02-12-2025 Workshop Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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WORKSHOP MINUTES CITY COUNCIL FEBRUARY 12, 2025 employees, and an Apprentice. He stated there are also two full-time employees who are currently not working due to injuries and are on long-term disability. He noted the Public Works department has been operating shorthanded for over two and a half years following a non -work -related injury suffered by an employee. He stated that staff is recommending the creation of a new position to address an identified need in the city and explained that the new position would be a Public Works Supervisor focusing on Buildings and Stormwater management. He stated this position will address municipal building maintenance and capital improvement projects that have traditionally had no point person, which as a result, some recent projects have been delayed due to the lack of time available for the Public Works Director. He noted that having an employee to take ownership of these projects from start to finish is a core part of the position. The Public Works Director stated that another important area that needs additional staff time and attention is stormwater management. He explained that the city has a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit issued by the MPCA and there are several requirements that are part of the permit including infrastructure inspections, construction inspections, training, education, and reporting. He stated that this position would manage the MS4 permit and assist with scheduling storm sewer maintenance and projects. The Public Works Director explained that this new position will also manage the work order management software, set up preventative maintenance work orders, and run reports as needed. He stated the work order software has become an important tool for the department and somebody managing it more closely should allow the department to become even more effective and efficient when using it. He stated the position will continue to perform any maintenance needed in other departments as he is available. The Public Works Director stated that with the creation of this position, the Public Works Department would still include the same number of employees. He explained that the proposed new organizational structure includes a Utilities Supervisor, a Streets & Fleet Supervisor, and a Buildings and Stormwater Supervisor, along with two regular maintenance worker positions. He noted the apprentice position will be evaluated on an annual basis and filled as needed and when the budget allows. He stated that the supervisor positions have higher -level responsibilities in each of their respective areas, however, most work time is spent in the field. The Public Works Director stated the creation of the Public Works Supervisor - Buildings and Stormwater Management position is not anticipated to have a direct impact on the 2025 or 2026 budgets. He noted the Public Works Supervisor — Utilities position is already included in the 2025 budget will be filled through an internal promotion of a Maintenance I employee. He noted the anticipated promotion of the current Apprentice to a Public Works Maintenance I position later this year will have a budget impact of approximately $6,000 in 2025 and $7,000 for the 2026 budget. There was Council consensus to add a Public Works Supervisor — Buildings & Stormwater Management and promote a Maintenance I employee to Public Works Supervisor — Utilities. The City Administrator explained that during the 2022 Strategic Plan Update discussions, Council determined there was a need for a position that could focus on communications and community