CCP 08-26-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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IO IN1FIW the city that works for you Council. Worksession August 13, 2014 5.00 pm Present: Acting Mayor Gina Bauman Councilmember Brian Strub Councilmember Paul Jacobsen Councilmember Mary Burg Absent: Staff in Attendance: Bean Lotter, City Manager Guests in Attendance: Reorganizational Report and Recommendation Lotter discussed a report that addressed the reorganizing of City Hall. He provided comment on the possibility of a "super counter" to address the needs of residents and recommended the Council not pursue this concept. He believed that the reorganization of City Hall would stabilize the finance department while clarifying staff roles. Further discussion ensued regarding the finance department personnel. He recommended the Council consider creating a City Clerk position by reallocating funds away from and eliminating the Assistant to the City Manager position. The important responsibilities of the City Clerk were reviewed. It was his hope that the City Clerk could be hired before November and the general election. He discussed the expense of outsourcing elections and did not believe this would be a positive option for the City. He reported the archive room at City Hall was in need of staff support. He also recommended that Joe be promoted to a Management Analyst position. He discussed the potential of New Brighton staff taking over building inspections for St. Anthony. Acting Mayor Bauman asked where the City Clerk position would begin on the pay scale. Lotter reported the new hire would begin at Step 1 of the pay scale. Acting Mayor Bauman requested further information on Code Enforcement Joe Hatch's position. Lotter explained that Mr. Hatch dealt with difficult people on a daily basis and was a front line ambassador for the City. He was surprised at how well Joe was handling the stress of the position. He noted Joe also conducted Section 8 housing inspections. Councilmember Burg believed that the City still needed a full -time code enforcement position. Acting Mayor Bauman wanted the City to be conscientious when adding new staff members. Councilmember Jacobsen supported staff's recommendation and the proposed reorganization of staff members at City Hall. Councilmember Burg agreed. Acting Mayor Bauman wanted to be ensured that the proposed positions would keep employees busy for 8 hours a day, every day. Otherwise, staff should consider job sharing or part -time positions. Lotter discussed how staff has adjusted personnel since he was hired with the City and explained he could have Joe draft a report that describes his daily work responsibilities and duties. He described the actions the Council could take to approve the reorganization. Councilmember Strub asked how the City would handle the loss of the Assistant to the City Manager position. Lotter reported the City has prepared a separation package for Schawn Johnsen and both parties have reviewed and agreed to the documents. Councilmember Burg recommended the City handle this matter with sensitivity.