HomeMy WebLinkAbout#05 - Community Development Director Posting
DATE: February 7, 2023
CONSENT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Kristina Handt, City Administrator
AGENDA ITEM: Approve Community Development Director Job Description and Authorize
Advertising
BACKGROUND:
As we’ve planned in the 2023 budget, the city will be replacing the Planning Director position
with a Community Development Director. A new job description and posting are included in
your packet.
ISSUE BEFORE COUNCIL:
Should the Council approve the new job description and posting for Community Development
Director?
PROPOSAL DETAILS/ANALYSIS:
Since the audit of the planning and building departments (divisions of community development
really) in 2021, we have been talking about transitioning to a Community Development Director
role to oversee all community and economic development functions. This will help improve
internal processes between these divisions as well as give the public a clearer idea of who is
responsible for executing development and responding to concerns in the city.
During the Baker Tilly classification and compensation study they updated job descriptions. They
made updates to job descriptions based upon the information submitted by employees and their
supervisors in completing their position analysis questionnaires and based upon the SAFE criteria
used in evaluating the job. I further added clarification around economic development activities
and made updates based upon a review of this position in other cities. A redlined version of the
new job description is included in your packet.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funding for the Community Development position to start in Q3 2023 is included in the budget.
The position will be placed at grade 12 similar to other department head positions such as Finance
Director and Administrative Services Director.
OPTIONS:
1) Approve the Community Development Director job description and authorize advertising for applications
2) Do not approve the above mentioned changes and advertising the position
RECOMMENDATION:
If removed from consent agenda:
“Motion to approve the Community Development Director job description and authorize
advertising the position.”
ATTACHMENTS:
• Community Development Director Job Description
• Community Development Director Posting
City of Lake Elmo
Job Title: Planning Community Development Director
Department: Planning Community Development
Status: Full-time regular position
Benefits: Qualifies for full-time benefits
Reporting Relationship: Reports to City Administrator
Supervisory Duties: This position exercises supervisionSupervision is exercised over all
Planning Community Development Department staff.
Position Details: This position performs difficult work is to strengthen the health and
vitality of the City through managing planning, development review, redevelopment,
building plan review, inspection, code enforcement, and housing. This position manages the
direct operations of the Planning Community Development Department, meeting statutory
requirements, while administering the City’s Comprehensive Plan. Main functions include
managing development review, enforcing city ordinances and policies, keeping accurate
details and records, providinge clear communication and providinge technical support to the
City Council, or Planning Commission, or Economic Development Authority through reports
and presentations. This positions servers under the general supervision of the City
Administrator. Work involves setting policies and goals. and is responsible, but not limited
to the following duties:
Department Operations:
Monitor revenues and expenditures in assigned areas to assure sound fiscal
control; prepare annual budget requests, assure effective and efficient use of
budgeted funds, personnel, materials, facilities and time
Determine work procedures, prepare work schedules, and expedite workflow;
study and standardize procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness of
operations
Attends City staff meetings, City Council meetings and advisory boards.
Community Planning:
Provide leadership and direction in the development of short and long-range
plans related to growth management, land use, housing, transportation, park,
trails, open space systems, public facilities or other issues to meet the City’s
needs and requirements of the intergovernmental agreements and or State
legislation
Formulate and administer the Comprehensive Plan
Coordinate the comprehensive plan activities with the Metropolitan Council plan,
state and county planning activities
Develop and maintain Lake Elmo’s economic development and redevelopment
programs
Supervise the evaluation of land use proposals for conformity to established plans
and ordinances
Identify strategic opportunities for the use of tax increment financing and other
resources to attract and shape development within the City
Prepares codes and ordinances, recommends amendments, fee structures, etc.
Gather, interpret, and prepare data for studies, reports and recommendations;
coordinates department activities with other departments and agencies as
needed.
Assist with designs for parks, streetscapes, landscapes and other municipal
projects.
Economic Development:
Develop and maintain Lake Elmo’s economic development and redevelopment
programs which includes but not limited to:
• Establishing and strengthening of economic development relationships
with elected officials, business leaders, agencies, developers and citizen
organizations.
• Provide technical assistance to advance economic development
strategies and projects, including financing and incentive tools.
• Promote and market the City as a desirable location in which to locate
or expand a business.
• Update and maintain current economic development information on a
centralized website.
• Performs Staff liaison duties to the Economic Development Authority
and prepares agendas and reports.
