09.d PW_Staff Report
Staff Report
Date of Meeting: 10/18/2022
For: Honorable Mayor and Council
From: Charles Fischer – Director of Public Works
Subject: Staff Report
Roads/ROW:
Public works staff have been preparing roadways for the winter season. Currently two-thirds of the ROW
mowing has been completed and will be finishing soon. Staff have been filling potholes and adding
shouldering material where needed. Tree trimming will start this month and run throughout the winter
season. Selected roadways may require contracting due the amount of trimming required.
Sewers:
Staff will be preparing the systems for winter operation before the ground freezes. Small adjustments to
valving and draining valve boxes helps to service the systems in the winter months.
Parks:
The playground project is finally taking shape. In the last two to three weeks Public Works staff prepared the
area for the cement to be poured. Starting on October 10 and finishing on October 13, the contractor
completed the playground curb, picnic pad, and sidewalk. Minor backfilling, by Public Works staff, will be
completed before winter to protect the new concrete. The site will remain as it is now until spring when the
playground structures and surfacing will be completed .
Equipment:
During normal mowing operation the Public Works Kubota mower experienced a major break down. The shaft
seal on the gear box of the mowing deck failed and damaged the internal gears and spindle which operates
the mowing blades. Olson Equipment has provided a quote for repair of $3,710. This piece of equipment is
due to be replaced in 2024 and has experienced many issues in the past resulting in expensive repairs and the
need to rent mowing equipment at a high cost to the City. Cost listed below are only dealer repairs and do not
include the yearly maintenance items such and oil, filters, blades and belts or repairs done by staff:
2018: $383
2019: $462
2020: $2,245
2021: $2,206
2022: $3,710 repair + $1000 parts(front tires and brushes for broom)
To keep this machine for one more mowing season the deck will need to be repaired, new front tires installed
and other miscellaneous repairs at a cost of $4710. The current Public Works budget has the capacity to repair
the mower deck but due to the high cost of the repairs and replacement scheduled for 2024, staff
recommends moving the mower replacement from 2024 to 2023. If necessary, the replacement of the Ford
F550 could be moved from 2023 to 2024.