09-18-23-WS - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — SEPTEMBER 18, 2023 9 Councilmember Monson felt Council shouldn't proofread or have a say on where articles are placed, but should receive a copy of the newsletter as a courtesy before it goes out to the public. Senior Communications Coordinator Cardona suggested a compromise that if a councilmember submits a topic they can also proofread the article, such as he does with staff. Councilmember Holden disagreed, she felt they should only check for misspelling and punctuation errors. Councilmember Rousseau said she looks more for content, such as budget numbers and did what the PTRC want highlighted get highlighted etc. Senior Communications Coordinator Cardona stated the draft they receive of the SOP will be as specific as possible and give them another opportunity to comment on it. Mayor Grant said they still need to decide if they want a Council liaison. He was comfortable without having one but the current appointment would stand for now. C. Professional Services Agreement Discussion for Automated Pavement Condition Survey — Streets and Trails Mayor Grant said the budgeted amount is $20,000 and the company has said they can also do trails for and additional $14,000 for a total of $34,000. He liked maintaining trails but he thought staff could monitor them and the $14,000 could be used elsewhere. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen added that currently Public Works staff is asked if they see sections of trail that need to have work done and they add that to their work plan for the following year. He keeps track of trails that have had done fog seal, crack seal etc. This survey would provide an objective real condition assessment. Councilmember Fabel said he felt staff could keep an eye on the trails and fix as needed. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen said the Public Works employees are asked at their staff meetings if they have seen areas that need attention. An inspection is done to decide how much work is needed. Councilmember Holden noted there were no weight limits or loads on the trails so she was for staying with the $20,000. Councilmember Monson asked if the survey would provide more information to have better cost estimates. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen replied not necessarily. He noted that it would assist to get to the level of streets, but for now they are just maintaining trails and sometimes stretching the PMPs to include trails. Councilmember Monson stated that she's heard people complain about the condition of trails but if this wasn't the best tool maybe there would be a better way to make determinations.