07-24-2017 Council Work Session Packet

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CITY OF ORONO MEMORANDUM DATE: July 24" d, 2017 TO: Orono City Council FROM: Adam Edwards, P.E., Public Works Director / City Engineer RE: Storage Facility for Big Island 1. Purpose. The purpose of this work session item is get council direction on whether or not to purchase and place a storage container at Big Island Park in order to provide onsite storage of a lawnmower and other park maintenance tools. 2. Discussion. Throughout the year the trails and open areas of big Island require mowing. Historically Public Works has mowed the island 1-3 times per year as directed by the then Big Island Custodian. Transportation to and from the island for the mower was provided by the Custodian. In 2016 the custodian appointment was eliminated. In 2017 as Big Island committee was formed to look at long term improvements for the park. The committee has expressed a desire for the park to be mowed every two weeks. While we currently have had success in getting barge rides to and from the island on a monthly basis, it is unlikely that this will be sustainable for the long term or at an increased frequency. One option is to procure a storage container and place it on the island for the storage of a mower and other maintenance tools. This would alleviate the need to acquire barge transport for each mowing. Alternative options include continuing to coordinate barge rides, re -attempting to coordinate with Three Rivers for mowing service or attempting to contract mowing services at the island. 3. Cost. a. Container and Mower. The city could purchase a 20ft Cargo container for approximately $2800. We would need to contract barge service to get the container on the island. If we needed to purchase a new mower we should plan on $4000 - $7000. b. Mower Transport. Assuming $300/trip for a barge transport, with 12 trips per season (every other week), the total transportation charge would be $3600/year. 4. Council Action Requested. Discussion and guidance for mowing Big Island.