At the April 4 meeting, the Rushford Village Council again pulled back on the proposed maintenance shed project. The Public Works facility is underutilized and needs improvements. Last month, the council dug into the costs. The proposed project came in at 35% higher than anticipated.
Councilor Mike Ebner stated that the city could not utilize the contractor they’d hoped to for the construction due to lack of licensure. After running through the numbers, he detailed possible options.
Option one is to forego the restroom installation and conversion of the electric heat boiler to gas at this time. This option is $115,000.
Option two calls for the concrete and groundwork only. Moving a diesel fuel barrel and constructing an area for it could also be included. This estimation is $53,120.
Option three also skips the boiler conversion and includes Public Works completing all the interior work in the building next winter. By removing the labor cost from the interior work, the estimate is $105,000.
“If it’s workable and will save the Village money, it’s a no-brainer. The issue is when you run into non-compliance,” said City Attorney Joe O’Koren. He will look into regulations. He also cautioned that using licensed and insured professionals is in its best interest.
Public Works hopes to assist with groundwork which should net the city some savings. First, however, whether the work fits into the schedule for the department needs to be clarified.
“Option four is we dump it,” said Ebner. “We can do the work ourselves, but it’s going to drag out.” At least a few on the council implied this isn’t a viable option.
“Waiting is a two-edged sword,” said Mayor Dennis Overland. “We can wait, and budget, but costs will be higher.”
“Maybe not,” responded Councilor Bob Hart. However, part of the original estimates did drop since provided in December, but by a marginal amount.
After further discussion, the council approved proceeding with option two, including roughing in the restroom plumbing but not installing any components, plus moving the diesel barrel.
“That’s a start. We’ll see where we’re at, whether ahead or behind,” added Councilor Rick Ruberg.
The council also spent considerable time discussing the ongoing review of the Employee Guide. Resources Consultant Paul Ness drafted the document, and the Personnel Committee began reviewing the suggestions last year. The council adjusted the safety clothing budget. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires high-visibility clothing. The city provides equipment to employees, including eye and ear protection, helmets, and vests.
As for emergency calls, guide language will state that any city emergency supersedes the employee attending a fire or ambulance call elsewhere. Employees will receive regular income on these calls until their typical eight-hour work day. Injuries to the employee on these calls are the liability of the fire or ambulance department.
For benefits, the city will pay a basic life insurance policy premium for each full or part-time employee, but not seasonal or contracted employees. Vacation time is up to four weeks a year, with a maximum carryover of two weeks into the following year. The council removed the stipulation requiring rollover time to be used by May 1. They also amended funeral leave to three days for immediate family and one day for extended family.
The document also states that employees accrue eight hours of sick time per month, with part-time employees receiving five hours per month. Employees can bank sick time with no limit, except for a retiring employee, capped at 200 hours for a full-time employee and 100 hours for part-time. The discussion included lumping holiday and sick pay together as Personal Time Off (PTO). There was a concern about this option, which the committee will review further.
As for training, the city proposes paying a reimbursement for training and licensure acquired during employment. A percentage of the amount is given based on the time worked for the city.
Paul Ness will review the changes, and a final document will return to the council for official approval.
The next regularly scheduled council meeting is Tuesday, April 18, at 7 p.m. at the Village Hall. The public is encouraged to attend.
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