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Councilmember Kuzma stated he would be inclined to look at a fire marshal position right now. He felt it was a waste of time to hire a fire inspector. Chairperson Tossey felt it was a good idea to hire a fire inspector; that way we could see if it's a good fit. He commented about the added expense for a different option. Mayor Strommen felt this is not about financial management — she did not understand why we would go backwards first. We want to get back to a Fire Marshal position. We lose that training time and that costs money too. If it's that close, let's just hire there — it is not much of a financial issue. It makes no sense to start and go backwards. Chairperson Tossey inquired of City Administrator Ulrich if he could show a cost savings for when Mr. Kohner was a fire marshal over the time when he was a fire inspector. He added that we are going to the taxpayers and asking for a ton of money but we have the opportunity to save some money on this position now. Chief Kapler explained that Mr. Kohner was successful in working his way up. There may have been some additional costs for contracting - he was not sure. He added this position would have minimal supervision. Discussion ensued relating to licensing, certifications, etc. for the different types of positions. Human Resources Manager Lasher stated that if we go with Option Three — inspector to marshal — if the City Council desires to establish a potential succession plan, she felt it's a much larger leap to go from fire inspector to fire marshal to fire chief. Ms. Lasher talked some about a succession plan. Mayor Strommen stated that the succession plan was a broader call of the Council and added that's a healthy thing for all organizations to have. Chairperson Tossey stated he is in government too and he has seen where people have come in from the outside and have done a good job. He has always kind of frowned on succession plans. Mayor Strommen agreed that can be the case but stated it is something we need to keep in mind and reiterated these are issues the City Council expressed more broadly. Fire Chief Kapler stated this was to find a high quality person and give him/her the skills and that there would be the option of looking at this person for succession. That would be an option — it was not meant to have a name slotted in. City Administrator Ulrich stated that the extra level of independence would have some tangible effects on our businesses — there is some value in that — having that extra level of experience. Chairperson Tossey asked if there is something an inspector cannot do that a fire marshal can do. He wanted to be able to say there is a cost savings and asked if that will free up the Chief's time. Personnel Committee / November 12, 2013 Page 5 of 7