Minutes - 2010/05/24 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council May 24, 2010 Regular Meeting Page 14 volunteers would be an option. Ayes — 5 Nays — 0 Motion carried. MOTION/SECOND: Mueller/Stigney. To extend the Council meeting to 10:30 p.m. Ayes — 5 Nays — 0 Motion carried. H. Resolution 7622, Authorizing an Agreement with Rick Wriskey for Urban Forestry Services. Public Works Director DeBar explained the City has been without a City Forester since September 30, 2009. At this time, Rick Wriskey retired after 28 years of service through a joint powers agreement with New Brighton. Mr. Wriskey worked 1 lh days on average each week for Mounds View forestry needs with the remainder of his time spent working for New Brighton. The City of New Brighton has reclassiiied the position to a full-time, temporary forestry intern, ofiicially ending the joint powers agreement. • The City Council discussed the status of the City Forester position at their May 3, 2020 work session. The budget does have $16,000 allotted for a City Forester for 2010. Staff recommends that the City Council reconsider authorizing an independent contractor agreement allowing Mr. Wriskey to provide part-time Urban Forestry Services for the City. If adopted, the draft agreement will be finalized after insurance issues are resolved and Mr. Wriskey would begin on • Wednesday, May 26, 2010. Council Member Mueller questioned if Emerald Ash Bore and Anthracnose would be addressed by the City Forester. Public Works Director DeBar stated the City has established an urban forestry informational page on the City's website to provide residents information on these issues. He reported staff is working out the logistics of which issues Mr. Wriskey would be handling through the employment agreement as insurance concerns were still being addressed. Mayor Flaherty questioned why Mr. Wriskey was not being hired on as a part-time City employee. City Attorney Riggs explained this was the original plan as he wanted to work part- time, which would cover Mr. Wriskey under all of the City's insurance policies. However, this was still being discussed to assure the City was protected. Mayor Flaherty asked if Mr. Wriskey was licensed as a contractor. City Attorney Riggs explained he was licensed. He then suggested the Council table this item to allow staff to review the information further. MOTION/SECOND: Gunn/Mueller. To Postpone Resolution 7622, Authorizing an Agreement with Rick Wriskey for Urban Forestry Services to the June 14, 2010 Council Meeting. Council Member Stigney indicated he would like further information on the salaries provided to New Brighton for Mr. Wriskey's services. Clerk-Administrator Ericson reviewed the • information with Council stating he was being paid $45 per hour.