Agenda - Council - 02/11/2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

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7.04: Staff Authorization for Filling a Building Permit Technician During Leave of Absence Deputy City Administrator Gladhill reviewed the staff report and recommendation to fill the temporary position with the City's previous Ramsey Permit Technician for the duration of the anticipated leave (mid -March to mid -May 2020). Councilmember Heinrich asked what it would look like to reassign an administrative assistance from another department and whether they would have training with that position. She asked the cost of hiring temporary staff to fill this gap. Deputy City Administrator Gladhill stated that in the past Community Development has utilized the administrative assistant from Engineering. He noted Engineering continues to fall behind when that position is reassigned, and that position cannot fill the number of hours needed. He stated that pulling away from another department and not receiving a one to one match on the Permit Technician position would be concerning. He stated that he could gain additional information on the cost for the position through Human Resources. Councilmember Riley stated that it appears the City has the opportunity to hire an experienced former employee, which presents a special opportunity to fill this need with an experienced candidate. He stated that Engineering does have an administrative assistant, which is important for that department and if that position is taken away, Engineering would continue to fall behind which he would not support. Councilmember Kuzma agreed that this is an opportunity to hire someone that already knows the job and can provide assistance during the busy season. Councilmember Musgrove stated that it seems that hiring the previous employee to fill the gap would be the best choice heading into the busy season. She asked if this person would be paid at the same level they left or whether a new rate would be negotiated. Deputy City Administrator Gladhill stated that would need to be negotiated. He explained that the fee for this service is funded by development activity and not through the general fund. Mayor LeTourneau stated that from the case presentation he heard concern with keeping up with the customer service expectations going into the busy season. He stated that although it was not clear the amount the employee would be paid, it was stated that the position would fall within the budgeted amount for the department for the year and therefore he would support bringing this previous employee back to fill the necessary gap. Motion by Councilmember Kuzma, seconded by Councilmember Riley, to authorize staff to commence hiring discussions and negotiate terms with the City's former Building Permit Technician to serve as a Temporary Permit Technician from approximately mid -March to mid - May 2020. City Council / January 28, 2020 Page 8 of 10