Laserfiche WebLink
CASE <br /> <br />CONSIDER ALTERNATIVES IN RECRUITING A CITY PLANNER <br /> Rhonda Heryla, Human Resources Manager <br /> <br />Background: <br /> <br />Previously on August 8, 2000, Council had authorized staff to hire Jason Osberg for the <br />position of City Planner with Aaron Buffington as an alternate. Mr. Osberg accepted the <br />position but then later declined the City of Ramsey's offer to remain with his current <br />municipality, the City of Dayton. The City Administrator, Community Development <br />Director, Assistant City Administrator and Human Resources Manager then met with Mr. <br />Buffington on August 29~h to discuss the City Planner position further and did offer him a <br />position. Mr. Buffington has multiple offers to consider and is expected to notify staff of <br />his decision by September 8th. <br /> <br />Observations: <br /> <br />As Council is aware, the search for a City Planner has been a difficult one. Only eleven <br />applications were received and many of the applicants were inexperienced. Staff has <br />contacted other cities searching for City Planners and has found their results to be very <br />similar and equally frustrating. There is some concern that if staff needs to re-advertise <br />for the same position at the same salary, it will yield the same or less results. <br /> <br />For these reasons, staff has been considering options and has made the following <br />observations: <br /> <br />The labor market is extremely competitive and City Planners appear to be at a <br />premium. Currently the City of Ramsey's salary range for a City Planner is between <br />$37,321. and $45,513. Mr. Buffington was offered a starting salary of $40,051 (Step <br />2) as previously approved by Council. Staff would like to be able to negotiate Mr. <br />Buffington's starting salary up to $44,148 (Step 5) if necessary to retain him as a City <br />Planner. <br /> <br />If the City must re-advertise for this position, one alternative is to pursue a Senior <br />Planner in the hopes of attracting more experienced individuals. Such a position <br />usually incorporates at least 6-8 years of experience and has a salary range between <br />$42,144 and $54,384. <br /> <br />Possible Council Action: <br /> <br />Motion to recommend that the City Council authorize staffto negotiate a salary up to <br />$44,148 with Aaron Buffington to secure his employment if necessary. <br /> <br /> <br />