HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report- Fire ChiefSTAFF REPORT
DATE: August, 25, 2020
REGULAR
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
AGENDA ITEM: Appointment of Fire Chief
SUBMITTED BY: Jake Dickson, Assistant City Administrator
BACKGROUND:
The Fire Chief position has been vacant since January 10th. In April the City hired Baker Tilly to perform
executive recruiting services for multiple positions. We received 42 applications in response to the Fire
Chief posting. On July 30th and 31st a Technical Panel interviewed 5 semi-finalists, and selected two
finalists to move forward. On August 6th the two finalists participated in an open house with the Lake
Elmo Fire Department, who shared their input and impressions. On August 7th the City’s Management
Team interviewed the two finalists. With the input from the Technical Panel, the Fire Department,
Management Team, and Baker Tilly, staff recommended that Dustin Kalis be hired as Fire Chief.
ISSUE BEFORE COUNCIL:
Should Dustin Kalis be hired as the Fire Chief at the terms described below?
PROPOSAL DETAILS/ANALYSIS:
Staff is recommending the Council hire Dustin Kalis as Fire Chief contingent upon psychological screening
and drug screening. Staff is recommending a start date of September 21st and a starting salary of $98,633.60
FISCAL IMPACT:
Cost of the position including taxes and benefits for the rest of 2020 is $37,110.07. The Fire Chief’s wage
is split amongst two funds. 92% Fire and 8% Building Inspections.
OPTIONS:
1) Hire Dustin Kalis as Fire Chief at the terms described above.
2) Offer the job to Kalis under different terms
3) Offer position to another candidate
4) Re-advertise the position
RECOMMENDATION:
Motion to hire Dustin Kalis as the Fire Chief with a starting wage of $3,793.60 bi-weekly contingent
upon psychological screening and drug screening.
ATTACHMENTS:
None