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Human Resources Manager Reed advised Springsted has proposed the following three <br />recommendations regarding the reorganization of the Fire and Public Works Departments: <br /> <br /> 1. The current Public Works Director/Fire Chief would be made the full-time Fire Chief, <br /> with one year's transitional oversight of Public Works operations. During this year, the <br /> Fire Chief would assume the responsibility of mentoring someone to fill the future <br /> position of Public Works Superintendent. <br /> 2. The current Director of Engineering would assume the Public Works Director position, <br /> with direct responsibility for Engineering and Public Works operations. <br /> 3. The City would move to hire a senior engineer in the next year to provide direct <br /> supervision of the engineering function. <br /> <br />Human Resources Manager Reed explained in 2006 the operations side of Public Works became <br />three separate divisions: Streets, Parks, and Utilities. John Nelson, fomaer Parks Lead Worker, <br />was appointed to the new Utilities Lead position. In addition to Springsted's recommendations, <br />the Public Works Director and Assistant Public Works Director/Principal City Engineer are <br />recommending that a Utilities Supervisor position be created to replace the Utilities Lead <br />position. <br /> <br />Mayor Garnet stated he was questioned as to why the Council would be conducting hiring at a <br />special meeting, rather than a regular Council meeting, and if the City has ever hired anyone at a <br />special meeting in the past. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig questioned how large of an element the reorganization of the Public <br />Works and Fire Departments are in the entire reorganization study. He explained he is a little <br />reluctant to complete this reorganization one piece at a time. <br /> <br />Human Resources Manager Reed replied a primary report is expected from Springsted some <br />time this week. She sent an email to confirm that the report will be completed this week, and has <br />not received a response. It is expected that the report will be completed by the end of the month <br />at the latest. <br /> <br />Councilmember Cook stated this reorganization process of the Public Works and Fire <br />Departments began over six years ago, with an individual put in the position of managing both <br />positions. The City's population six years ago was 10,000, and is now nearly 22,000. This <br />reorganization should have been addressed long before now. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig explained he does not have a problem moving forward with the <br />reorganization; his curiosity is more what the overall reorganization plan will be and how <br />everything will dovetail together. <br /> <br />Human Resources Manager Reed replied she cannot provide a lot of information about how this <br />recommendation will tie into some of the other recommendations that may come forward from <br />Springsted. The report from Springsted is expected to come forward this week. <br /> <br />City Council Work Session / March 7, 2006 <br /> Page 2 of 5 <br /> <br /> <br />