CCP 03-29-2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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. . . Memo City Councij Committees & Appointments 2 2. Cost Savings (direct and indirect) - an in-house engineer would provide cost savings opportunities since his!her time would be less expensive than a contract engineer. Some of the savings would be direct, some would be in direct in the form of cost avoidance (if not for having this position, we would have to contract for the work.) 3. Growing need - our need for engineering assistance 1135 been growing and will continue to grow. The city has been undertaking infrastructure improvement projects with the pavement management program, and there have also been many utility-related projects in recent years. The TCAAP redevelopment will greatly impact our needs for engineering assistancc. Therc are also benefits to continuing to contract engineering ,services. As outlined in the budget presentation materials, there is a depth and variety of experience available when contracting with a firm. The current engineering firm has a lamiliarity with the staff and community. However, since the in-house position would not be able to perform .all engineering functions, we would still contract for some services and these advantages would still be available to us as needed. As you review the pros and cons of this proposal, it is important to remember that the benefits of the position can change year-to-year, depending on the priorities we (staff and Council) set for the position and the types of projects that are undertaken. For example, if we take a more customer-service approach; the cost savings wiIl.not be as direct. If the goal is to enhance cost savings, then the focus will be on performing task.s that are "billaJ:>le". Obviously, there will be a mix of both, but how that balance is achieved can vary depending on priorities and projects. In either case, it is believed that the benefits outweigh the costs and that the addition of a civil engineer position would positive for the City of Arden Hills. ) Action Requested At the November 17 City Council work session, the 2004 budget will be reviewed. As part of that discussion, we wanted to provide you with additional information regarding the possible addition of a Civil Engineer position to city staff. Staff would like to receive additional input regarding this proposal. If Council is comfortable proceeding, the staff can prepare formal action for Council consideration, and begin preparing a recruitment plan. '.\.t:arth\Admin\Cily AdministrG/Or\Memol2003\J /-12-03 Memo to Council RE Ovil Engineer.doc