04-26-2017 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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STAFF REPORT TO: Mayor Keis and Members of City Council FROM: Bill Dircks, Public Works Director DATE: April 20, 2017 RE: Full Time Public Works Employee Hire Staff received 27 applications for the open Public Works position created when Bryce Shearen accepted the Parks and Recreation/Community Services Manager position. Seven of the applicants were selected to be interviewed. Two of the interview candidates had already accepted new jobs so the remaining five candidates were interviewed on Wednesday, April 19 by a panel consisting of the Public Works Director, Joe Steele, and Lisa Krieger. Following the interviews, the panel unanimously selected Mr. Todd Jagoe to fill the position. Mr. Jagoe was a machinist for 20 years prior to accepting a job as an inspector with Elfering & Associates last year. He worked closely with public works staff on the road construction projects last summer and the staff all felt he would be a great fit for the department. He already has a Class B Commercial Driver’s License and picked up valuable experience last year inspecting utility and street installations. Most importantly, he had extensive contact with the public throughout the projects in Little Canada and Arden Hills and proved to be adept at dealing with residents and business owners with a calm demeanor, listening to them, and then working with them to find a solution to various problems. Those skills are important for the Public Works position as he will be dealing with residents, contractors, and business owners quite regularly. Mr. Jagoe has displayed a great attitude and a willingness to learn everything he can about public works. He is also familiar with the computer programs the department uses, which is important as we try to integrate technology more and more into our operation. As you may know, Mr. Jagoe’s wife, Jessica, is currently employed at Little Canada as the Associate Planner/Code Enforcement Officer. The Personnel Policy addresses relatives working at the City by saying: “No person shall henceforth be appointed to a position that would require direct supervision of such person’s relative.” In this case, there is very little overlap between the two jobs and neither position is in direct supervision of the other position. Staff recommends offering the Public Works position to Mr. Jagoe with a start date of May 1 and a starting wage of $22.25. Subject to a satisfactory six month probationary period Mr. Jagoe would then receive a raise to $22.81. On January 1, 2018 he would receive a cost of living adjustment. On May 1, 2018 he would advance to step one of the scale. On January 1, 2019 he would advance to step two of the scale and would then receive raises on January 1 in the years following. He will also be required to obtain a Class D Wastewater Collection System License by December 31, 2017 and a Class D Water License by June 1, 2018. (Note: This follows the wage scale for this position using the stated starting amount as the beginning point.)