CCP 07-08-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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l.li fNEW BR)GHTON the city that works for you Council Worksession June 24, 2014 5:00 pm Present: Mayor Dave Jacobsen Councilmember Gina Bauman Councilmember Brian Strub Councilmember Paul Jacobsen Councilmember Mary Burg Absent: Staff in Attendance: Bob Jacobsen - Acting City Manager, Grant Wyffels- Public Works Director, and Sandy Breuer - Director of Parks & Recreation, Chris Wolla -Parks Superintendent Guests in Attendance: Beth Engum Park Maintenance /Forestry Position Discussion Parks & Recreation Director Breuer discussed the City's park maintenance contracts. She indicated in November, the Council authorized funds for contractual lawn mowing and snow removal services. She reported this approach was taken in lieu of hiring another full -time maintenance employee. She commented the City approved a seven month contract with Village Green to mow the City's parks in April. The details and expense of the snow removal contract was then reviewed. Staff summarized the expense of these services and related this to the expense of an additional staff member. The number of FTE's on staff was discussed. It was noted the department had 5.12 FTE's. If a forestry position were added, this number would increase to 5.62 FTE's as the part-time forester would be eliminated. She stated according to national averages, the Park Department should have over 11 FTE's based on the size of the City. Staff recommended the Council approve the hiring of a full time park maintenance staff member with a forestry background effective November 2014. The cost for 2015 would be $73,000- 77,000. Councilmember Burg asked how a contractor worked versus having an employee. She questioned if the City received grants for the forestry work. Staff commented the mowing contractor has been providing good services. However, the snow contractor has been a concern given the fact they only remove snow when accumulation reaches over 2 inches. Staff's biggest concern at this time was with forestry and tree matters since the previous Forester retired. Parks & Recreation Director Breuer indicated staff applied for one grant since the City Forester retired and the City was not successful. She explained the City has had qualified seasonal forestry techs that have worked for the City over the past few years. However, the City would have difficulty filling these positions given the competitive marketplace. Councilmember Bauman believed that the Parks Department's staffing level was fine and believed the contractors should continue as is. It was her opinion that the City did not need a forester. She saw no benefit in having a City Forester. She encouraged staff to be more proactive with the snow removal to ensure there was no buildup this coming winter. Council Burg stated that the previous forester saved the City from losing numerous trees with the recent Elm disease. Councilmember Burg supported the new position given the technical expertise that was needed to support the City's forest and plant community. She was in favor of staff pursuing the additional employee. Councilmember Strub discussed the incredible services that were provided by the previous forester. He was in favor of adding a park maintenance employee that had expertise in forestry. He was pleased with the creative