Minutes - Council - 11/12/2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Riley agreed this position does not make a market in the City of Ramsey but it is an important position because good economic development pays more taxes than residential properties. He stated his intention to support staff's recommendation. Mayor Strommen stated support to fill this important position to build for the future, make an investment to grow the City's tax base, and ensure the City and its finances are sustainable. She agreed it will not change the market but it will develop relationships with businesses not yet in the City and maintain good relationships with the City's current businesses. Mayor Strommen stated she realized that while many agreed this position was needed, not all agreed with the position's key attributes. Motion by Councilmember Riley, seconded by Councilmember Johns, to adopt Resolution #13- 11 -189 to hire Mr. Ted LaFrance as the City's new Economic Development Manager, effective November 18, 2013, at $35.17 per hour (Step 1 of the revised 2013 wage scale) with a credit of five vacation days. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Strommen, Councilmembers Riley, Johns, Kuzma, and LeTourneau. Voting No: Councilmembers Backous and Tossey. 7.06.3: Consider Resolution to Replace the Vacant Fire Marshal Position Human Resources Manager Lasher presented four options to fill the vacancy left by Fire Marshal Matt Kohner and recommendation of the Personnel Committee to authorize staff to recruit to fill the vacancy with a Fire Marshal (Option #2). She noted that the Fire Department did not request additional staffing but only replacement staffing that was already in the budget. Human Resources Manager stated if approved, funding will come from the personnel services line item of the Fire Department budget. The 2014 funding for Mr. Kohner's position as Fire Marshal was set at $102,988 (wages, taxes, and benefits). Fire Chief Kapler stated he views this position as the supplier for an essential service in activities such as mandated code enforcement, public education, and a tool for fire fighter safety by providing pre -plan information on the business structures within Ramsey. He presented and described a list of positive paybacks for filling this position. With regard to his October 15, 2013, recommendation for a Deputy Fire Chief, Fire Chief Kapler explained it was based on the focus of the Strategic Planning process on succession planning. He stated the critical activities of the Fire Department can be accomplished with Option #2 (Fire Marshal) but he felt Option #1 (Deputy Fire Chief) would have given the Council more options for a succession decision. Fire Chief Kapler stated since the departure of Fire Marshal Kohner, the duties of the Fire Marshal have not been fulfilled as many activities have been set aside, there has been no public education, and no pre - planning. City Administrator Ulrich stated support for Option #2, Fire Marshal, based on cost benefit tradeoffs. The Council debated the benefits and costs of each option as well as staff costs should a Fire Inspector be hired and the position reclassified at the end of 2014. City Council / November 12, 2013 Page 9 of 12