04-09-2007 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Minutes April 9, 2007 Page 6 5.4. Public Works Director Discussion e Councilmember Farber stated a public works director position is needed due to all the projects and the growth occurring in the city. Ms. Johnson stated this position is being considered to assist the streets, WWTP, and engineering departments with administrative duties and to provide coordination of all departments. She stated it is not a reflection on the current supervisors as they are doing their jobs well but the city has grown to a point that a public works director is needed. She further stated WWTP Chief Operator Gray Leirmoe has indicated that he would like to see a public works director position created. She stated the position needs to be programmed into the budget and the cost is estimated at approximately $115,000, including benefits. She stated funds are available if the Council wants to proceed this year. Councilmember Zerwas stated he would like the city to consider hiring for this position this year due to the scope of projects that could use coordination between the divisions. Mayor Klinzing concurred. Councilmember Motin concurred and stated he would like to advertise for the position. Ms. Johnson stated the applicant should be a qualified registered professional engineer. She stated staff would work on creating a position description and a Cost analysis for the position. 5.5. Potential Retreat/Worksession Framework Ouestions Councilmember Zerwas stated some type of in-depth discussion is needed between Council and staff in order to provide better direction/guidance to the Community Development Department on the goals of the Council. He suggested having a moderator lead the discussion and keeping the discussion to a small group. e Councilmember Motin suggested making the worksessions mote informal like they were supposed to be when the Council started them. He stated the wotksessions have gotten to be too much like regular meetings. He suggested taking on three/ fout concerns of Community Development at a time and then if thete are any issues that are difficult to deal with, a facilitator could be considered. Councilmember Motin expressed concerns with a facilitator taking over and running the meetings. Councilmember Gumphrey stated the worksessions have been more presentations. He concurred with Councilmember Zerwas that there should be more informal worksessions with staff a couple times a year. Councilmember Farber stated there should be limited staff involvement and the meetings should be more free-flowing. It was suggested that staff check with the League of Minnesota Cities to see what they have to offer. The Council concutred with looking at pricing of a facilitator for a small group to meet out of town. e