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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—JANUARY 18, 2011 2 Public Works Director Maurer introduced the Public Works crew members present. He explained that all together the current crew has a total of 133 years of service with the City. He then reviewed the type of work completed in 2010 and the number of hours for each type of work. He indicated that 29% of the crew time in 2010 was spent on turf, fields, forestry and garden maintenance while only 3% of their time was spent on sewer system cleaning. Mr. Maurer noted that such items as sewer system cleaning and the storm water management program need more attention from the department. He explained that the Public Works goal is to use technology, equipment, and materials to allow Public Works to do more with the same crew size. Proposed Fleet Changes Public Works Director Maurer proposed some fleet changes and discussed the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). . The first change would be to add a third single-axel plow truck and eliminate the front-end loader from the plow route. The front-end loader is not fast or maneuverable and cannot carry salt so they have to have a plow truck go over the same route the front-end loader has done for de-icing purposes. He explained he had reviewed the five year CIP and the one ton snow plow truck is due to be replaced next year. He was concerned that if one of the two trucks Public Works now uses would break down, it would be extremely difficult to clear the 30 miles of roadway in Arden Hills. Even though there aren't a lot of miles on the current trucks, the hydraulics and mechanics are getting old. He would like to move the purchase of one truck from 2012 to 2011 and the replacement of the second truck from 2015 to 2013 because of the age of the current equipment. A new plow truck would be approximately $160,000. Adding a third plow truck to our fleet could be accomplished either by keeping one of our old trucks after a new one is purchased, or acquiring a used truck from Ramsey County. Public Works Director Maurer stated the second fleet change proposal is to purchase two Toro Z mowers to replace the oldest Groundmaster. The Toro Z mowers cut at a higher rate of speed, have zero turn maneuverability, cost approximately $14,000 each with the same 72 inch mower deck as the more expensive Groundmaster (estimated at $35,000), and they are ergonomically better for the operator. Councilmember Holden commented that the City had not liked the Toro models they had used in the past. Public Works Director Maurer stated he wants that type of mower but it doesn't have to be a Toro. Councilmember Holden stated that she had always thought the City should have one more plow. She then asked about the County dump trucks for sale. She commented that buying trucks from the County would make sense because the County would be familiar with the equipment. She then suggested that rather than spend $160,000 for a new truck, the City should just buy one from the County. Public Works Director Maurer stated he doesn't want a fleet of 10 plus year old used trucks. - He stated the City should have at least two reliable trucks.