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City Administrator Ulrich stated it is proposed that the new positions be filled by September 15, <br />2014, subject to Council authorization on September 9, 2014. The proposed restructuring will <br />allocate the current duties of the position to existing staff so it is anticipated that a payroll <br />savings will result. <br />Mayor Strommen stated her perspective is that when this position was filled in 2013, the <br />Strategic Plan had been completed and it continued a focus on economic development so there <br />should be an Economic Development Manager. She noted, however, that this recommendation <br />would be a shift in that determination by shifting some of the responsibilities. Mayor Strommen <br />commented on the importance of being purposeful in how to fulfill the Council's desire for <br />economic development so it fits the intent of the Strategic Plan and results in what is best for <br />Ramsey. <br />Councilmember Kuzma asked to see the drafted job descriptions. Staff provided that <br />information for the Council's review. <br />Councilmember LeTourneau supported having an Economic Development Manager on site to <br />ensure a return on investment to the community. He stated when he realized the <br />recommendation was a bit homogenized, he was a bit distressed. However, he wants to put as <br />much trust as possible in staff and its recommendations on how to retool this internally and has <br />found that to be worth exploring. Councilmember LeTourneau stated the Council's Strategic <br />Plan is a strong document and will constantly remind the Council what is important and what <br />needs to be worked on. He supports a reorganization that is collaborative across the City's staff <br />as long as it results in economic development. Councilmember LeTourneau stated the Council <br />should monitor this shift to assure it is flexible and can change, if needed. <br />City Administrator Ulrich agreed that a follow up will be needed. He stated this position does <br />contain a quantitative matrix relating to the number of businesses improved, business outreach, <br />and land sales. <br />Councilmember Kuzma stated a year ago, the City was in a different place and since then, a lot <br />of progress has been made. He felt that by giving staff an opportunity to grow, it will be <br />successful. <br />Councilmember Johns stated support for the comment by Mayor Strommen that the Council <br />needs to look at it holistically to assure it is right for Ramsey. She noted it would not be fair to <br />consider this on a trial six -month basis but she did agree with the importance of continued <br />monitoring. <br />Councilmember Backous stated he is not sure of his position on this recommendation. He stated <br />he likes the progress made in the last six months but always thought the focus should be on <br />existing businesses and he does not know how well that has been going. Councilmember <br />Backous stated support to retain that focus to increase business retention. _ <br />Councilmember Tossey stated he has no idea what has changed in the last 12 months, noting <br />massive buildings have not yet been constructed in The COR. He stated he does not see in the <br />City Council Work Session / August 26, 2014 <br />Page 5 of 9 <br />