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Case #5: Capital Equipment Public Works Supervisor Mevissen stated that several items of capital equipment were budgeted for in 1991 but have not yet been purchased. He initially requested a 1/2 ton pick-up truck, but has decided to ask for a 3/4 ton mack with a snow plow on it for next year. He stated there are about 165 cul-de-sacs in the City right now and that equipment would be put to good use. He stated he would like to make this purchase as soon after the new year as possible. The second item is a hydraulic mack conveyer which would be used to do shoulder work along the streets. The third item he requested is a battery charger which will be needed this winter due to parking trucks and equipment outside and the fourth item is the safety storage cabinet which is needed to store gasoline cans for various pieces of equipment. Mrs. Helling stated that she is about $3,000 away from totally balancing the budget. As part of the process, she left the hydraulic conveyor, battery charger and the storage units in Mede's account. She stated she is close enough to the end of the year and has identified savings; therefore she is not as concerned now as she was in the beginning of the year. Motion by Councilmember Hardin and seconded by Councilmember Beyer to approve the expenditures and purchase of a hydraulic truck conveyor, a battery charger and a safety storage cabinet for the Public Works Department. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Councilmembers Peterson, Hardin and Beyer. Voting No: None. Case #6: Part-time Position in the Engineering Department Ms. McAloney stated that there was approximately $22,000 in the 1991 budget for a full-time Engineering Technician. Mr. Jankowski recommended that the full-time position of Engineering Technician not be filled, but to utilize part-time temporary help to assist the Senior Engineering Technician. It was stated that the part-time temporary position would pay between $5.00 and $6.00 per hour and be within the PELRA and PERA guidelines. In June, 1991, the City Council authorized Mr. Jankowski to hire the part-time help for a not-to-exceed cost of $3,500.00 Mr. Keith Holkestad began part-time temporary employment in the Engineering Department on June 17, 1991. Ms. McAloney explained that if a position is for less than a six month period, that position may be excluded from PERA membership. PELRA excludes an employee whose position is basically temporary or seasonal and is not for more than 67 working days in any calendar year. On the 68th day of employment, the temporary employee becomes a part of the bargaining unit. Mr. Jankowski expressed his extreme satisfaction with Keith Holkestad's work and stated he would work well with the department for the next couple of years. He stated he would like him full time in the summer and 12 hours a week during the school year. His pay right now is $6.00/hour; however, Mr. Jankowski stated he would like to see him get a raise because of the quality of his work. Ms. McAloney explained that if Mr. Holkestad becomes a member of the bargaining unit, he would get a raise. His grade level would have to be determined. The benefits he would receive would be holidays, vacation and sick pay but there would be no contribution for health and life insurance. Councilmember Hardin asked Mr. Jankowski if he feels the need for this position would be on- going. Mr. Jankowski stated he feels a real need for this position and that Mr. Holkestad has so much to contribute. Councilmember Hardin asked Mr. Schroeder his opinion regarding the need for this position. Budget Committee/September 24, 1991 Page 4 of 5