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<br />Engineering Technician III to Civil Engineer I Reclassification <br /> <br />Public Works Director Westby requested reclassifying an Engineering Technician III position to <br />Civil Engineer I after the employee receives Professional Engineer licensure. He explained that <br />the employee has completed the required examinations and, once licensed, will be able to <br />prepare and sign engineering plans and reports independently. The reclassification reflects <br />expanded qualifications and responsibilities rather than additional staffing. <br /> <br />The Council indicated the request was consistent with the City's past practice and would help <br />retain qualified employees. <br /> <br />GIS Technician II Position <br /> <br />Mr. Westby requested adding a full-time GIS Technician II position to manage and expand the <br />City's Geographic Information System. He explained that GIS work is currently divided among <br />several departments, limiting the City's ability to develop mapping resources fully. A dedicated <br />employee would improve data accuracy, expand mapping capabilities, and allow other staff to <br />focus on their primary responsibilities. <br /> <br />Ms. Hanson added that many neighboring cities provide interactive online maps showing <br />development activity, utilities, infrastructure, and other public information. She said Ramsey's <br />current system has room for improvement and that the proposed position would help modernize <br />those services. <br /> <br />Councilmember Olson asked whether the position would develop new GIS software or manage <br />the City's existing system. <br /> <br />Ms. Hanson explained that the software is already in place and that the employee would focus on <br />maintaining and expanding mapping data. <br /> <br />Mr. Hagen explained that most of the City's cost for GIS services through LOGIS is for system <br />hosting, while the annual support package includes about 100 hours of technical assistance. He <br />said those hours are largely used maintaining the existing system, leaving limited time to develop <br />new mapping features. A dedicated GIS Technician would allow the City to build and maintain <br />additional mapping layers more efficiently. He highlighted the City's public development map as <br />a recent example. He said similar tools could be created for stormwater ponds, infrastructure, <br />inspections, and other public information, giving residents easier access to accurate, up-to-date <br />information while expanding the City's overall GIS capabilities. <br /> <br />Councilmember Specht asked whether it would be more beneficial for the City to hire an in- <br />house GIS Technician or outsource the work to a company specializing in GIS mapping services. <br />He questioned whether an outside consultant could provide the same services or if having <br />dedicated staff would offer greater long-term value and flexibility. <br /> <br />City Council Work Session / July 14, 2026 <br />Page 5 of 14 <br />