Agenda - Council - 06/28/2022 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Administrative Services Director Lasher replied Elk River has a really impressive communications program but they have four full-time communications staff. Councilmember Woestehoff commented that getting the right person in the role could really change how the City is perceived. From resident feedback, communication has been a weakness for the City. He argued the right person at 40 hours a week is a good investment. He commented that the Communications Coordinator could help manage the flow of Happy Days if it were outsourced but he stated he would support outsourcing it. Councilmember Heineman added during the interview for the Communications Coordinator they could ask about plans for communications and content would help Council understand what could be done in a 40 hour work week. He stated that hearing that Elk River has four full-time communications staff helps him understand the complexities but he would like to see what that looks like. Administrative Services Director Lasher summarized that the Council direction was that more information is being requested so recruitment will not be posted but delayed by two weeks. She asked if the Streets Maintenance worker has been posted. Human Resource Generalist Hurd replied it will be posted tomorrow morning. Administrative Services Director Lasher stated the Building Inspector position was posted today. Councilmember Specht commented that this time of year potholes come up and asked if there was anything that could be done to speed up the process such as more staff. Public Works Superintendent Riemer replied the position they are filling is for someone who just resigned this week. They had a full crew up until that time. He stated there is a request for an additional piece of equipment in 2023 which will help. He stated the roads need to be repaired in older developments more than potholes. Councilmember Riley asked if that will be a case for Public Works next week. Public Works Superintendent Riemer confirmed this. Administrative Services Director Lasher asked if there is any interest in bringing in an additional Streets Maintenance Worker if they have a good candidate pool during the Streets Maintenance Worker recruitment. Councilmember Woestehoff replied the question was if additional personnel would help solve the issue. Public Works Superintendent Riemer replied their department does a lot and an additional worker would be helpful. City Council Work Session/June 14, 2022 Page 5 of 16