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City Council Minutes <br />May 7, 2018 <br />Page 7 <br />There was discussion on the cross -departmental staffing with snowplow operations. <br />Mayor Dietz stated he appreciates he has received few complaints on snowplow <br />issues and the crew does a good job. <br />Councilmember Westgaard expressed concerns as to the direct report process for the <br />public works director being handled between the community operations and <br />development director and the parks and recreation director. <br />Mr. Portner stated it has been working well to -date between everyone. He stated one <br />challenge is street department work is very linear and based on a schedule, while <br />parks department works is mainly seasonal and based around weather and <br />tournaments. He stated currently the setup is a good balance and it's nice the public <br />works director has a parks background and would be conscientious of park needs. <br />Councilmember Westgaard stated he doesn't have any issues with implementing this <br />structure in order to streamline efficiencies but expressed concerns with having two <br />bosses who could have different priorities, which may work now but could alter with <br />future staffing changes. <br />Mr. Portner stated whenever there are staffing changes he reviews the organizational <br />structure and would bring any recommended changes to Council. <br />Counciltnember Wagner questioned if staff anticipates there may be some employees <br />dissatisfied with the new structure; thereby causing low morale. <br />Mr. Portner stated he had an opportunity, due to recent retirements, to meet and talk <br />to the staff. He further stated they are aware of what is happening and there are a lot <br />of new people eager to take advantage of learning opportunities. He stated they were <br />comfortable with it and didn't express concerns. <br />Ms. Fisher stated she has gotten positive feedback on this from employees. <br />II. Adjournment <br />There being no further business, Mayor Dietz adjourned the meeting of the Elk <br />River City Council at 8:40 p.m. <br />Tina Allard, City Clerk <br />PAj <br />B �B, BE 'A�"E B DB I <br />B UIQ <br />