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tomorrow, noting the intent is to hire between Step 1 and 3. She explained that since the start <br />date would be in November, there are sufficient funds for this position. It was noted the 2014 <br />wages would increase by whatever is approved by the City Council for COLA. <br />Councilmember LeTourneau stated his support for staff's recommendation to increase the wage <br />scale. He asked who the Economic Development Director will report to and indicated he would <br />support elevating this position to a Director given the complexity and nature of work tasks. In <br />addition, this position will drive economic development activities. He asked if that will mean a <br />higher pay grade. <br />Human Resources Manager Lasher stated a Director position means being the director of a <br />department. She explained this position is of high level, but it is shaped as an economic <br />development team. She asked if the City Council would be interested in discussing a <br />reclassification in six to nine months. <br />Councilmember LeTourneau stated he wants this position to be actively engaged in the <br />Leadership Team with more of an integral part. He stated he would support revising the job <br />classification. <br />Human Resources Manager Lasher stated this position is definitely an integral part of the <br />Leadership Team and identified as such in the Management Plan with direct reporting to the City <br />Administrator. <br />Mayor Pro tem Backous asked if it would effect recruitment to adjust the title of this position and <br />if a higher -level talent could be attracted. <br />Councilmember Tossey stated he finds it intriguing to consider this position as a Police Captain <br />or Park Superintendent; however, this position involves development and that is something he <br />does not support the City being involved in. He stated he does not support increasing the salary <br />range for this position. <br />Mayor Pro tem Backous stated it would make it easier for Springsted to attract an employee with <br />a higher salary range. He noted the City could have taken that action without hiring an <br />expensive consultant. <br />Human Resources Manager Lasher agreed and stated she has expressed some reluctance to move <br />ahead with a higher pay grade. But, if that is what is needed to attract a quality candidate, then it <br />needs to be done. <br />Councilmember LeTourneau noted the City has been unsuccessful twice in attracting a qualified <br />candidate for this position and he thinks it is a reasonable assumption that the pay scale needs to <br />be increased given what is occurring in the market place. <br />Human Resources Manager Lasher stated when the position description was reviewed by the <br />Management Team and Ms. Klumpp of Springsted, all were comfortable with the responsibilities <br />and title but Springsted did point out that a benefit of using a search firm is that candidates can <br />City Council Work Session / August 13, 2013 <br />Page 2 of 9 <br />