Minutes - Council Work Session - 04/09/2018

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Mayor Strommen noted that most likely Ramsey is going to be a stepping stone for a lot of employees in this position because it is a small city and therefore there may not be a lot gained increasing from a specialist to a coordinator. She stated that the real challenge will be to think about this in a budget concept and decide whether the 16 percent difference between a specialist and coordinator should be invested into this position or into a different area of the budget. She stated that the City will not get all the experience on day one, but the applicants will have some experience and interest in learning. City Administrator Ulrich noted that there is an overlap in the pay scale. He noted that the current employee was at step five and therefore there is flexibility. He stated that the title change does not have to have a cost. He stated that there has been a policy to hire at market rate but noted that does not take any options off the table. Mayor Strommen asked for information on what the options would look like with market rate for option two. Councilmember Kuzma stated that the communications part of the City is important, to ensure a well written effective message is being sent out. Councilmember Johns stated that this employee has been a face to the community at events and therefore it is helpful to have that continuous face for the position in addition to the communications piece. Human Resources Manager Lasher stated that the part-time position is a benefit eligible position and therefore you may attract a qualified candidate that does not want to work full-time. She stated that with the part-time administrative assistant added that would bring the combination to 56 hours per week. She noted that economic development is already low staffed and very busy and therefore this vacant position will put a lot of stress on that department. City Administrator Ulrich stated that real test between options two and three will be the application process. He stated that staff is cognizant of the budget impacts. He noted that if the Council were going to choose option three, a lower starting rate could be hired with room for that position to grow. Mayor Strommen stated that she does not want to underpay people but simply is asking what the City"buys" for that level compared to what would be "bought"with the other position. Councilmember Riley stated that he has a problem with using the term underpayment. He stated that if the City makes an offer and that is accepted, then that is market rate. He stated that this was filled with a new person that was groomed. He did not feel that the City will be able to retain someone in a long-term position. Councilmember Shryock returned to the meeting at 6:54 p.m. Councilmember Kuzma stated that he would support marketing for a more experienced person. City Council Work Session /April 9, 2018 Page 4 of 5