Minutes - Council Work Session - 08/26/2014

Home

City Administrator Ulrich stated very little consultant work will be needed, but there may be some areas where a financial analysis is needed. He noted that not many of the duties listed include anything related to providing a subsidy. City Administrator Ulrich agreed with the need to address key infrastructure and Highway 10 initiatives, which will be benefited by building relationships with local businesses. He noted the City has stringent policies for provision of tax increment and/or subsidies so the method of operation will be to determine how potential businesses fit into those conservative policies. Councilmember Johns stated that is where the Economic Development Manager comes into consideration because someone will be needed to cultivate businesses that will be attracted by CBRE. Councilmember Tossey stated members of the Council (elected officials) should visit with local businesses and ask how they are doing. He asked whether the City needs to spend $90,000 on a staff person to handle that same task. Mayor Strommen agreed that is the job of the Council, to be visible and accessible, but she does not see it as an `either or' situation because staff is needed to answer questions such as application requirements. She stated that is the value of having a point of contact on staff, to answer those types of questions. Mayor Strommen asked whether there was support to promote the Assistant to the City Administrator to Assistant City Administrator. Human Resources Manager Lasher stated it has been discussed how much time Assistant to the City Administrator Brama puts into economic development. She explained that since Economic Development Director Aaron Backman left employment, Assistant to the City Administrator Brama took over that economic development work. Human Resources Manager Lasher noted that Assistant to the City Administrator Brama's education exceeds the minimum requirements of the position. She pointed out that the City has recruited four Economic Development Managers in the past four years so she thinks the best option is the recommendation of City Administrator Ulrich. Mayor Strommen asked whether there was objection to the recommended restructuring and promotion of Assistant to the City Administrator Brama. Councilmember Tossey stated he would only object if it included the hiring of a development consultant. No other objection was expressed. Mayor Strommen asked whether there was existing guidance relating to internal and external recruitment. Human Resources Manager Lasher explained that with the revisions of the Personnel Policy, City Administrator Ulrich was granted more authority, it removed procedural `red tape,' and gave more discretion to the Management Team in how to best meet the City's needs. City Council Work Session / August 26, 2014 Page 7 of 9