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Chief Way added that Officer Schlender is doing a good job and has asked to be more involved in the Explorer Program. She came with a lot of experience and has brought a lot to the table. Motion by Councilmember Kuzma, seconded by Chairperson Tossey, to recommend that the City Council confirm the recommendation of the Personnel Committee and adopt Resolution #13-11-188, removing Ms. Shannon Schlender from probation and retaining her as one of the City's full-time regular patrol officers. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Tossey and Councilmember Kuzma. Voting No: None. Absent: Councilmember Backous. 5.02: Resolution to Hire an Economic Development Manager Human Resources Manager Lasher reviewed the staff report and recommendation to hire Ted LaFrance as the City's Economic Development Manager. If approved, this position would be responsible for the development and industrial businesses and help attain many of the City Council's strategic goals, many of which focus on economic development. Human Resources Manager Lasher described the three step process used to seek an economic development professional to fill this position and indicated the City has made a contingent job offer to Mr. LaFrance subject to City Council approval and authorization to hire. She presented three options for consideration and stated staff recommends the Council authorize hiring Mr. LaFrance as the City's new Economic Development Manager effective November 18, 2013, at $35.17 per hour (Step 1 of the revised 2013 wage scale) with a credit of five vacation days. Chairperson Tossey inquired about the funding breakdown to which Ms. Lasher replied the funding for the position would come out of the Economic Development Authority, the Housing and Redevelopment Authority, and TIF. She offered to have the percentage breakdown of the funding prior to the City Council meeting this evening. Councilmember Kuzma felt that if the City does not hire this position, we will just kind of "mozie" along how we are currently with the land we have. We are talking about a business park — that's a lot to try to put on the City Administrator to manage. He suggested bringing someone on board to help with the economic development and land sales — mentioning The COR, as well as some tax relief. Chairperson Tossey argued that there would be no tax relief as The COR is a TIF District. He stated this is his third year on the City Council and he has heard a lot about what's supposed to be happening with regard to businesses. He stated he would argue that the Police Department and the Fire Department are more important than economic development. He mentioned that we are also talking about hiring a real estate broker. He commented that taxes really affect businesses. He added he originally approved hiring Landform and he has regretted it ever since. Landform brought forward all these tax exempt businesses. Chairperson Tossey continued that he is comfortable with the way Ramsey is — it's a bedroom community and he is okay with that; to push the market is a waste of money. He stated we have squandered millions of dollars over the last few years but we keep thinking we have the next great answer. He reiterated he is okay with where Ramsey is. He worries about police, fire, and roads and feels those are the three Personnel Committee / November 12, 2013 Page 2 of 7