HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/24/93CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
May 24, 1993
5:30 p.m.
Large Conference Room
Roll call: Mayor Manning, Lemke, Budak, Dell and Fox.
Members absent: Angel, Buck, Wright.
The purpose of the meeting was the discuss filling the position of
Administrative Services/Finance Director due to the resignation of
Larry P. Burger, Clerk/Auditor. The proposed job description of
same was reviewed which outlines general and specific duties. Said
position would include the coordination of all operational,
financial and personnel activities of the City Clerk's Office,
Human Rights Commission, Personnel Department and the day to day
administrative oversight of the full time staff of the City
Attorney's Office. A pay grade of 65 has been preliminarily
established.
Councilperson Budak disagreed that the proposed job description was
similar to a city manager type of position. It was noted that Mr.
Burger's pay range was 64. Councilperson Budak stated that we are
down -grading the position and it should not be increased to 65.
The Mayor explained that this position would carry the duties
formally assigned to Mr. Burger and act as a division head.
Councilperson Budak noted that the proposed structure would include
the appointment of a city clerk. It was noted that there is a
$2000 pay spread between the acting city clerk position and the
deputy clerk's salary. Mayor Manning noted that all of the
division heads in the city have been established at grade 65. Jim
Rodemeyer, Personnel Director, supported the pay grade 65 position
since it would be difficult to assign duties of division head to
this individual without paying similar wages as other division
heads.
The current salaries of the other division heads in the city were
reviewed including the salary of Don Temeyer, John Meyer, the
Police and Fire Chief, the Park and Recreation division head
position and Mr. Burger's former salary. Mr. Budak expressed his
opposition to a pay grade 65.
Councilperson Dell questioned where the additional monies for said
position would come from. It was noted that the existing budget
would need to support the salary of said individual. It was noted
that the City Clerk position has been preliminarily established at
grade 64. The current difference between the salary of the
Clerk/Auditor and Deputy Clerk is $8000.
Councilperson Dell noted that the Clerk/Auditor's Office currently
has two Deputy Clerk/Auditors, one is preliminarily assigned
financial duties and a third individual serving as budget analyst.
He questioned why there is a need for an individual with heavy
emphasis in the financial area if two individuals in the office
already have expertise in that area. Councilperson Dell indicated
that the Administrative Services Director position has merit but
that individual does need financial expertise.
The Mayor noted that the proposed job description does not exclude
existing staff from applying for said position. He noted that this
is a unique opportunity to restructure the administrative area of
the city by creating a division consisting of the departments noted
above. Councilperson Budak stated that he did not feel that there
is a great need for the creation of this position. Councilperson
Dell stated that existing staff should be looked at in terms of
filling said positions and that he is not quick to jump on the
"financial band wagon".
Councilperson Fox noted that the pay issues is a minor one and that
the financial director is more than a position that "counts beans".
Councilperson Dell noted that the Administrative Services position
could end up as an administrative assistant to the mayor in any
City Council Work Session
May 24, 1993
Page 2
case if they perform the job properly. Councilperson Fox noted
that other division head directors could also serve in this
capacity.
Councilperson Fox supported the concept of a division head noting
that this was an excellent opportunity to form such a division. He
noted that the former Clerk/Auditor had realized a substantial
savings with the hiring of an Insurance Coordinator.
It was noted that the pay range for grade 64 is $34,812 - $53,579
and that the range for pay grade 65 is $37,584 - $58,352. It was
noted that these wide ranges would allow the council to pay the
individual based upon knowledge and experience. Councilperson Fox
urged that the process be initiated with the pay range stated. It
was noted that the establishment of a pay grade has most generally
been set by the Human Resources Committee and not through the City
Council.
Questions were raised as to whether the hiring process for
Administrative Services Director would automatically create an
Administrative Services Division. It was noted that no ordinance
has been developed establishing same. Mr. Rodemeyer noted that the
longer the action on the position is delayed, the longer the
financial director position remains vacant.
It was suggested that the a resolution of intent creating an
Administrative Services Division be drafted and reviewed by the
City Council on Monday, June 7th. An informal vote was taken with
three members of those present supporting the pay range of 65 for
the position of Administrative Services/Finance Director and one
not supporting said pay range.
The Personnel Director was given informal authorization to proceed
with the development of a resolution of intent to establish the
Administrative Services Division.
No official action was taken at said meeting.
With no further discussion, the meeting was adjourned at 6:15 p.m.
Larry P. Burger
City Clerk/Auditor