08-12-2015 Council Workshop Minutes

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MINUTES CUT COUNCIL AUGUST 12, 2015 many do not. The Administrator pointed out that while the melding of the departments will take place over time, he felt there will be cross training between the now separate departments which will provide the City with more flexibility. Keis felt that future hires would be made as combined public works and parks maintenance. The Council indicated their support for elevating the position of Public Works Superintendent to Director and placing responsibility for parks maintenance under this position. The Administrator indicated that the next staff change he would like discussed is the transition of the Code Enforcement Officer/Utility Billing Clerk to Code Enforcement Officer/Planner. He pointed out the history of the current position and indicated that Jessica Jagoe would be obtaining her undergraduate degree in planning at the end of this year. The Administrator also noted that Jagoe has done some planning as part of her code enforcement duties. The Administrator also reported that he discussed this change with the current City Planner who has indicated his support. The Administrator stated that if the change is made he foresaw the City enhancing its in-house skills over the next year. He also pointed out the future potential to save property owners costs related to development reviews. Keis stated that his only concern is that the current planning firm has a broad base of knowledge that is available to the City. The City Administrator felt that even with the change, the City would maintain a working relationship with the current planning firm. Over time he foresaw the arrangement as being on an "as -needed" basis, similar to that with the City Attorney. With the change to Code Enforcement Officer/Planner, the City Administrator indicated the need for a part-time utility billing clerk approximately 12 to 20 hours per week. He also felt that Jagoe would continue to serve as a back-up for utility billing and the front office. Montour stated that he did not want to lose any focus on code enforcement. The City Administrator noted that code enforcement and planning typically go hand-in-hand and felt that the expansion of duties would result in more opportunities for code enforcement. In discussing this proposed change, the Council indicated their support. The City Administrator reported that Bryce Shearen has indicated his interest in participating in a Public Works Leadership Academy Course. The cost is $2,800 and would require some time from work hours. The Administrator indicated that Shearen has a lot of talent and he would like to provide the opportunity subject to a repayment agreement wherein 4