CC_Minutes_2015_0420 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Regular City Council Meeting Monday,April 20,2015 Page 14 however, ultimately and in the long-term, a full-time forester would provide more consistency. At the request of Councilmember McGehee, staff clarified that the current em- ployee is a tree inspector, not an arborist. Councilmember McGehee opined that she was finding a disconnect between this proposed coordinator role and oversight and streetscaping needs; and therefore, questioned whether this is the right person for the job, even though she still sup- ported using the current staffing. However, Councilmember McGehee spoke in support of seeking consultant services from an outside firm, such as Stantec pro- vided through a Natural Resources consultant. Councilmember McGehee further opined that there were so many arborists around it should make it easy to find such services, whether pruning, streetscaping or tree management, and suggested seeking one on a part-time contract. Councilmember McGehee asked for addi- tional information from staff on what adjacent communities did for this service (e.g. Arden Hills, Shoreview and Maplewood) and whether or not they had full- time foresters or not, since she remained unconvinced that the City of Roseville needed a full-time forester. Mayor Roe clarified tonight's discussion, noting that it was not about a full-time forester, as that discussion was held during the 2015 budget process. However, Mayor Roe agreed that staff could provide additional information as requested by Councilmember McGehee. Councilmember McGehee opined that she would like to see an arborist in this po- sition. Councilmember Laliberte suggested directing staff to provide additional infor- mation from other metropolitan communities; the advantages of an arborist versus a tree inspector and their related job descriptions; and whether there were time and hours available to work with the Public Works Department as originally in- tended. Laliberte moved, Willmus seconded, authorizing the creation of the Forestry Co- ordinator position FOR THIS SEASON ONLY at the proposed pay grade within the City's compensation plan; and as detailed in the RCA dated April 20, 2015; and revisit the position again in the fall of 2015. City Manager Trudgeon advised that it was the intent to bring the position back for reconsideration this fall. Mayor Roe clarified that the maker of the motion intended that the position be provided on a temporary basis for as long as needed; with Councilmember Laliberte confirming her intent.