Agenda - Council - 12/10/2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Evaluation Criteria for Vacant and New Positions 1. Is the position essential? Yes. The police department is an essential function of the City. The police department would operating at the number of officers it had in 2006 if this position is not refilled. This is not a new or additional position, it is a replacement for a recent resignation. 2. Is the position critical? Critical positions are positions that are, for example, one -position job classes or positions with duties that cannot be modified, reassigned or eliminated. Detailed responses to the following questions will be required in determining whether or not a position is "critical" to providing high -quality services to residents, business owners and/or employees: • Explain how this position is key to achieving the strategic goals identified by the City Council. Public safety has been the number one priority of a City. It is the goal and a mandate of the City to provide this service and this must be done by licensed police officers. Citizens expect officers to respond to their needs in a timely manner. A new strategic goal was to get the police department back to the number of officers is had three years ago, not replacing this open slot would put the department two short. Another strategic goal was to reduce response times. This cannot be accomplished with fewer officers. • Can the duties be re -engineered or automated? Please explain. The position of a police officer must be performed by someone who holds a State of Minnesota issued license. The majority of the duties an officer performs must be completed by a licensed officer, as per Minnesota State Statute. • Can the duties be reassigned temporarily or permanently? Please explain. No, officers are still needed to respond to calls. • Can the position remain unfilled temporarily or permanently? Please explain. We currently have four officers assigned to four groups to cover 12 hour shifts and one officer as a relief to help cover shifts. Having another officer missing for an extended period of time will cost the City in overtime to cover the shifts when officers are on vacations, holidays, sick,