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r f FT <br /> MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER <br /> • ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TASK FORCE <br /> HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL <br /> FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 1996 <br /> Members Present: Mayor Duitsman, Councilmember Farber, EDA Commissioners <br /> Dwyer and Gongoll, HRA Commissioner Kropuenske, Chamber of <br /> Commerce Representative Houle,Staff Members Klaers and <br /> Johnson <br /> Members Absent: None <br /> The meeting of the Economic Development Task Force was called to order at 7:30 a.m. <br /> Jim Brimeyer of The Brimeyer Group, Inc., the executive search consultant hired by the <br /> city for the filling of the economic development coordinator position was present and <br /> led the discussion on the results of the 25 interviews that were held with community <br /> leaders on March 5 and March 6. The results of these conversations helped form the <br /> draft economic development coordinator position profile. Input received helped Jim in <br /> defining the management capabilities and position priorities that are included in the <br /> profile. The Task Force went through the draft position profile page by page and offered <br /> 1111 comments for changes in the profile so that it would more accurately reflect the position <br /> and community. <br /> The reporting relationship for the position was reviewed and discussed. It was the <br /> consensus of the Task Force that the employee should be the executive director for the <br /> EDA and HRA, but must report directly to the city administrator. The employee would <br /> have the independence to formulate his/her own staff report to the EDA, HRA, and City <br /> Council, but, at a minimum, the city administrator must be advised as to the <br /> recommendations on various proposals and projects. <br /> Discussion took place regarding the pay range necessary for this position in order to <br /> attract quality applicants. Jim reviewed with the Task Force his recent experiences in the <br /> city of Northfield. After further discussion it was the consensus of the Task Force that the <br /> responsibility of the position as outlined and discussed is more than the former economic <br /> development coordinator position. The Task Force agreed to recommend a change in <br /> the title to the City Council to call the position director of economic development. The <br /> Task Force also felt that based on an analysis of the work assignments a change in <br /> comparable worth point ranking and a pay range change of 5E should be <br /> recommended to the City Council. The current pay range is 3E for the economic <br /> development coordinator. Staff explained that in order to increase a pay range, the <br /> position's point ranking must also change. Staff further explained that a change in point <br /> ranking must be justified through changes in position responsibilities and duties and that it <br /> may be most appropriate to reevaluate this after the candidate is selected. <br /> Extensive discussion took place regarding "what the position is to do" once an employee <br /> • is hired. The need for an overall economic development strategic plan was discussed. <br /> Jim reviewed hit experiences in developing a strategic plan for the city of Hopkins and <br />