10-13-2003 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Minutes Page 5 October 13, 2003 ............................. 5.8 Councilmember Dietz asked about any reduction in expenses so that we wouldn't lose the full amount. Mr. Czech answered that we would save on electricity and that we would have less employees on hand. The ice schedule change is a juggling act for the employees too. Councilmember Dietz inquired if we will either shut down or go forward by October 20m. Mr. Czech answered that we won't have all bids on hand by then, could move boards on the 20th, Steven Engineering has bid for cutting up concrete, bid openings will be the 30m of October and we may need a Special Meeting of Council on the 3~l of November. Councilmember Motin asked if we get it running by October 24th if it will make it through the season. Mr. Czech stated most likely. As the system cools down the pressure is less and we may need to put in some refrigerate along the way. Mayor Klinzing stated that if we know by the 24th the results of the bids, on the 27awe could set the special meeting if necessary. Mr. Klaers stated that the Council is scheduled to receive a proposal next week for removal of concrete and at future meetings there will be updates. Consideration of 2003-04 Snowplowing Policy Street/Park Superintendent Phil Hals explained that plowing this year will consist of eight truck-plowing routes, one sidewalk route, a pathway route and two loaders plowing cul-de- sacs. The City has added 12 miles of streets last year and the same amount this year. Last year was not a good test because of lack of snow. He stated we are looking at more miles of streets to plow with the same equipment as 2001/2002. The changes in the policy reflect on those thoughts and staff will be reducing our contract cul-de-sac plower as a budget-cutting move. Staff is planning on, as the developments are plowed, to circle the cul-de-sac, open the driveways and then come back the following day and do a cleanup plowing. Another impact is that the loading and hauling of snow will be scheduled to the 3~l day in the downtown area. That will save money. The goal is to still plow in a 10-hour shift and then the second and third days to do a nine-hour shift. The third issue is the sidewalk plowing. We actually have enough sidewalks at this time where we could use a second sidewalk machine if we were to clear those the first 24 hours following a snowfall. Since we don't have that option, the sidewalk plowing will be prioritized into a day one, two, and three type of operation. Councilmember Dietz inquired how the change would impact the cul-de-sac kids going to school. Mr. Hals didn't see it as a problem, that normally the kids walk a block or two anyway and that the buses don't have pickups in a cul-de-sac too often. Councilmember Dietz asked if we use special equipment for cul-de-sacs or is it more a time consuming issue.