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Regular City Council Meeting Monday,April 20, 2015 Page 13 Councilmember McGehee noted that the Community Development Department had chosen to solicit proposals from a consulting firm to provide landscape plan review and inspection services for development projects, and questioned why the City did not similarly contract out services, such as needed for Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) needs for the Parks &Recreation Department. City Manager Trudgeon advised that the current Forester had over twenty years working on those issues, and was currently performing the work. Mr. Trudgeon noted that this would simply expand those hours on a temporary basis and avoid going through a request for proposals process at this time. Councilmember McGehee spoke in support of considering a contract position for these services, allowing for a fresh view to better address management of the City's forests, landscaping and other related issues. Councilmember Laliberte questioned if the seasonal position would be eliminated or vacated. Councilmember Laliberte questioned if this expansion of hours and duties was being prompted by filling the role until fall and renewal of a search for a full-time Forester. City Manager Trudgeon opined that he had not thought that far ahead at this point; but either way, the goal was eventually for a full-time Forester, making the other positions unnecessary. Mr. Trudgeon advised that part of the rationale was the legal requirements defining seasonal versus part-time positions related to ben- efits. Mr. Trudgeon further noted that currently Parks & Recreation Director Brokke was providing oversight of the EAB issues as expansion of duties had in- advertently been delegated to that department. However, Mr. Trudgeon noted that shifting those day-to-day duties to this proposed position would also provide an expansion of duties and additional hours available to manage it rather than Mr. Brokke needing to continue doing so. At the request of Councilmember Etten, City Manager Trudgeon advised that this position was only ranked at the grade of 9 versus the full-time Forester position ranked at a Grade 12 and subsequently higher salary range based on duties and level of review and higher professional expertise needed by the Community De- velopment Director for that higher position. Councilmember Etten asked that additional long-term, full-time equivalent (FTE) hours be used for working with the Public Works Department and staff to make sure streetscapes are better planned and cared for, as well as more training of guidance for City staff in tree trimming. City Manager Trudgeon noted that this proposed position and expanded hours would allow for some additional assistance and interaction with the City crews;