Agenda - Council Work Session - 07/09/2013

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CC Work Session Meeting Date: 07/09/2013 By: Colleen Lasher, Administrative Services 4. 3. Title: Discussion Regarding the Economic Development Manager Position Background: The purpose of this case is to summarize the Economic Development Manager recruitment efforts thus far and to identify a future course of action regarding this position. As the City Council is aware, staff recently went through two recruitment and interview processes in an effort to seek an exceptional economic development professional, the details of which are summarized below: • Initially, the application period ran from February 20, 2013 through March 13, 2013 • The City received fourteen applications • Six interviews were scheduled, one applicant withdrew, five interviews were held, followed by three finalist interviews • Subsequently, the application period was extended beginning May 17, 2013 through June 19, 2013 • The City received eight applications (three of which were new applications and five were duplicate applications received during the first application period) • Two applicants were interviewed which did not result in a finalist Advertising efforts were conducted via the following sources: • League of Minnesota Cities • Star and Tribune Online - Business/Management/Marketing/Government, as well as outreach to diversity organizations • MinnesotaWorks.Net • E.D.A.M. - Economic Development Association of Minnesota • N.A.H.R.O. - National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials • City of Ramsey website (Employment and In the News) • City of Ramsey employment email notifications (approximately 2500 subscribers) • Community Sign on Highway 10 • QCTV Cable Television • "TUG" list serve (To HR professionals in Metro to pass along) • In house email sent to employees to pass along to potential applicants • Emails sent to the City's Firefighters and Reserve Officers Wages/Position Description: The Economic Development Manager position was advertised with full pay scale ($67,753 to $84,690 D.O.Q.) which is the top pay for this type of position (without supervisory responsibilities) in comparably sized cities. The salary range is equal to that of the previous "Economic Development and Marketing Manager" position. However, the current position description was modified to include regular support from other key staff, less emphasis on marketing, albeit more emphasis on real estate transactions. Going forward, (option #1 below) the City Council may choose to direct staff to utilize the professional services of Springsted Incorporated, a professional search firm. Springsted Incorporated comes highly recommended and was the firm selected to conduct the recent QCTV Executive Director search. If so directed, Springsted would develop a profile and job announcement for the position, develop a recruitment strategy and provide outreach to prospective candidates. They would emphasize the great sense of opportunity this position offers, to market the City's "A New