Agenda - Council - 03/28/2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Cook replied that the present policy states that the Chair and Vice Chair have a 1.5 vote, which he thinks should be changed to one vote. The Personnel Committee agreed. Human Resources Manager Reed noted that she would put together a draft policy and bring it back to the next meeting Personnel Committee meeting for review. Case #2: Discussion Regarding Possible Organizational Structure Changes for the Public Works Department City Administrator Norman gave a brief history of the Public Works Department structure explaining that it was always discussed that eventually Mr. Kapler would eventually spend 100 percent of his time in the Fire Department. When the City Engineer position was created it was with the idea that eventually that person would be groomed to fill the position of Director of Public Works. An organizational study has'recently been completed by Springsted, and in recent discussions with Springsted, staff has learned that they will be recommending that these functions be separated. A formal recommendation is expected in the next couple of weeks. Exactly how the transition will occur still needs to be worked out. At this point this was being brought forward as a discussion item only. Councilmember Pearson requested that Mr. Kapler provide the Committee with his thoughts on the issue. Director of Public Works/Fire Chief Kapler stated that this position has been challenging, but rewarding beyond anything that he thought is could have been. He realizes that as they look into the future and what is best for the City a change needs to be made. Councilmember Cook stated that he views the restructuring as a way of providing a higher quality of service in the future. He complimented Mr. Kapler on the outstanding job he has done with managing both departments up to this point. Director of Public Works/Fire Chief Kapler noted that he realizes that this is a big picture decision and is okay with that. Councilmember Cook stated that he wanted Mr. Kapler to understand that he is very valuable to this organization and didn't want him to ever feel that making this change has any reflection on the job he has done. Councilmember Olson stated that Mr. Kapler has done an exemplary job in this position. Assistant Public Works Director Olson stated that Mr. Kapler has taken him "under his wing" over the last few years and because of that he feels that he is ready for the challenge. Councilmember Pearson stated that both of the departments are getting so big that it is only natural that they are going to have to split -28- Personnel Committee / February 28, 2006 Page 4 of 6