02-09-2005 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

r Renovations to LC Road Warming House Renovations in lower level of Old Fire Hall (kitchen area and possible replacement of paneling) > Painting in various city buildings This is just a sample listing we have developed to date. In our conversations with Mr. Mark Siemers, Corrections Program Director, we have come to believe that all of the listed projects are reasonable expectations for the work crew. We based this belief on the fact that these crews have performed similar tasks for other jurisdictions. We believe two days is the wisest choice to start with given the extensive list we have developed. We also believe that back to back work days will allow us to make better progress on the more complicated or labor intensive projects. Furthermore, in talking with other jurisdictions that are utilizing this program, all advised us to take more days, rather than less, based on their experiences. Staff feels we should be able to keep the work crews busy from April of 2005 through October of 2006 without great difficulty, even including the winter months. (Brush cutting and interior work projects should till up this time.) We will evaluate the success of this program on an on -going basis. Part of that evaluation will include the possibility of subcontracting some time out to neighboring jurisdictions who may be interested at a rate that will offset our costs. (This is allowable according to Mr. Siemers.) If it is determined that two days per week (or total discontinuance) is in our best interests, we can accomplish the needed modifications with 30 -days notice. It should be noted that we have already had some indirect experience with this program. Much of the restoration work for the house at 594 County Road B2 was done with ICWC forces. The range of work tasks and the quality of their work lead me to believe we will be able to make excellent use of this labor. Paying for the program's $35,000 annual cost can easily be covered within our existing budget. Staff is recommending we eliminate two of the Public Works' summer workers we had planned to hire this year. That will save $12,900. The other source is the savings we have generated from leaving the Public Works Director job vacant. Based on a new hire not starting until April Is`, we will have saved over $24,600 in salary and benefit costs. The combined total of these savings is $37,500 or more than enough to cover the expenditure. Mr. Siemers will be present at Wednesday's meetings to answer your questions regarding this program. In the meantime, I have included a ICWC Program information sheet and cost breakdowns for various crew allocations. We are also asking the City Attorney to review and comment on the proposed contract. 2