mail and document transmission capabilities, the need for printing certain kinds of
paper documents will be reduced. Both Saint Paul and Ramsey County are looking carefully at
how services are delivered. As processes are re-engineered, it is typical for forms and other kinds
of paper work to be eliminated or greatiy reduced.
Printing equipment itself is being revolutionized by computerization. Enhancements to
capabilities will provide the opportunity for greater efficiencies that will very likely have an
impact on the scope and costs of services in the future.
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Finally, the availability of electronic document transmission within City and County operations
will make it easier for customers to transmit requests directly to a printing facility. This has the
potential to help resolve some of the pickup and delivery issues associated with any kind of
restruchiring.
User Trainine
There was universal agreement among Task Force members that users of printing services very
often do not fully understaud the printing op6ons that aze available and how to select the most
cost effective option for a particulaz need. Some also may not understand how to appropriately
plan for printing services to take advantage of opportunities to save time and money. In the past,
the print shops have played a limited role in educating customers about various options. All
agreed that any improvements in future printing services should include having print shop staff
take a more proactive role with customers. Possibilities identified here included offering periodic
training sessions and providing some kind of manual on available printing services.
Sales Tax
Under Minnesota law governments who purchase printing services from another governmental
entity are required to pay the 6.5% State sales taY to the State on those services just as they
would pay tax on services received from a private vendor. However, printing services provided
internally are exempt from this requirement. Consequently, Ramsey County Central Duplicating
is currently required to collect the sales tax from City customers and the PED shop is required
to collect the tas from County customers. It is estimated that in 1994 the total amount of sales
tax collected from deparhnents by the two main print shops is approximately $ 10,700.
During the course of the study process, the State Department of Revenue was contacted to
determine the impact of consolidation on sales taac. Information provided indicated that if the
consolidated fund was structured as an internal service to both governments, then departments
would not be required to pay the sales tax. The estimated annual cost would then be eliminated.
Communitv Human Services Snecial Issues
A nuxnber of special issues surfaced with respect to the Community Human Services (CHS)
prinfing function. Services provided by the Deparnnent are financed by a range of funding
sources, including vazious state and federal grants. Likewise, an array of federal, state, and local
requirements greaUy impact how services aze delivered, including the types and numbers of forms
and documents needed.
Unlike the other printing functions analyzed, the CHS print shop is not budgeted as an
independent activity. Rather, costs associated with providing this service aze typically merged
with costs for other support services for the departrnent. In addition, staff responsibilities are
sunilazly merged. That is, the two print shop staff also provide other support services and report
to an individual who handles other non-printing related responsibilities. For a11 of these reasons,
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it is much more difficult to sepazate out the printing funcrion and assess any benefits to be gained
through a merger or restructuring of printing services. Some internal ground work is needed
before a sound analysis is possible.
Orgauizational Placement
The Task Force briefly discussed the placement of a consolidated print shop within the
orgauizational structure of the City. Some individuals raised questions about whether it made
sense to continue operating a prin6ng function within a department whose mission revolves
azound development and planning issues. There was consensus that the print shop funcfion had
been working well in this location, and that it would make sense to keep a consolidated shop
within PED during the transition. The issue could be revisited later if there was a need to do so.
Restructuring Printing Services
Overall, Task Force members felt there were a number of ways that City and County printing
services could be improved. Such things as restructuring the paper contract, providing customer
training, and taking advantage of electronic technologies, should happen under any restructuring
scenazio. Severai options for restructuring through combining the print shops were developed and
compared. Advantages and disadvantages associated with any of the consolidations are as
follows:
AdvantaEes
1. Fewer points of contact and accountability for prinfing services for customers
2. More efficient use of equipment
3. Avoids costly duplication of equipment
• lazge presses
• support items such as drilling and binding equipment
• negatives/plate making
4. More intemal printing services under the jurisdiction of an experienced printing manager
5. Potential savings in areas of
• faciliries
• materials
• staff
• operating support
• equipment
• sales ta�c paid by departments
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6. More efficient use of available staff
• flexibility
• improved backup capabilities (vacations, sick leave)
• cross trauring
7. Consolidated billing
• customer impact
• cost and time savings
8. Uniform internal billing rates
9. Support exists within both govemments for restructuring services
10. Better able to keep up with technological changes
Disadvantaees
1. Creates questions about whether same level and cost of service will be provided
2. Accessibility to a central facility may be an issue for some customers
3. Potential layoff of staff
4. Staff issues (compensation, seniority, etc.) would need to be worked out with unions under
a consolidation
5. Less internal competition
6. No internal back up services
7. Billing rate stability unlaiown during transition period
8. Amount of sauings most likely will be small during initial years of consolidation
9. Adjustment for print shop staff and customers
Options For Restructuring
A suminary of each alternative identified follows. It is important to note several items related
to the costs used.
fF.3
�S_�a�
co�
As previously stated, the PED Shop and the RC Central Duplicating shop cover their costs by
chazging customers for services. All costs of operations, including facilities, aze cleariy identified
in their annual budgets. This is not true for the two internal shops. In the case of the Police
Shop, the General Fund Activity inciudes many of the costs for operations, but exclude such
things as fringe benefits, space, and electricity. It also includes costs for paper needed to run the
deparhnent copiers. Print shop costs for Community Human Services (CHS) aze not separately
budgeted, but rather are aggregated with other internal service costs.
