Agenda - Council - 04/23/2019 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Kuzma stated that he has hesitations about purchasing this building that he voiced earlier during the worksession. He stated there is a need for the new public works facility and felt that this interim option would only increase the cost of the new facility and prolong that process. He stated that he will not support this option. Mayor LeTourneau stated that he can see both sides of the argument tonight. He understands the need for additional space for public works and additional information is needed for financing of the new public works facility. He also shared concern with the cost for this interim option versus moving forward with the new public works facility. He stated that he supports investigating all options and would support moving forward with negotiations but would not want to commit to purchasing the property at this time. Councilmember Shryock agreed that it would be important to move forward with negotiations to determine what the price would be for this option. She stated that if this property is purchased and not needed in the future, there is an option to recoup a good portion of the cost by reselling the property. Motion by Councilmember Musgrove, seconded by Councilmember Heinrich, to authorize staff to enter into negotiations with Anoka County for the purchase of the property located at 8175 Riverdale Drive. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor LeTourneau, Councilmembers Musgrove, Heinrich, Musgrove, Riley, and Shryock. Voting No: Councilmember Kuzma. 7.03: Adopt Resolution #19-088 to Hire a Public Works Streets Maintenance Worker Administrative Services Director Lasher reviewed the staff report and recommendation to hire Mr. Vaughn Ihkre as a full-time Public Works Streets Maintenance Worker, effective on or near April 24, 2019, at step 1 of the 2019 wage scale. Councilmember Heinrich asked for additional information on where the department is falling short, noting that two temporary employees were approved on the consent agenda tonight. Public Works Superintendent Riemer replied that this position would be responsible for street maintenance and reviewed those duties. He stated that currently the department is down one person from an extended medical leave, and that person will be out for at least two additional months. He stated that this is a needed position. Councilmember Heinrich asked if the City has considered a temporary worker because the other position is on leave. Public Works Superintendent Riemer stated that has not been a consideration as this position was agreed to be added prior to the medical leave issue. He explained the difficulty in hiring a temporary worker for street maintenance in the current employment climate. City Council / April 9, 2019 Page 5 of 7