Agenda - Council Work Session - 12/08/2015

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Council's direction regarding a possible adjustment to the pay scale. The current position description's minimum and desirable qualifications include: Minimum Qualifications: Five years of formal supervisory experience and training, preferably in a municipal Fire Department. Certifications in the following areas: successfully completed state certification requirements fire fighters (Fire Fighter I and II, Hazardous Material Technician, First Responder certification, and Emergency Manager in the State of Minnesota. Desirable Qualifications: Post -secondary education and three years of Fire Chief experience. Staff recommends increasing the minimum job requirements to include an Associate's Degree and a minimum of five years command level supervisory experience; as well as increasing the desired qualifications to include a Bachelor's Degree and five years of command level supervisory experience. Lastly, staff recommends adding a distance requirement for residency, such as no more than 15 miles from the Ramsey border, in order to ensure a prompt response during times of emergency. Recruitment Considerations/Restructuring Options Chief Kapler's pending retirement creates an opportunity to look at options for the position and how it could be filled in terms of the position title as well as how the City recruits for its candidates. Most metropolitan cities head their departments with a Fire Chief; however some have Public Safety Directors, which on average, tend to earn about $15,000 more per year than a Fire Chief. Such a structure combines Police and Fire Departments, with an opportunity to gain better coordination and possible cost savings. Staff will be prepared to discuss the pros and cons of both options during the meeting, but a structural change of this type would require significantly more time for evaluation. Timeframe: This case is expected to take 30 minutes Funding Source: There is no funding required at this time. Responsible Party(ies): Colleen Lasher, Human Resources Manager Outcome: The intended outcome of this work -session is to provide staff, by consensus, direction as to how to proceed with filling the role of the Fire Chief. Attachments Recruitment Timelines Form Review Inbox Reviewed By Date Kurt Ulrich Kurt Ulrich 12/03/2015 04:42 PM Form Started By: Colleen Lasher Started On: 11/30/2015 04:07 PM Final Approval Date: 12/03/2015