04-12-2010 CCM - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Minutes Page 5 Apri112, 2010 5.7. Organizational Structure Ms. Johnson presented the staff report. Ms. Johnson indicated that the Council authorized the hiring of a city engineer at the March 8 meeting but Councilmember Westgaard requested further discussion before proceeding. Councilmember Westgaard questioned how the city engineer fits under the public works director. He expressed concerns that the city engineer is higher paid than originally discussed and wondered if the decision had been made to forego a public works director. Mr. Johnson stated that a decision on the public works director has not been made. She explained that having a city engineer on staff is necessary and is more cost effective and efficient than to pay a consultant. She added that the city needs a city engineer on site for continuity and to answer more broad based questions from staff. She noted that a majority of the city engineer's wages will be billed out to projects as the consultant fees have been in the past. Counciltnember Gumphrey questioned if the city engineer could be the public works director. Councilmember Westgaard again expressed concern over higher overall personnel costs with hiring a higher quality engineering position in addition to a public works director. Ms. Johnson indicated that if a city engineer is hired the engineer qualifications would not need to be included in the public works director duties, therefore, that position could be paid at a lower level. She explained that the city is paying far more now in consultant fees than what it will cost to have a city engineer on staff. Mayor Klinzing reiterated that the city has paid a lot out in consultant fees. Counciltnember Zerwas stated that at some point there needs to be someone in a leadership position between departments and the City Administrator. Councilmember Westgaard agreed. Discussion took place on whether or not a decision had been made as to which position was a higher priority, the community development director or the public works director. Ms. Johnson indicated that no decision had been made and that the Council wanted to further discuss the options. Ms. Johnson indicated the Council asked her to come back with options on department head positions. She explained that there is not enough funding for all positions so this is an opportunity for the Council to review what will work for the city. She added that the Council discussed a possible assistant city administrator position and the community development director position but there was not much discussion on a public works director. She distributed an organizational chart from Minnetonka for the Council to review. She indicated that Minnetonka just underwent major restructuring. Discussion took place on some benefits of hiring a public works director and for hiring a community development director. Ms. Johnson stated that with 2011 budget discussions beginning in a couple months it may be more beneficial to delay these discussions until that time. The Council concurred.