5.2. SR 10-12-2009 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Sidewalk Snowplow Routes In preparing the 2010 budget and CIP and reviewing the 2009 budget with the intent to reduce costs wherever possible while still living within adopted city policies, staff identified sidewalk snowplow routes as a program that needed further review. Sidewalk snowplow routes affect the budget through the need for an expensive piece of equipment used for a single, seasonal purpose and through the need for staff time. The Council has initiated a no over-time policy for all departments with the exception of public safety response. This means that all of the other functions, including sidewalk snowplowing, need to be completed by existing staff within the normal work week thus it is important that staff time first be spent meeting existing programs and policies. In reviewing sidewalk snowplow routes, several areas were identified as areas that do not fall under the city's sidewalk snowplow policy. Therefore, staff is suggesting that those be eliminated for that reason plus the fact that funding is not available for the staff hours needed to plow these extra sidewalks and because an expensive piece of equipment can then be either reduced to a less expensive machine or eliminated. Please see the memo from Parks and Recreation Director Bill Maertz for more information on this topic. Public Works Master Plan The highest priority city facility project is the expansion of the public works facility to house the streets, equipment services, and parks divisions. Although this expansion has been delayed several years due to budget concerns and available funding, it may be possible to complete some phases of the project in the next year or two. However, before that can happen, the upfront planning of the site and building needs to be completed to ensure that all of the phases fit with the final master plan. In order to complete the master plan, an architect should be engaged to assist with space planning and site layout. It is not imperative that the architect selection process begin immediately; however, if the project is completed in phasing, such as moving the fuel island first, it would be beneficial to have an architect in place within the next six months. Finally, there is a considerable amount of information to cover on Monday night. Various staff members will be present to answer your questions and to discuss the CIP and related items in more detail. The Council does not have to take action on any of these items on Monday; however, your input is requested so staff can prepare to bring these back for final approval at a later date. S:\Council\Lori\2009\Worksession 10 12 09.doc