HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-09-2026 - Minutes City Council - work session specialMinutes
City Council Work Session
Thursday, April 9, 2026, 8:30 AM
City Council Chambers/ 2780 Kelley Parkway, Orono, MN 55356
ROLL CALL
Council members present: Mayor Bob Tunheim, Alisa Benson, Jacqueline Ricks, Jon Schwingler, Steve Persian
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.
PUBLIC WORKS OP ERATIONAL REVIEW
The City Council held a work session to review Public Works Department operations, structure,
services, responsibilities, and cun-ent challenges.
Staff provided an overview of the department's mission to maintain and manage the City's
infrastructure, including streets, stormwater, water, sewer, fleet, and public service programs. The
department maintains roads, utilities, and equipment, and provides services such as snow plowing,
emergency response, and seasonal cleanup programs.
Council members reviewed staffing levels, organizational structure, and areas of responsibility,
including staff turnover, workforce capacity, and the department's use of both in-house staff and
contracted services. The Council also reviewed the scope of infrastructure maintained by the City,
ongoing maintenance activities, and recent system expansions. Budget and funding sources were
discussed, including general and enterprise funds, along with cost pressures related to materials, fuel,
equipment, and labor. Staff outlined partnerships with other agencies and provided an update on the
Public Works facility, including remaining components. A swot analysis highlighted strengths such
as proactive maintenance and paiinerships, as well as challenges including aging infrastructure,
staffing needs, and funding limitations.
Council directed staff to pursue info1mation on a facilities assessment consultant in alignment with
the council goals for 2026 and bring options to the council for consideration for a staffing study as
part of the budgeting process for 2027.
ADJOURNMENT
Work session ended at 10:45 am.
ATTEST: CITY COUNCIL
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Christine Bob Tunheim, Mayor