• Proficient knowledge of funding sources, grant/loan programs and
financing tools.
Intergovernmental Coordination:
Monitor inter-governmental and legislative decisions affecting department
operations and follow through with appropriate action
Render technical advice to City officials and employees regarding community
development, design standards, land use, and related aspects of physical, social
and environmental planning
Development Review:
Supervise the development review process for submittal of rezoning, subdivision,
special use permit and site plan applications, through analysis of project
proposals, preparation of staff reports and recommendations
Interpret City codes and exercise judgement in applying requirements to cases
which do not fit norms
Deal with developers, design professionals, contractors, business people, citizens
and property owners
Handle controversial issues
Insure the maintenance of accurate record keeping of departmental activities
relating to licenses, permits, development projects and special studies
Interpret and apply development regulations; identify gaps in the ordinance
provisions and recommends ways to address these gaps; prepares ordinance
revisions for consideration by City Council
Work with the City Engineer to ensure that development projects are completed
according to approved plans.
Code Enforcement:
Supervise the enforcement of zoning, housing, and nuisance codes including the
receiving of complaints, field investigations, preparation and notification letters
and court orders, and possible testimony in court hearings to achieve code
compliance
Develop methods for dealing with chronic code enforcement issues and problem
properties
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Establishes and maintains policies and procedures for the Department
Carries out supervisory duties in accordance with the City’s policies and
applicable laws
Responsible for training, planning, assigning and directing work
Responsible for evaluating performance, rewarding employees, disciplining
employees
Responsible for responding to grievances, addressing complaints and addressing
problems of employees
While these are the primary focus of the position, we believe strongly in teamwork and
employees will be called upon to perform a variety of duties as part of their role with the
City.
Position Requirements
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Extensive knowledge of community development programs and process, and the
typical operations of a planning community development department
Extensive experience in business retention, recruitment and marketing.
Ability to supervise a complex set of department functions which involve several
technical disciples, and to manage a complicated work program so that demands
are matched to resources
Ability to read and interpret financial reports, building and site plans,
plats and city service maps.
Ability to think in a creative and strategic manner, to develop alternatives and
specific program proposals designed to achieve effective results consistent with
community goals
Thorough knowledge of how to formulate, implement, and apply comprehensive
plans and specials studies related to community development issues
Thorough knowledge of how to develop, interpret, and apply development
regulations, and to conduct code enforcement activities
Ability to work in a deadline driven, fast paced environment that requires
continual interaction with the public, staff and elected officials.
Ability to handle stressful situations and effectively deal with difficult or angry
people
Familiarity with the Community Development Block Grant program and other
federal and state housing programs
Familiarity of GIS system and how to utilize them in the operation of a planning
community development department
Ability to analyze situations and information, formulate alternatives, and use
sound judgement in drawing conclusions and making decisions
Education: four-yearBachelor’s degree in Community Development, City Planning, Urban
Studies, Geography, Landscape Architect, or related field
Requirements: Minimum of five years’Considerable experience in public sector position and
at least fourextensive years of supervisory experience. This position also requires should
also include in:
• Fully capable in word processing, spreadsheet, Geographic Information System (GIS)
and other computer software
• Knowledge of principles of city planning and urban design
• Knowledge of techniques of problem solving, research procedures, and public
relations
• Valid MN State Driver’s License
Desired Qualifications:
Master’s Degree in Urban Planning, Landscape Architect, Geography or closely
related field
Physical and Mental Requirements: Work is performed in both office and field settings.
Some of the employee’s time is spent in field inspection associated with code enforcement
and development cases. Sufficient mobility is necessary to navigate natural terrain and
construction sites. Visual acuity sufficient to evaluate field conditions, plans and drawings is
necessary. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance, vision,
color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Hand-eye
coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment. This
is light work requiring the exertion of up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10
pounds of force frequently, and a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
**The physical demands described here are representative to those that must be met by an
employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable
accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential
functions.
Working Conditions: While performing duties of this job, the employee is required to sit,
stand, walk, talk and hear, use hands to finger, handle, feel and operate objects, tools or
controls. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move 40 pounds.
Competencies Common to All City Positions:
• Develop, maintain a thorough working knowledge of, and comply with all departmental
and applicable City policies and procedures
• Demonstration by personal example the spirit of service, excellence, and integrity
expected from all staff
• Develop respectful and cooperative working relationships with co-workers, including
willing assistance to newer staff so job responsibilities can be performed with
confidence as quickly as possible
• Confer regularly with and keep immediate supervisor informed of all important matters
which pertain to the applicable job functions and responsibilities
• Represent the City of Lake Elmo in a professional manner to the public, outside
contacts and constituencies
**The work environment characteristics described here are representative to those an
employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable
accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the
essential functions.
