Agenda Packets - 2010/05/24 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Item No: 7H Meeting Date: May 24, 2010 Type of Business: Council Business Administrator Review: ____ City of Mounds View Staff Report To: Honorable Mayor and City Council From: Nick DeBar, Public Works Director Item Title/Subject: Resolution 7622, Authorizing an Agreement with Rick Wriskey for Urban Forestry Services Background/Discussion: The City has been without a City Forester since September 30, 2009. At that time, Mr. Rick Wriskey retired after 28 years of service through the joint powers agreement with New Brighton. Mr. Wriskey worked 1-1/2 days, on average, each week on Mounds View forestry needs with the remainder for New Brighton. Due to uncertainty with future financial commitment toward the position beyond 2010, the City of New Brighton decided to reclassify the position to a full-time, temporary forestry intern, whereby officially ending the joint powers agreement. The City Council discussed the status of the City Forester position at their May 3, 2010 work session. The Parks and Recreation and Forestry Commission also discussed this at their April 22, 2010 meeting. Staff and Council discussed short-term solutions and long-term options for providing these services. The following is a summary of that discussed: Short-term Solution: Mr. Wriskey has indicated his willingness to assist Mounds View with forestry-related services. His involvement would be limited to an average of 8 hours per week and could extend the next several years. This alone will not be enough to provide the same level of service that existed before his retirement. The Commission recommends that an emphasis be placed on trees on public property over trees on private property. Staff is recommending that the City enter into a professional services agreement with Mr. Wriskey. Under this scenario, Mr. Wriskey would focus on public property only (right-of-way, parks, grounds, etc.) with exception to abating diseased trees on private property (as required by City ordinance). Long-term Options: Options for the long-term solution that were discussed included: • Cost share with another city through joint powers agreement; • Job split with parks maintenance worker (eliminate full-time seasonal parks position); • Hire entry-level forester or intern (with Mr. Wriskey’s services); or • Do Nothing (not recommended) The City Council suggested having Mr. Wriskey perform forestry services for a short-term solution. Mr. Wriskey would work (on average) 8 hours per week; however, he will spend more time during peak season (April through October) and less during other months. The Council indicated that a long-term solution is needed and options should be investigated and evaluated further. It is expected that these options will be reviewed and discussed by the Council at a future meeting this summer. Mr. Wriskey desires to limit the income from this position as to not exceed the threshold that triggers his PERA to be affected. This limit is around $14,000. The adopted 2010 City Budget will not be impacted since there is $16,000 included under Forestry (100-4380-3033) in anticipation that the JPA with New Brighton would be continued. Attached to this report is a draft agreement between the City and Mr. Wriskey. There are several items being worked out regarding the indemnification and insurance articles. Staff is waiting to hear back from the City Attorney and insurance agent to finalize the agreement and is hopeful that this will be