For purposes of the costs compazisons, every effort was made to identify all of the costs actually
associated with each operation, whether it appeazed directly in a print shop budget or not. In
some azeas, such as facility costs for the two internal shops, it was difficult to pull out specific
amounts, so the best information available was used.
There are some other "soft costs" associated with printing services that were discussed by Task
Force members, but not fully specified here. These include the time department staff spend
prepuing documents to be printed, distributing prin6ng items, and transmitting copies of items
to be printed. Because of the difficulty in producing accurate assessments, none of these kinds
of soft costs are included in the analysis. (Refer to Table 4 for detail on equipment replacement
costs.)
Ontion 1. Status OuolIncremental Imnrovements
Under this option, all print shops would continue as they have in the past, with the following
improvements:
• The master contract for paper would be restructured to provide greater benefit to all
shops.
• Representatives of the four shops would interact more frequently and share information
about equipment, customer issues, and other related items.
• The shops would sponsor training to help customers make better printing decisions and
better understand procedures for placing work requests.
• Improvements would be made in the billing systems.
Though there would be greater coordination, each shop would continue to purchase presses and
supporting equipment as needed, creating the likelihood of duplication of equipment.
Limited cost savings are envisioned with this option; in £act, costs are likely to increase because
of the need for all shops to replace equipment.
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Estimated 1995 City/County Print Shop Costs: $ 943,158
Estimated 1996/97 Equipment Replacement Costs: $ 119,800
Estimated Revenue From Surplus Equipment: $ 0
Total Projected Costs: $1,062,958
Estimated Cost Per Impression: Remains the same as in Table 3
Estimated Sales Tax Savings: 0
Ontion 2. Partial Consolidation
Three options for partial consolidations were evaluated:
a) Consolidation of the two larger shops
b) Consolidation of PED, RC Duplicating, Police with Collaboration with CHS
c) Consolidation of PED, RC Duplicating, CHS with Collaboration with Police
2a. Consolidation of the two laz eg r shops only
Here the PED Print Shop would consolidate with Ramsey County Central Duplicating. The two
department shops would continue in their present mode, though there would be greater
coordination with the consolidated shop. Improvements would include restructuring of the paper
contract, improving and combining the billing function, and customer training. The combined
facility would be in the location of the present RC Duplicating facility in RC Government Center
West.
Under this scenazio, cost savings are possible because of the co-location of the two facilities
(overall reduction in rent and some administrative costs), savings on equipment purchases, and
potential sauings because one posifion would be eliminated. Some equipment could be sold as
surplus. Customers would not have to pay the State sales tas.
Estimated 1995 City/County Print Shop Costs: $ 893,876
Estimated 1996/97 Equipment Replacement Costs: $ 45,000
Estimated Revenue From Surplus Equipment: $ 9 225
Total Projected Costs: $ 929,651
Estimated Cost Per Impression For Consolidated Units: $.023
Estimated Sales Tax Savings: $10,700
20
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2b. Consolidation of PEDlRC Durolicatin�(Police, Collaboration with CHS
This option combines the PED Shop, the Police Shop, and Ramsey County Central Duplicating
into one operation. All of the changes and areas for savings identified in 2a above aze also
applicable. Additional benefits are provided because of even greater efficiencies in equipment
use and avoidance of even more equipment replacement costs in the future. Many pieces of
support equipment could be sold as surplus.
Though the Community Human Services (CHS) Print Shop would not be formally consolidated
here, a strong partnership would be created. CHS would work to make some improvements in
internal operations and send appropriate jobs to the consolidated shop rather than attempting to
do them in-house. Staff would consult with manager of the consolidated facility on equipment
before new purchases were made. The subject of consolidating with the other shops would be
revisited at the end of 1995.
Estimated 1995 City/County Print Shop Costs: $ 885,163
Estimated 1996/97 Equipment Replacement Costs: $ 32,000
Estimated Revenues From Surplus Equipment: $ 1( 5•345�
Total Projected Costs: $ 901,818
Estimated Cost Per Impression For Consolidated Units: $.021
Estimated Sales Tax Savings: $10,700
2a Consolidation of PED/RC Durolicatine, CHS, Collaboration with Police
This option is similaz to 2b, but consolidates the CHS with the two larger shops and leaves the
Police Shop in a status quo mode. It is estimated because of the unique needs of CHS customers,
it would not be possible to completely eliminate the printing operation in the RC Government
Center East Building. It would be necessary to retain at least one machine and one staff person.
Estimated 1995 City/County Print Shop Costs: $ 857,679
Estimated 1996/97 Equipment Replacement Costs: $ 13,000
Estimated Revenues From Surplus Equipment: $ 1L3•asol
Total Projected Costs: $ 856 829
�
Estimated Cost Per Impression For Consolidated Units: $.020
Estimated Sales Tag Savings: $10,700
21
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Option 3. Full Consolidation
Under this option all shops would come under the jurisdiction of a single printing manager. In
oprion � satellite facilities are left at the Police Department and RC Government Center East,
though there is a single point of accountability and management.
