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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—MARCH 15, 2010 7 LB Public Works Maintenance Staffing and Workload Public Works Director Hoag explained this varied depending on the condition of the rink. Typically it took five hours per day, per person, sometimes up to three people, to sweep the rink and push the snow over the boards. Councilmember Holden questioned if the SCADA system would reduce the staffing needs for the public works department. Public Works Director Hoag indicated the SCADA system would provide the department with a greater amount of information but that staff would still need to drive around and check on the lift - stations. Further discussion ensued regarding the seasonal employees. Councilmember Holden questioned the number of seasonal employees from 2001 to the present. Public Works Director Hoag stated capacity grew in 2009 to six seasonal employees, which was up one employee to assist with I&I and sump pump inspections. Mayor Harpstead asked that staff further elaborate on the benefits of added staff to the public works department. Public Works Director Hoag indicated added staff would allow the City to regain its certification or insurance for I&I. He noted the City would also need capacity to begin undertaking the storm water requirements within the City would require additional staffing. Councilmember Holden questioned if the City parks were being fertilized and aerated on a yearly basis. She felt the overall condition of the green space within the City parks has deteriorated over the past several years. Public Works Director Hoag stated only the high traffic areas were fertilized, like City Hall, Linde's, and the ballfields. He explained Staff did not find it effective to fertilize entire parks once a year without proper follow up care throughout the season. The ballfields were aerated and fertilized on a continually basis to maintain the integrity of the fields. He noted the expectations on the ballfields were higher each year. Mayor Harpstead suggested the Council discuss the management role in the public works department. Councilmember Holden questioned how the position would be filled whether a foreman or superintendent. Public Works Director Hoag noted the hiring policy states the City could hire internal or external employees for the superintendent position. The foreman position would have to be published and posted within the union.