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this position in the future but it is critical to hire in the start up phase of shared services, and also addresses succession planning for this larger entity if it comes about, and to have the employee feel comfortable in providing leadership. City Administrator Ulrich stated there are alternatives, such as a lower level position to grow into this position over time but that is not the preference. He explained if there is a new Department in two years, they want an employee with those skills and abilities at this point. He asked if there may be the opportunity to contract out some of the fire inspection work for neighboring communities to recoup some of the costs. Chairperson Tossey asked if that was done with Fire Marshal Kohner. Fire Chief Kapler stated the only one contracted out was with Nowthen under that JPA. Chairperson Tossey stated if not done previously, he does not think it will be done in the future. He stated he attended the consultant presentation and heard about shared services. The consultant said overall, it makes sense to have some shared services in the area of fire prevention and training but not in sharing rigs. Chairperson Tossey stated he has no desire to fill a position that may never come to fruition and would prefer a fire prevention position. Councilmember Kuzma asked what the difference in salary is between the two positions. Human Resources Manager Lasher stated the Deputy Fire Marshal range is $30.14 per hour to $37.67 per hour as compared to that of the Fire Marshal range of $27.93 per hour to $34.56 per hour. She stated she read three or four area fire chief's recommendations regarding this position and advised that all recommended asking to hire two people, a Deputy Fire Chief and a Fire Inspector. She noted that Chief Kapler had scaled down the request considerably. Chairperson Tossey stated he does not support staffs recommendation to hire a Deputy Fire Chief but would be willing to discuss lowering the position classification. Fire Chief Kapler stated the recommendation he presented was his vision of what is best for the Fire Department. But if this does not have a chance, he absolutely would recommend covering what needs to be covered today. He stated part of his job is to predict the community's future needs (buildings and services) and this is his idea of a snapshot of the future in what the community needs. Fire Chief Kapler stated he does not want to lose services the City is already providing. Councilmember Backous stated he was going to ask what was the most important in this position, and Fire Chief Kapler had previously mentioned the most important aspect is fire prevention. He asked if that service can be contracted instead of hiring an employee. He stated if the shared services agreement evolves, that position would be an easy one to share and quantify the cost to the communities. Fire Chief Kapler stated it can be contracted out and the City needs to look at efficiencies. He noted new construction inspections are picking up as well as other administrative functions. Personnel Committee / October 15, 2013 Page 6 of 9