02-13-2019 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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STAFF REPORT TO: Mayor Keis and Members of City Council FROM: Chris Heineman, City Administrator DATE: February 13, 2019 RE: Approval of Finance Director Employment Agreement ACTION TO BE CONSIDERED: The City Council is asked to consider Approval of the Finance Director Employment Agreement BACKGROUND: The City of Little Canada Finance Director position has been open since December 19th, 2018 due to the resignation of former Finance Director Sharon Provos. A job posting for a full-time Finance Director position was published in multiple locations, including the League of Minnesota Cities website. Applications were accepted through the end of the day on Friday, December 28. A total of 14 highly qualified candidates submitted applications for the position. Staff reviewed all applications and resumes and selected six applicants for a preliminary interview process. The leadership team interviewed each of the six candidates on Tuesday, January 22 and Wednesday, January 23rd. Staff utilized a list of 15 interview questions plus a pre-interview writing exercise to evaluate the applicants. All of the candidates had a substantial level of accounting and management experience, and three candidates had prior experience as a Finance Coordinator or Finance Director. Brenda Malinowski was selected from the group of candidates as a finalist to move forward to the next phase of the interview process, which included a meeting with Mayor Keis and a second interview with Council members McGraw and Fischer. Brenda has over 21 years of municipal finance experience including approximately 19 years with the City of Cottage Grove. She is an active member of the Minnesota Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) and has extensive experience with accounting, utility billing, capital improvement planning, budgeting, and the municipal audit process. The final interview was conducted on January 30th. Following the final interview process, staff conducted a background review. Ms. Malinowski passed both the criminal and reference checks with flying colors. She received high marks and an unreserved recommendation from each of her references, with several saying that they would hire her again if given the opportunity. She is a self-starter with a high level of understanding of all municipal finance roles and responsibilities. Brenda was often the go-to person for anything from gathering data to detailed analysis. We were lucky to have such a qualified candidate! RECOMMENDED ACTION: Staff recommends Approval of the Finance Director Employment Agreement between the City of Little Canada and Brenda Malinowski.