Estimated 1995 City/County Print Shop Costs: $ 857,679
Estimated 1996/97 Equipment Replacement Costs: $ 0
Estimated Revenues From Surplus Equipment: $(9.2251
Total Projected Costs: $ 848,454
Estimated Cost Per Impression For Consolidated Units: $.019
Estimated Sales Tax Savings: $10,700
Under option 3b a satellite facility would be left at RC Government Center East, but not at the
Police Department. There would be a single point of management and accountability.
Estimated 1995 City/County Print Shop Costs: $ 847,166
Estimated 1996/97 Equipment Replacement Costs: $ 23,000
Estimated Revenues From Surplus Equipment: $ 19 270
Total Projected Costs: $ 859,896
Estimated Cost Per Impression For Consolidated Units: $.018
Estimated Sales Tax Savings: $10,700
�
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Section III: Recommendations
Based on a review of the service, fmancial, and other issues, Task Force members feel that the
City of Saint Paul and Ramsey County printing functions be resriuctured and not remain in the
present configuration. Consensus was reached that the City and Ramsey County should begin
implementing option 2b--Consolidation of PED, RC Central Duplicating, Police--as quickly as
possible to achieve the maximum amount of benefit during 1995. A detailed summary of the
recommendations are as follows.
Consolidation Recommendations
1. Consolidate the PED Print Shop, Ramsey County Central Duplicating, and the Police Print
Shop into a single facility, under the direction of the existing Print Shop Manager position and
under the jurisdiction of the City of Saint Paul in the Department of Planning and Economic
Development.* (This would mean a shift of Ramsey County Equipment Operators to the City
and the likely layoff of a RC Clerk Typist IV from the duplicating operation.)
2. Relocate the PED and Police Deparhnent equipment and staff with the RC Central Duplicating
staff and equipment at the Ramsey County Government Center West Building. A small
amount of renovation and expansion space will be needed.
3. Sell or redistribute internally all dupiicate and unneeded equipment that results from the
relocation following standazd City and County surplus disposal procedures. Any
revenues generated should go to the govemmental unit that originaily purchased the equipment.
4. Allow the CHS Print Shop facility to remain within the department, but begin implementing
the following changes:
• Improve forms(records management through consolidating client forms,
eliminating obsolete forxns, and implementing electronic alternatives;
• Better coordination of printing within CHS;
• Maatimize use of the new central duplicating faciliry to assure that most cost effective
options aze chosen;
• Collaborate with the new central duplicating facility on operating problems, assessing
customer needs, print shop safety issues, reshucturing maintenance agreements, etc.
• Maximize use of communications technology to eliminate the need for printed forms,
communicate with customers of the CHS shop and the new centrai duplicating shop;
• Sepazate out and document CHS print shop operating costs from the other support
services to make it easier to assess efficiencies and the need for further
consolidation.
5. Including the CH5 shop in the new consolidated shop should be revisited at the end of 1995
after the above improvements aze made.
23
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6. Rename the new central duplicating facility to reflect the fact that it is an internal service to
both governments, though under the jurisdiction of the City of Saint Paul. This will atlow both
govemments to take advantage of an exemprion from the 6.5% Mizuiesota Sales Tax.
7. Immediately establish a smail technical advisory comsnittee to begin restructuring the billing
system. It is recommended that members include representatives from the City Accounting
Division, Ramsey County Budget and Accounting, and appropriate computer staff.
8. Immediately establish a standing Printing Services Advisory Committee to help oversee the
transition and advise the new print shop staff on customer service and other issues on an
ongoing basis. The committee should be structured as follows:
• 1 representarive of the Saint Paul Police Department
• 1 representative from the CHS Print Shop
• The current manager of the PED Print Shop
• An appropriate buyer from the Joint Purchasing Office
• 2 City department printing services customers
• 2 Ramsey County department printing services customers
• The current manager of RC Central Duplicating
• 1 representative of Ramsey County Information Services (computer expertise)
• 1 representative of Saint PauPs Information Services Division (computer expertise)
9. The new Advisory Committee should immediately conduct a survey of printing services
customers and use this information to help guide the restructuring and to develop future
information and outreach activities.
10. The manager of the new consolidated facility should continue to work with staff in the Saint
Paul Police Department to structure services to address some of the special needs of SPPD
that will be created by the shift of facilities and staffing. This should include assistance with
ordering and inventorying of printed materials, along with pick up and delivery of printed
items.
11. As soon as possible, begin implementing the other improvements, such as restructuring the
paper contract and offering customer training.
* Note: Task Force members felt that the consolidated facility could be managed equally well
by either the City or Ramsey County. The final recommendation was to consolidate under City
jurisdiction because there was a slight advantage created by the fact that the largest shop with
the newest equipment was on the City side, along with the printing manager position.
24