7.4. SR 08-09-1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

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rei ---'\; ( ); ~ll< . . Item #7.4. MEMORANDUM RiverTO: FROM: Mayor & City Council Pat Klaers, City Adl...k.. st;ator TftJll- August 9, 1999 DATE: SUBJECT: Accept Resignation from WWTS Supt. and Discuss Position As most everyone knows, Wastewater Treatment System Superintendent Darrell Mack is retiring and has submitted his resignation. His last day with the city will be August 31, 1999. We will miss Darrell very much as he has long been an institution with the city (about 28 years), but we look forward to the changes and opportunities that come with his retirement. Darrell's resignation is sure to rekindle the discussion about the water utility and sewer utility having one department head manage both operations. This was previously discussed when the water superintendent announced his retirement and resignation earlier this summer. Ultimately, nothing moved forward on this proposed joint position, due in part to the other (non-water department) responsibilities that the water superintendent performed. A new employee coming in to a position that is shared would be a better situation than what was previously discussed, which was moving an existing employee into a shared position. The city has the luxury of time to explore this option as we have a very capable sewer department working foreman, Gary Leirmoe, to handle the day to day responsibilities until we determine what direction we want to take with this position. If for whatever reasons a joint position does not work out, then the city will need to evaluate its options for filling Darrell's position. One option is simply to advertise for the same position that Darrell is leaving. On the other hand, the city most likely will want to consider restructuring the position to make sure it is consistent with the department needs, the comparable worth plan and the city pay plan. The city may want to consider something above a working foreman and below a superintendent status assuming the top employee has adequate direct supervision by either me or City Engineer Terry Maurer. Under this scenario we may want to try having Terry Maurer supervise this department, but Terry is not a city employee and is a consultant (even though he is in his City Hall office about four days per week). Lots of options are possible in looking at the sewer department and Darrell's position. Things have gone very well for the city and for the water department as they are currently operated, but this resignation presents some opportunities to explore different options. 13065 Orono Parkway · P.O. Box 490 · Elk River, MN 55330. TDD & Phone: (612) 441-7420 · Fax: (612) 441-7425