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<br /> <br /> STAFF REPORT <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />TO: Mayor Fischer and Members of the City Council <br /> <br />FROM: Bill Dircks, Public Works Director <br /> <br />DATE: February 12, 2025 <br /> <br />RE: Public Works Supervisor - Utilities <br /> <br /> <br />ACTION TO BE CONSIDERED: <br />Motion to approve the reclassification of Chris Utech to Public Works Supervisor - Utilities. <br /> <br />BACKGROUND: <br />With the creation of the Public Works Supervisor - Buildings and Stormwater position, the <br />Public Works Supervisor - Utilities position has a vacancy. There is an internal candidate <br />perfectly suited to being promoted to the Utilities Supervisor position. Chris Utech has been <br />working for Little Canada in a Maintenance I capacity since May 22, 2023. He came to the City <br />of Little Canada with an extensive background in sewer and water controls, and had a number of <br />years of experience working for the contractor that we used for lift station, booster station, and <br />water tower controls. He is familiar with the equipment and also has proven to be a quick <br />learner in all other facets of the department, including operating plow trucks and other large <br />equipment. He has also displayed a willingness to learn more and to pitch in and help whenever <br />he is needed. <br /> <br />Beyond his experience is his manner and personality. He is humble, has a great attitude, and gets <br />along with everyone he deals with, from co-workers to contractors to property owners. He has <br />the right attitude for being a leader in the department and his collaborative personality will be a <br />great benefit in the new structure of the Public Works Department. <br /> <br />Staff recommends a reclassification of Chris Utech from his current position as Public Works <br />Maintenance 1 to Grade 8, Step 1 of the open Public Works Supervisor - Utilities position. Mr. <br />Utech will then be evaluated in December and placed on the normal schedule of step increases <br />subject to satisfactory performance. <br /> <br />FINANCIAL IMPACT: <br />The reclassification of the Public Works Maintenance I position to Public Works Supervisor - <br />Utilities was anticipated in last year’s budget process and was included in the 2025 budget. An <br />allocation of $20,000 was also included in the 2025 budget for project management services. If <br />these services are no longer needed, the $20,000 may be reallocated toward other staffing costs. <br /> <br />STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS: <br />Staff recommends approving the promotion of Chris Utech to Public Works Supervisor – <br />Utilities.