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Minutes
<br />City Council Work Session
<br />Thursday, April 9, 2026, 8:30 AM
<br />City Council Chambers/ 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356
<br />ROLL CALL
<br />Council members present: Mayor Bob Tunheim, Alisa Benson, Jacqueline Ricks, Jon Schwingler, Steve Persian
<br />Staff present: City Administrator/Engineer Adam Edwards, Street Supervisor Brent Weldon, Utilities Supervisor Jimmy Nelson, Fleet Supervisor Brody Pool, Parks and Facilities Superintendent Joe Ruthenberg, Finance Director Maggie Jin, Communications Specialist Rachel Cotter.
<br />PUBLIC WORKS OP ERATIONAL REVIEW
<br />The City Council held a work session to review Public Works Department operations, structure,
<br />services, responsibilities, and cun-ent challenges.
<br />Staff provided an overview of the department's mission to maintain and manage the City's
<br />infrastructure, including streets, stormwater, water, sewer, fleet, and public service programs. The
<br />department maintains roads, utilities, and equipment, and provides services such as snow plowing,
<br />emergency response, and seasonal cleanup programs.
<br />Council members reviewed staffing levels, organizational structure, and areas of responsibility,
<br />including staff turnover, workforce capacity, and the department's use of both in-house staff and
<br />contracted services. The Council also reviewed the scope of infrastructure maintained by the City,
<br />ongoing maintenance activities, and recent system expansions. Budget and funding sources were
<br />discussed, including general and enterprise funds, along with cost pressures related to materials, fuel,
<br />equipment, and labor. Staff outlined partnerships with other agencies and provided an update on the
<br />Public Works facility, including remaining components. A swot analysis highlighted strengths such
<br />as proactive maintenance and paiinerships, as well as challenges including aging infrastructure,
<br />staffing needs, and funding limitations.
<br />Council directed staff to pursue info1mation on a facilities assessment consultant in alignment with
<br />the council goals for 2026 and bring options to the council for consideration for a staffing study as
<br />part of the budgeting process for 2027.
<br />ADJOURNMENT
<br />Work session ended at 10:45 am.
<br />ATTEST: CITY COUNCIL
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<br />Christine Bob Tunheim, Mayor
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