2016.12.19 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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City limits. The Personnel Policy requires the same and also requires they reside within a five- minute radius of the Fire Hall. The Fire Department is requesting a change to allow residents to live outside the City but within a six -minute radius. Staff recommends Council approve changes to the Personnel Policy and an ordinance amendment to only require members of the department to live within a six -minute radius of the Fire Hall. G.17 Approve Contributions to Insured Employees Health Savings Accounts At the December 5, 2016, budget and tax levy public hearing the Council was advised that HealthPartners had once again increased the deductibles for the city's health insurance plan. The annual out-of-pocket costs increased $250 to $2,500 for single coverage and $500 to $4,500 for family coverage. To defray these increases, staff is recommending Council approve contributing an amount equal to the increase to each insured employee's Health Savings Account. Contributions would be limited to those employees who are renewing coverage or are beginning employment with the city. The total cost of $7,250 has been included in the 2017 operating budget. G.18 Approve Hiring of Neal Nelson as Public Works Apprentice In 2007, the City Council created an apprenticeship program for the Public Works Department with the intent to create an opportunity to hire and train talented individuals. This also allows the City to hire individuals at a reduced rate while they learn. Neal Nelson has worked as a seasonal employee for the past two summers and is interested in the apprentice position. The 2017 Budget includes funding for this position. Public Works Director Scott Anderson recommends Council approve the hiring of Neal Nelson as a Public Works Apprentice effective January 3, 2016. G.19 Approve Replacement of Roadside Mowing Attachment In 2006, Council approved the purchase of a John Deere 6420 Tractor equipped with Diamond Co. mower decks. This piece of equipment is used for roadside ditch mowing and and continues to be a very serviceable piece of equipment. Therefore, staff's recommendation is to keep the current tractor in service and delay its replacement. Also purchased in 2006, along with this tractor, were mower decks specifically used for roadside ditch mowing. These decks are now 10 years old and in need of replacing. Staff has put forth considerable effort in researching a replacement mower deck and feels confident in making a recommendation based on cost, performance and reliability. The equipment listed on the quote from Diamond Mowers has been reviewed with Finance Director, Ron Otkin, and he is in agreement with the Public Works staff recommendation to delay the replacement of the John Deere 6420 tractor and replace the mower attachment only. If approved by the City Council, this piece of equipment would be purchased using a Mn/DOT contract through the Cooperative Purchasing Venture (CPV) assuring the City of Hugo will receive the best price available while providing us with necessary options to choose from. Staff recommends the City Council authorize the purchase of a 21' side fold boom mower attachment and controls as outlined in the quote from Diamond Mowers dated November 17, 2016.