5. 2022 Summer Seasonal Consent
Consent Item
Date of Meeting: 3/2/2022
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council
From: Charles Fischer – Director of Public Works
Re: Hiring Two Seasonal Maintenance Workers for Grounds Care
Background: The City has historically advertised for one Seasonal Grounds Care Worker for mowing and
trimming, maintaining landscape beds, removing refuse from City properties, watering flower arrangements and
various other duties as assigned throughout the City. Based on the labor agreement with the Union, part-time
employees can be employed for up to 67 days without becoming a member of the Union. This would provide for
13 weeks of employment for whomever may be hired for these positions.
Prior to 2021, only one seasonal worker was hired to perform most or all of these tasks. Response to additional
needs or maintenance due to continual City enhancements reduced the quality of ongoing normal maintenance
practices having only one worker to support the work load. In 2021, two seasonal staff were approved and hired
which promoted better maintenance practices and safety. Public Works was able to provide safer working
conditions, efficient maintenance practices, and the ability to respond to additional work demand when required.
Proposal: Public Works, as similar to 2021, is requesting to advertise for two 67-day positions for Seasonal
Grounds Care. There is sufficient work load supporting the request for two workers – mowing and trimming parks
and drain fields, ballfield mowing and infield maintenance, trail maintenance, watering flower arrangements,
landscape and hardscape enhancements, playground maintenance and other tasks as assigned which can be better
performed and more efficient with two seasonal staff. There is also budget capacity to support two workers as the
pay scale has been allocated into the 2022 budget. Last year Public Works was approved to hire two Seasonal
Grounds Care workers which allowed for better maintenance practices and safety. Certain jobs assigned to seasonal
staff are much safer, better performed and more efficient with two employees working together or when multiple
tasks in different areas require immediate attention. If only one seasonal is approved added work load, which
seasonal staff would be responsible for, will fall to the Full-Time staff reducing their ability to complete required
road, right of way, sewer, and building maintenance.
Issue: Should the City post openings for two Seasonal Grounds Care workers.
Options:
1) Approve posting two Seasonal Grounds Care positions
2) Approve posting for one Seasonal Grounds Care worker.
3) Take no action on the request.
Recommendation: Option 1