Rev 2/23
3880Laverne Avenue North, Lake Elmo, Minnesota, 55042 * 651.747.3900
The City of Lake Elmo offers competitive pay and benefits in addition to professional development opportunities to all employees. The city’s number one value statement is to foster an environment based on trust and ethics. These philosophies and practices help the City in recruiting and retaining exceptional employees.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Accepting Applications for the Position of: Community Development Director
BI-WEEKLY SALARY RANGE: $4,023.20-$5,406.40
ANTICIPATED HIRING RANGE: $4,023.20-$4,664
OPENING DATE: 2/8/23
CLOSING DATE: Open until filled – first round of reviews will start 3/8/23
POSITION TITLE: Community Development Director
DEPARTMENT: Community Development
ACCOUNTABLE TO: City Administrator
Primary Objective of Position
This position performs difficult work to strengthen the health and vitality of the City through managing
planning, development review, redevelopment, building plan review, inspection, code enforcement, and
housing. This position manages the direct operations of the Community Development Department,
meeting statutory requirements, while administering the City’s Comprehensive Plan. Main functions
include managing development review, enforcing city ordinances and policies, keeping accurate details
and records, providing clear communication and providing technical support to the City Council, Planning
Commission, or Economic Development Authority through reports and presentations. This positions
servers under the general supervision of the City Administrator. Work involves setting policies and goals.
Essential Functions of the Position
Department Operations:
Monitor revenues and expenditures in assigned areas to assure sound fiscal control; prepare
annual budget requests, assure effective and efficient use of budgeted funds, personnel,
materials, facilities and time
Determine work procedures, prepare work schedules, and expedite workflow; study and
standardize procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness of operations
Attends City staff meetings, City Council meetings and advisory boards.
Community Planning:
Provide leadership and direction in the development of short and long-range plans related to
growth management, land use, housing, transportation, park, trails, open space systems, public
3880Laverne Avenue North, Lake Elmo, Minnesota, 55042 * 651.747.3900
facilities or other issues to meet the City’s needs and requirements of the intergovernmental
agreements and or State legislation
Formulate and administer the Comprehensive Plan
Coordinate the comprehensive plan activities with the Metropolitan Council plan, state and
county planning activities
Supervise the evaluation of land use proposals for conformity to established plans and
ordinances
Identify strategic opportunities for the use of tax increment financing and other resources to
attract and shape development within the City
Prepares codes and ordinances, recommends amendments, fee structures, etc.
Gather, interpret, and prepare data for studies, reports and recommendations; coordinates
department activities with other departments and agencies as
needed.
Assist with designs for parks, streetscapes, landscapes and other municipal projects.
Economic Development:
Develop and maintain Lake Elmo’s economic development and redevelopment programs which
includes but not limited to:
Establishing and strengthening of economic development relationships with elected
officials, business leaders, agencies, developers and citizen organizations.
Provide technical assistance to advance economic development strategies and projects,
including financing and incentive tools.
Promote and market the City as a desirable location in which to locate or expand a
business.
Update and maintain current economic development information on a centralized
website.
Performs Staff liaison duties to the Economic Development Authority and prepares
agendas and reports.
Proficient knowledge of funding sources, grant/loan programs and financing tools.
Intergovernmental Coordination:
Monitor inter-governmental and legislative decisions affecting department operations and
follow through with appropriate action
Render technical advice to City officials and employees regarding community development,
design standards, land use, and related aspects of physical, social and environmental
planning
Development Review:
Supervise the development review process for submittal of rezoning, subdivision, special use
permit and site plan applications, through analysis of project proposals, preparation of staff
reports and recommendations
Interpret City codes and exercise judgement in applying requirements to cases which do not fit
norms
Deal with developers, design professionals, contractors, business people, citizens and property
owners
Handle controversial issues
Insure the maintenance of accurate record keeping of departmental activities relating to
licenses, permits, development projects and special studies
3880Laverne Avenue North, Lake Elmo, Minnesota, 55042 * 651.747.3900
Interpret and apply development regulations; identify gaps in the ordinance provisions and
recommends ways to address these gaps; prepares ordinance revisions for consideration by
City Council
Work with the City Engineer to ensure that development projects are completed according to
approved plans.
