Laserfiche WebLink
Councilmember Strommen directed comment to Mr. Ulrich and asked if he felt there are more <br />pros to Scenario A. She noted she did not see that. When she looks at the overall organizational <br />chart, she wondered what the purpose of a department is if there is no department head. <br />City Administrator Ulrich referred to the memo — department head versus division head and read <br />the differences. He noted the main advantage is it eliminates a layer of management and direct <br />reports to the City Administrator. He stated he would feel comfortable in having direct control <br />and suggested there are some advantages to having a simpler chain of command and getting <br />backfill with more technical staff. <br />Mayor Ramsey stated he sees the advantage of hiring a more technical person; having a Public <br />Works Director was redundant. <br />Mr. Ulrich stated we do give existing people an opportunity to move up and get additional <br />compensation for that; it merits some wage adjustments. <br />Councilmember Backous stated that the Public Works Supervisor would be a division head. He <br />felt that would definitely qualify as a Department Head based on the criteria listed. <br />Mr. Ulrich stated one of the considerations for a Department Head should be educational <br />requirements; a college degree in the field — or - we could change that criteria. <br />Councilmember Elvig pointed out Scenario A has seven pros and eight cons and Scenario B has <br />seven pros and three less cons. The first one says it allows Engineering to be more focused — he <br />didn't understand why that wouldn't be the case under any scenario. He commented on the lack <br />of overall public works expertise overseeing the entire process and stated — that's right - and <br />there are competing objectives. Public Works, at the end of the day, holds the responsibility to <br />make all our infrastructure work. He stated, going back to the organizational chart from January, <br />Mr. Ulrich did not make a recommendation to eliminate the Public Works Director's job. The <br />organizational chart says here's what it is and here's what I would like to do. The Public Works <br />Director position is kept in there. He inquired of Mr. Ulrich what happened between then and <br />now that caused a huge change of heart. <br />Mr. Ulrich replied it worked fine, but when we have a vacancy, it creates an opportunity to look <br />at a different structure. <br />Councilmember Wise stated that he feels either system would work and either system will have <br />its detriments. <br />Mayor Ramsey stated we do not need more middle management — we need more worker people <br />to get things done. <br />Councilmember Strommen she does not necessarily disagree with Mayor Ramsey, but there are <br />things that require that management. <br />Special City Council/May 29, 2012 <br />Page 4 of 8 <br />