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10.e1 Public Works Monthly Report Staff Report Date of Meeting: 08/18/2026 For: Mayor and City Council From: Charles Fischer – Director of Public Works Subject: PW - Staff Report Roads/ ROW Mowing of the first pass within the ROW was complete mid-July, staff returned to the beginning of the route and mowed the first pass a second time due to the aggressive growth this season and completed the second mowing in a three-week window. We have transitioned into brush clearing selective areas around the City and will begin mowing the full ROW starting Sept 1st. Staff repaired the shoulder under the guardrail at the intersection of Meadowbrook Ave and Melanie Tr. This area had continually washed out this season during the sporadic heavy downpours earlier this year. An asphalt flume was formed to direct water in the most severely affected area and regrading of the shoulder under the guardrail helped disperse water more evenly off the edge of the road. Tree trimming and brush cutting began north of the Goose Lake landing on Oldfield Ave. The resident which lives at the end of the road was having difficulty accessing the property due to the overhanging branches. Other problematic areas in town will be addressed soon and throughout the fall and winter season. Most of the work was delayed through the summer to reduce the risk of spreading tree diseases and insect infestations. Parks Staff attended and displayed equipment during the National Night Out event in the City Hall parking lot. Staff noted a much-reduced attendance this year and may be attributed the growing number of neighborhoods organizing gatherings of their own. Due to the low attendance Public Works will be evaluating participation next year with the Fire Chief and local Deputy. Staff prepared the grounds for the concert series which began this month focusing on additional trimming and aesthetics of the property. With the lack of rain over the last two months the grass is struggling through the additional foot traffic, but should rebound once cooler temps and rain return. Equipment Public Works will be submitting a request for approval to purchase new trailers which are due for replacement and within the approved 2026 CIP budget, at the August Council Meeting. This previous update has been delayed due to changes in the quotes which were not ready for this meeting. Public Works will return with this request for approval at a later meeting. Public Works has been working with vendors to finalize a cost for the plow truck scheduled to be replaced next year. After discussing purchasing options with the vendors, gaining approval for a purchase in 2026 will save the City a significant amount in lieu of ordering after the first of the year in 2027. The heavy truck industry will be required to make a significant EPA emissions upgrade in 2027 which will increase the cost of cab/chassis purchases between $15,000-$20,000 in the 2027 calendar year. An increase in cost for 2027 will also be added to the buildout of the truck, with plow equipment and dump body, in the range of $10,000-$15,000 if ordered after the first of the year. The buildout increase is the typical annual increase to the State contract pricing of 5-10%. If Council approves a purchase in 2026 the City would assume a $25,000-$35,000 savings in overall cost. Staff Licensing Owen and Bryan will be going to commercial driving school to acquire their Class A license beginning August 28th. All of the training will be conducted at the Union Hinkley facility. Owen and Bryan will also be attending the Smart Salting course administered by the MPCA on August 26th. All other staff have received this certificate. Buildings Staff removed the landscaping in front of the Fire Station early this month in preparation to install a concrete pad. The landscaping had become overgrown and requests to use the front of the Fire Station as a safe meeting place for transfers also spurred the installation of the patio area because of the 24/7 security camera monitoring on the building.