Code Enforcement:
Supervise the enforcement of zoning, housing, and nuisance codes including the receiving of
complaints, field investigations, preparation and notification letters and court orders, and
possible testimony in court hearings to achieve code compliance
Develop methods for dealing with chronic code enforcement issues and problem properties
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Establishes and maintains policies and procedures for the Department
Carries out supervisory duties in accordance with the City’s policies and applicable laws
Responsible for training, planning, assigning and directing work
Responsible for evaluating performance, rewarding employees, disciplining employees
Responsible for responding to grievances, addressing complaints and addressing problems of
employees
While these are the primary focus of the position, we believe strongly in teamwork and employees
will be called upon to perform a variety of duties as part of their role with the City.
Position Requirements
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Extensive knowledge of community development programs and process, and the typical
operations of a community development department
Extensive experience in business retention, recruitment and marketing.
Ability to supervise a complex set of department functions which involve several technical
disciples, and to manage a complicated work program so that demands are matched to
resources Ability to read and interpret financial reports, building and site plans,plats and city
service maps.
Ability to think in a creative and strategic manner, to develop alternatives and specific program
proposals designed to achieve effective results consistent with community goals
Thorough knowledge of how to formulate, implement, and apply comprehensive plans and
specials studies related to community development issues
Thorough knowledge of how to develop, interpret, and apply development regulations, and to
conduct code enforcement activities
Ability to work in a deadline driven, fast paced environment that requires continual interaction
with the public, staff and elected officials.
Ability to handle stressful situations and effectively deal with difficult or angry people
Familiarity of GIS system and how to utilize them in the operation of a community development
department
Ability to analyze situations and information, formulate alternatives, and use sound judgement
in drawing conclusions and making decisions
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Community Development, City Planning, Urban Studies, Geography,
Landscape Architect or related field
Requirements: Considerable experience in public sector position and extensive years of supervisory
experience. This position also requires:
3880Laverne Avenue North, Lake Elmo, Minnesota, 55042 * 651.747.3900
• Fully capable in word processing, spreadsheet, Geographic Information System (GIS) and
other computer software
• Knowledge of principles of city planning and urban design
• Knowledge of techniques of problem solving, research procedures, and public relations
• Valid MN State Driver’s License
Desired Qualifications:
Master’s Degree in Urban Planning, Landscape Architect, geography or closely related field
Physical and Mental Requirements: Work is performed in both office and field settings. Some of the
employee’s time is spent in field inspection associated with code enforcement and development cases.
Sufficient mobility is necessary to navigate natural terrain and construction sites. Visual acuity sufficient to
evaluate field conditions, plans and drawings is necessary. Specific vision abilities required by this job
include close vision, distance, vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to
adjust focus. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office
equipment. This is light work requiring the exertion of up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10
pounds of force frequently, and a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
**The physical demands described here are representative to those that must be met by an employee to
successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to
enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Working Conditions: While performing duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, stand, walk,
talk and hear, use hands to finger, handle, feel and operate objects, tools or controls.
Competencies Common to All City Positions:
• Develop, maintain a thorough working knowledge of, and comply with all departmental and
applicable City policies and procedures
• Demonstration by personal example the spirit of service, excellence, and integrity expected from all
staff
• Develop respectful and cooperative working relationships with co-workers, including willing
assistance to newer staff so job responsibilities can be performed with confidence as quickly as
possible
• Confer regularly with and keep immediate supervisor informed of all important matters which pertain
to the applicable job functions and responsibilities
• Represent the City of Lake Elmo in a professional manner to the public, outside contacts and
constituencies
**The work environment characteristics described here are representative to those an employee
encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be
made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
THIS POSITION IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED, WITH THE FIRST ROUND OF REVIEWS TAKING PLACE 3/8/23
SEND COVER LETTER, RESUME, LAKE ELMO APPLICATION AND REFERENCES TO:
CITY OF LAKE ELMO
ATTN: Kristina Handt, CITY ADMINISTRATOR
3880 LAVERNE AVENUE NORTH, LAKE ELMO, MN 55042
3880Laverne Avenue North, Lake Elmo, Minnesota, 55042 * 651.747.3900
PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.LAKEELMO.ORG FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/APPLICATION
OR CONTACT US AT 651.747.3900
CITY OF LAKE ELMO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER