Public works seeks contractors, new hires as Haslet plans right-of-way mowing and road projects

Public Works Director James Tucker outlined requests in the Streets/Parks/Public Works budget, including a right-of-way contract estimated at about $175,000 a year to maintain Hasslet Parkway and portions of Westport Parkway, and several new staff positions. What staff proposed: Tucker said the contract would replicate the higher standard of maintenance currently provided by nearby large property owners and would cover medians and other high-visibility corridors; the contract would also include a menu of additional services to be priced if the city requests them. Hire vs. buy debate: Council members asked whether the city should instead buy large-format mowing equipment and hire staff. Tucker said large mowers cost roughly $60,000'00,000 and require trained operators and maintenance; he said the city's crew capacity is already limited. Several council members asked staff to run a buy-vs-contract cost comparison. Staffing requests: The budget includes new public-works positions: two street maintenance staff (a supervisor and a maintenance worker), one public-works inspector (to manage on-site construction monitoring and locate work) and one fleet-maintenance technician. Staff said some open positions remain (custodian, parks maintenance and water-utility positions) and that starting wages remain below some nearby markets. Timing and budget: Tucker said the contract would begin after a formal bid process. Council asked staff to identify which corridors will be included in any contract, and to produce a supplemental analysis on equipment purchase costs, staffing and long-term maintenance liabilities. Ending: Council did not vote Aug. 2; staff will return with a formal contract scope and a buy-versus-hire financial comparison.