Agenda - Council Work Session - 04/09/2018

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CC Work Session 2. 2. Meeting Date: 04/09/2018 Information Title: Discussion Regarding the Public Information and Events Specialist Vacancy and Alternative Staffing Options Purpose/Background: The purpose of this discussion is to request the City Council's direction as to how to proceed with a recruiting effort to fill the immediate and long-term needs related to City communications and events, as currently performed by the Public Information and Events Specialist. As the City Council is aware, the Public Information and Events Specialist position was created in 2014 and Ms. Nichole Wenberg was hired full-time. Prior to being hired for the position, Ms. Wenberg served as an administrative intern for the City. Ms. Wenberg's last day with the City will be April 13, 2018. History & Reasoning for the Public Information and Events Specialist Position The initial hiring of this position was included within a 2014 restructure that occurred following the resignation of the former Economic Development Manager. At that time, Mr. Patrick Brama's position went from Assistant to the City Administrator (which included handling the City's communications and events) to Assistant City Administrator/Economic Development Manager, supervising I.T. and the communications/events role. Ratio of Duties -- Communications / Events The approximate ratio of time spent in each role varies throughout the year but is approximately 60% communications and 40% events, with the events time commitment pushing into overtime hours at various times of the year based upon the event. There is overlap between the communications role and the events role, but they are distinguishable and could be considered separable in pay grade and position description. Going Forward The Public Information and Events specialist position has evolved into a proactive role that leads the City's communications plan. Previous discussions surrounding this function included a 2016 budget request for reclassification of the position, and most recently, a 2018 budget request for reclassification of the position and the addition of part-time communications/events support position in lieu of the seasonal Administrative Intern. Communications Duties Over time, the communications position has taken on a role that has improved the ability of all departments to provide clear, consistent, and proactive communication for the City. For example, the position has taken over much of the drafting and editing work previously done by individual staff members, which has helped to create "one voice" and to provide a consistent quality writing style and graphic design. In addition, the position has made vast enhancements in areas such as: • City's Facebook • Twitter • Weekly Update • Website • Various promotions • Ramsey Resident • Press releases • QCTV programming • Anoka Area Chamber of Commerce's City Profile, articles and photos • Many strategic plan initiatives including work toward the City's Commination's Plan