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thereof, and $250 per acre on large plots that we mow. I believe this will act as a more effective <br /> deterrent for the owners of unkempt properties. <br /> 5) The current system of hiring outside contractors gives us very little control of <br /> the situation. For example: There have been past instances where the low bidder could not <br /> perform the requirements of the contract; a contractor has lost his workers and is unable to <br /> replace them; and our list of bidders has decreased over the years. This brings up another <br /> suggestion for improvement. We should take this in house and, like most other communities that <br /> have a weed problem such as we deal with, utilize public works employees to mow. The city <br /> forester has worked up a proposal for just such a move, Attachment"B". These are full time <br /> employees that would be available for this and other duties as well as being able to be found to <br /> testify in court if necessary. They are readily accessible if"emergencies" arise that need <br /> immediate attention. There are many reasons to think this would be the most efficient method of <br /> handling weed problems. The Forestry Section is currently staffed by eight (8) full time <br /> positions, as it has been since 1990, and three (3) temporary summer positions, down from 12 in <br /> 1990. During mowing season, this staff maintains over 220 acres, 27 miles of creeks, at least <br /> 4000 trees on City right of ways, as well as numerous landscape sites, buildings Central Park, <br /> and numerous special projects (see Attachxnent"C"). <br /> The approval of one full time employee, the temporary employees, and capital cost would <br /> total $318,507 the first project year. That cost would be down to $111,000. the second year. The <br /> current cost for contract mowing for once a month Near North Conservation Area is estimated at <br /> $125,000 to $150,000 per year. The mowing costs for code violations are projected to be <br /> between$175,000 to $200,000 per year. <br /> If it is decided that these new methods are to be employed, I would also like to suggest <br /> that we make every effort to publicize these intentions over the winter and issue public service <br /> announcements with local media. This new process would start in March of 2001. We would <br /> work out all the administrative details this fall and winter,purchase the equipment and hire the <br /> employee as well as temporary employees just prior to start up. I believe we will be able to make <br /> Decatur a much more physically appealing area than has been experienced for many years. <br /> SG:mkr <br /> 3 <br />