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Councilmember Buscher expressed support for the project, agreeing with prior comments and <br />describing it as a worthwhile investment in the community’s future. She emphasized the benefits <br />of investing in youth programs, noting positive impacts on public safety and overall community <br />well-being. She highlighted that the project’s value extends beyond direct financial returns by <br />strengthening residents and community engagement, and expressed confidence in the <br />organization’s ability to deliver the proposed development, which she stated would enhance <br />opportunities for families and youth in the city. <br /> <br />Mayor Heineman expressed strong support for the project, emphasizing the importance of locally <br />driven youth programs and contrasting them with private, profit-focused models that can increase <br />costs for families. He agreed with prior Council comments that the project would be a significant <br />benefit to the community and highlighted the value of youth sports and recreation for local <br />families. The Mayor indicated support for moving forward with a $2 million loan and additional <br />assistance as requested, and invited further Council input regarding the proposed terms. <br /> <br />Councilmember Olson expressed general support for the project and favored moving forward. He <br />indicated that while the details would need to be finalized, he supported pursuing the proposal, <br />consistent with Councilmember Riley’s recommendation, and viewed it as an appropriate starting <br />point. <br /> <br />The Council reached consensus to support a $2 million loan for the project, along with assistance <br />covering standard development fees in an amount consistent with the figures presented by staff. <br /> <br />2.03: Discuss the City Engineer Recruitment <br /> <br />Administrative Services Director Lasher reported ongoing challenges in recruiting a City <br />Engineer, a position intended to be a separate department head role following the planned division <br />of the Public Works Director and City Engineer responsibilities. She noted that multiple <br />recruitment efforts have yielded only a limited number of qualified applicants despite extensive <br />advertising through professional associations, government job boards, and other outlets. Given the <br />need to move forward, Administrative Services Director Lasher presented three potential options <br />for Council consideration: conducting another recruitment with possible adjustments to minimum <br />qualifications or compensation; outsourcing engineering services to a professional firm; or <br />engaging a specialized recruiting firm at an estimated cost of $39,000, with staged payments and <br />a replacement guarantee if the selected candidate does not remain in the position. <br /> <br />City Administrator Hagen noted that recruiting department heads has become increasingly <br />complex across municipalities. He indicated that current challenges likely reflect broader market <br />conditions rather than deficiencies in the City’s process. He reviewed considerations for each <br />option presented, stating that while another recruitment and wage review could be pursued, salary <br />adjustments may create internal ripple effects and would not provide a permanent solution. He <br />expressed concern that outsourcing engineering services would not achieve the long-term goal of <br />having a City Engineer on staff. He noted the value of having city employees directly engage with <br />residents. Regarding the use of a recruiting firm, he acknowledged the potential benefits but cited <br />the high cost and uncertainty of outcomes. He concluded by stating that staff have successfully <br />City Council Work Session / January 13, 2026 <br />Page 3 of 8 <br />