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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-09-13-WS 'It MIEN HILLS Approved: October 14, 2013 CITY OF ARDEN HILLS,MINNESOTA SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION SEPTEMBER 9,2013 ARDEN HILLS CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, Mayor Grant called to order the special City Council work session meeting at 8:47 p.m. Present: Mayor David Grant; Councilmembers Brenda Holden, Fran Holmes, Dave McClung, and Ed Werner Absent: None Also present: City Administrator Patrick Klaers; Director of Finance and Administrative Services Sue Iverson; Public Works Director Terry Maurer; and City Clerk Amy Died 1. AGENDA ITEMS A. Capital Equipment Discussion Public Works Director Maurer explained that recently he asked the Council to consider the purchase of two new Toro "zero turn" mowers before they were scheduled to be replaced in the equipment CIP. In response, the Council asked that the topic be the subject of a work session discussion. He indicated that the two "zero turn" mowers currently owned by the City were new in 2011. He is finding that these mowers are the work horses of the mower fleet with each accumulating over 700 hours. Public Works Director Maurer commented that most of the time, these pieces of equipment are operated by seasonal workers, who for various reasons are harder on the equipment than the full time employees. He stated that he has spoken with LTG Power Equipment, the State contractor vendor, about replacing these mowers on a three year cycle and trading in the old mowers in the process. The LTG representative explained that due to the fact that the mowers would have one year remaining on their warranty (which would be transferable to the new owner), he would be able to sell them for a good price which would give the City the maximum trade-in value. Public Works Director Maurer explained that when warranty work has been done on the zero- turns, LTG Power Equipment has provided a loaner mower at no cost to the City. He requested ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—SEPTEMBER 9, 2013 2 that the Council consider the three year trade in cycle for the zero-turn mowers to assure that repairs are covered under warranty. Mayor Grant asked what the Public Works expenditures were for 2013. Public Works Director Maurer estimated the 2013 expenditures to be $76,000, and other than the potential purchase of the mowers, he has no other large purchases planned for the rest of the year. Mayor Grant questioned if the City is still contemplating the purchase of a dump truck from the County. Public Works Director Maurer stated that the County is not selling any single axel dump trucks this year. For this reason, the City will not be purchasing a dump truck. He is waiting to hear from a representative at the County regarding when a truck might be available for the City. Mayor Grant requested further information on the mower purchase. Public Works Director Maurer discussed the matter in further detail. He noted that he is proposing the purchase of the mowers this year to assure they are always under warranty. Additionally, a three year purchasing cycle would maximize trade in values. He explained that the seasonal employees are hard on the machines and having the warranty maintenance and the loaner mowers have greatly benefited the City. He then discussed the EPA regulations. Councilmember Holden asked if the City could forego the use of seasonal employees. Public Works Director Maurer did not see this as an option as the Public Works Department does not have enough staff to complete the park mowing through the summer months without the assistance of seasonal employees. Mayor Grant asked how the Council wanted to proceed with this matter. Councilmember McClung found this request to be similar to the Fire Department's request for their breathing apparatuses. He stated that the EPA regulations will impact the City and he supported the proposed purchasing schedule. Councilmember Holden did not support the three-year purchase cycle. She is in favor of purchasing the mowers at this time, but wants to hear back from staff before any future mowers are purchased. It was the consensus of the Council to move forward with the purchase of two new Toro "zero turn" mowers. Councilmember Holmes asked about the need for generators for the City's lift stations during emergency situations. She questioned if the City's three generators are enough to support the City's 13 lift stations. ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION— SEPTEMBER 9, 2013 3 Public Works Director Maurer indicated that this has not been a concern in the past, but it could be discussed further with the Council at a future CIP Work Session. He stated that he could begin investigating this matter and he could look for used generators. ADJOURN Mayor Grant adjourned the special City Council work session at 9:15 p.m. dnui-IX� U-7 Amy Dietl Davi Grant City Clerk Mayor It.- ---S DEN HILLS Request for Special City Council Work Session Meeting A special meeting may be called by the Mayor or by any two Councilmembers. Reason for meeting: Capital Equipment (for Public Works) Discussion Requested Date: 09/09/13 Requested time: Immediately following the regular City Council meeting. Open meeting X Closed meeting Signature of person( ) making quest: r / Mayor or Councilmember Date Councilmember Date -This section to be completed by City staff- Date received: Date meeting to be held: 09/09/13 Time of meeting: Immediately following the regular City Council meeting. Location: City Hall All necessary posting and notices have been completed. 3 / `—1 / ( Signature of Deputy Clerk Date City of Arden Hills * 1245 West Highway 96 + Arden Hills,MN 55112-5743 Phone 651.792.7800 * Fax 651.634.5137 * www.ci.arden-hills.mn.us