Agenda - Council - 08/09/2010 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CC CASE # '1* 6l., CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING STAFF TO BEGIN THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS FOR AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTIMARKETING MANAGER By: Colleen Lasher, Interim Human Resources Representative Background The City's Economic Development Coordinator resigned from his position effective March 3, 2010. When this resignation was accepted by the City Council, staff presented a short term plan for covering economic development responsibilities, which included assigning priority items to existing staff. The Deputy City Administrator/Community Development Director has conducted a needs analysis and based on the results of that analysis she is recommending that an Economic Development/Marketing Manager be hired to perform economic development functions. This reclassified position would be responsible for the development and implementation of economic development and marketing plans, programs, and services for both commercial and industrial businesses outside of Town Center. Staff is proposing a reclassification of this position from Coordinator to Manager to fulfill the need for an experienced professional with private and public sector experience who has the ability to develop and lead cutting edge, strategic and technical initiatives that position the City to achieve the strategic goals established by the City Council. With the Deputy City AdministratorlDirector of Community Development focused on the COR, the City is in need of a capable professional to lead development and marketing initiatives outside of the COR and to assist in leading the Community Development Department in its charge to serve Ramsey residents. The City's investment of time and resources in retaining and expanding existing businesses and attracting new business is a testament to the importance of filling the economic development position. Without this position it will be very difficult to attain many of the City Council's strategic goals, which focus primarily on economic development. Further, hiring an Economic Development/Marketing Manager will enable the Deputy City AdministratorlDirector of Community Development to focus on the development ofthe COR Center and carrying out the direction ofthe EDA and the HRA. This change further underscores the fact that the EDA and HRA are separate entities from the City Council each with its own independent authority. The needs analysis for the Economic Development/Marketing Manager position is attached for your review and consideration. In addition, staff has included minutes from the April 8,2010 EDA meeting which indicate EDA support for hiring a full-time regular Economic Development/Marketing Manager.