City Council members consider contracting for the job
Ever since former Butterfield Public Works Director Brandon Winch resigned, effective the last week of March, the position has remained unfilled, and city council members spent a great deal of time at their Tuesday, April 14 meeting pondering what to do with the post.
The city’s Personnel Committee has put forward the idea that, at least at this point, it would be cheaper to contract the labor for the jobs for which public works is responsible, instead of hiring a full-time employee.
In 2014, the city paid out $25,000 for the street department and $12,000 each for the water department and the sewer department.
According to Council Member Jim Warwick, a discussion he had with City Attorney Steve Sunde led him to believe that as long as the cost for the years’ total work was under $100,000, the city would not have to let bids. In Warwick’s opinion, Linscheid Farm Pump Sales & Service, a Butterfield company, would be a good choice as they are already familiar with the city’s water system – and could be hired on an “on-call” basis. Warwick also provided statistics that, on a work-heavy week, the city’s needs would be an hour and 45 minutes – per day – to cover the sewer and water needs. As far as the street department, snow removal and blading would be the high demand duties.
Following discussion, the council decided to talk again with Sunde in order to nail down what is required of the city in terms of advertising the job opportunities. In addition, council members requested that Sunde create a potential year-long contract for their perusal.
In other business
* Heard a proposal from Council Member Nick Mathistad to have the council meet twice a month, instead of just once. Sunde was questioned if this could legally be done through a motion without adjusting any salaries, and to provide that information at the regular May city council meeting.
* Approved the leveling and clearing of corn stalks and investigate seeding the land at Butterfield City Cemetery before the May meeting. The decision was put on the fast track so that whatever is planted would have time to grow. In addition, the evergreens on the edge of the cemetery will have to be moved before they grow too big to transplant.
* Approved spending $800 to install two pipes to evaluate the storm sewer outflow.
* Heard from Scott Linscheid that a root cutter attachment is needed for the truck to work on the storm sewers. He gave the council the price for a Root Rat cutter at $1,995 and a one-inch chisel for $229.95. Council members approved the purchase.
* Approved the bid by Tom Anderson for gravel at $9.46 per ton. The council capped the gravel expenses at $3,000.