Laserfiche WebLink
CITY OF ST. ANTHONY <br />'j REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION <br /> Date Submitted Type of Action Requested Agenda Item Number <br /> Resolution New Business-2 <br /> February 9, '1934 _ Ordinance - <br /> Date Action Requested Formal Action/Motion Title Branch Chipping <br /> f --- Other <br /> February 14, 1984 I Program-Al-ternatives <br /> k ------------------------------------------------------------------------ <br /> TO : Mayor and Councilmen <br /> M <br /> P; <br /> FROM : David M. Childs, City Manager <br /> SUMMARY DISCUSSIOi•: OF SUBJECT: The annual branch chipping program of the City of <br /> i <br /> St. Anthony has for many years been a greatly appreciated, but highly expensive <br /> program. <br /> Budget cuts ,. coup.l_ed with rapidly, mushrooming quantities of branches and increasing <br /> costs caused the staff to recommend last year that the program be terminated. When <br /> it was shown that local garbage haulers (within certain guidelines) would remove <br /> branches at little or no extra cost , the Council reluctantly agreed to stop the <br /> program. <br /> • Since that time, comments have been received from a limited number of residents <br /> indicating that they would like to see the program reinstated. Staff was thus <br /> directed to explore alternatives for reinstating the program, giving consideration <br /> to users fees as a primary financing method. <br /> The following represent a brief review of certain alternatives explored by staff, <br /> including costs , strong points and weaknesses of each alternative. <br /> I <br /> ( 1 ) Reinstate the program as before, on a no-fee basis . <br /> It is estimated that the cost would be $22,000 or $20.00 per household ,, based <br /> on the following calculations : <br /> 1 , 100 pickups with 600 man-hours at $15.00 per hour and 450 equipment hours at <br /> $25.00 per hour. Equipment repairs at $1 ,750 (replacement blades , etc. ) . <br /> Advantages : 'Good public relations. People like the program. <br /> *No problem with billing of non-payment of bills because the <br /> program would be funded by all taxpayers through the general <br /> City budget. <br /> Disadvantages: -Concerns by those not using the program that they are sub- <br /> sidizing those who do. <br /> -Concerns that the City is in competition with private business <br /> over the work. <br /> *Direct costs from the City budget and indirect costs in terms <br /> of staff time not available for other City projects. <br /> • C Y ti ANAGER' S �EtIE�V: COMMENTS : <br />