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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION — APRIL 27, 2026 7 Council agreed this can be advanced to the Planning Commission. B. Public Works CIP Equipment Discussion Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen said this discussion will be about Public Works Capital equipment. He said Staff s approach for creating the CIP is to consider the frequency table, a scoring system and Public Works works with the Finance Director to fine tune what works with the budget. He said equipment and building improvements are within the same fund. We have to balance those needed improvements with keeping our equipment on a replacement cycle that ensures reliable equipment. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen said the front-end loader options are outlined in the packet. We recommend that the city have a front-end loader. We also recommend that the city have a mini excavator with the capabilities proposed. Operations have changed to the point that the backhoe is not used as often because we can get the same production from a mini excavator. Attachment D proposes to eliminate the backhoe, upgrade the mini -excavator and replace the front- end loader. Discussion ensued that this would free up space at the Public Works shop. Mayor Grant asked if the backhoe that is proposed to be eliminated is in the replacement schedule. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen said it is in the 2026-2030 budget for replacement in 2027 at $172,000. Mayor Grant asked the price of the front-end loader. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen said the estimate is roughly $225,000 or less. We haven't received actual quotes yet. Mayor Grant said a snowplow or other attachments will cost extra. Public Works Director/City Engineer Swearingen confirmed. He said Attachment F shows White Bear Townships' recent purchase of the same size front end loader. Discussion ensued on the cost of the mini excavator. The CAT backhoe being proposed is one or two sizes larger than the Bobcat backhoe we currently have. The $130,000 covers what is being proposed for replacement. That includes two or three different buckets. Mayor Grant said they are adding $25,000 for the excavator and the front-end loader is less than what is previously at $225,000. By eliminating the backhoe at $172,000, we have the equipment we need and we're saving about $150,000. Plus we will free up one space in the maintenance facility. Staff confirmed. Councilmember Holden said the replacement for the loader is $300,000 but the project by list it's $275,000. Which is it?