Agenda - Council - 04/28/2026 - Laserfiche WebLink

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5. 4. CC Regular Session Meeting Date: 04/28/2026 Primary Strategic Plan Initiative: Strive for high organizational morale and employee retention Title: Authorization to Hire the City's New Fire Chief/Emergency Management Director Purpose/Background: The purpose of this case is for the City Council to authorize hiring the City's new Fire Chief /Emergency Management Director. Mr. Matt Kohner, currently in this role, will retire on May 22, 2026. After receipt of Mr. Kohner's letter of retirement, staff conducted an open competitive recruitment, resulting in several interviews. Mr. Andrew Winkel was selected to advance in the recruitment process and was interviewed as a finalist by three members of the City Council and staff. Mr. Andrew Winkel passed the necessary pre -employment background checks and is recommended for hire as the City's next Fire Chief/Emergency Management Director. As a department head, Mr. Winkel will be subject to a one-year probationary period and all personnel policies and benefits will apply normally. The primary objective of the Fire Chief/Emergency Management Director is to provide strategic leadership, direction, and overall administration of the City's combination Fire Department. The City's Fire Department includes full-time career firefighters, as well as paid -on -call firefighters. This role oversees all departmental functions, including fire suppression, emergency medical services and rescue operations; fire training, fire prevention and public education; as well as fire inspections and investigations. As the City's Emergency Management Director, the Fire Chief plans and directs disaster response and crisis management efforts, maintains comprehensive emergency operations plans and ensures full compliance with applicable regulations. As a member of the City's Leadership Team, the Fire Chief advises the City Administrator and City Council on public safety issues, long?range planning, and service delivery strategies to meet the community's current and future needs. Funding Source: The funding required to hire Mr. Andrew Winkel is included in the 2026 budget. Recommendation: To hire Mr. Andrew Winkel as the City's new Fire Chief/Emergency Management Director, effective on or near May 18, 2026, at an annual salary of $150,018 which is step 3 of the 2026 wage scale. Outcome/Action: Motion to hire Mr. Andrew Winkel as the City's new Fire Chief/Emergency Management Director, effective on or near May 18, 2026, at an annual salary of $150,018 which is step 3 of the 2026 wage scale. No file(s) attached. Attachments