2021.05.17 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Hugo City Council Meeting Minutes for May 17, 2021 Page 5 of 7 Approve Hiring of Russ Pastorious as Summer Seasonal Staff One of the six seasonal positions approved remained unfilled as a past seasonal employee was not able to return this summer. Seasonal Public Works Employees assist with mowing, garbage/litter removal, park maintenance, and street and boulevard maintenance along with general public works maintenance. Adoption of the Consent Agenda approved the hiring of Russ Pastorius as a seasonal employees for the public works department. Approve Revised Building Inspector Job Description and Advertisement for Position Community Development Director Rachel Juba talked about the staffing of the Community Development Department that included a Building Official, Building Inspector, and Building Department Receptionist. She explained that staff kept track of the number of permits and inspections each month. Commercial, industrial, and residential development had been increasing in the City over the last few years which increased related building permits and inspections required. Juba provided statistics from the past years that showed permits in 2020 doubled from 2019, and were up over 30% from last year at this time. There were also large projects such as the Public Works building, White Bear Lake School Transportation Facility and a new elementary school underway, which would increase inspections. She explained the department also tracked residential lot developments, and there were approximately 200 residential lots available for new construction in the City. Juba recommended Council approve the hiring of another building inspector. The position was not budgeted for, but a planner position had been budgeted and had not been filled. Miron made motion, Klein seconded, to approve the revisions to the Building Inspector job description and authorize to advertisement for a new Building Inspector position. All Ayes. Motion carried. Discussion on Vacancy in the Finance Department City Administrator Bryan Bear discussed with Council the need to fill the vacancy in the Finance Department. He explained the lack of transition and separation of duties led to challenges because duties were not shared. He stated the City was in extremely good financial position, and there was very capable staff in the Finance Department. He stated this was a key position that would eventually need to filled, and he talked about the importance to have the right financial philosophy. A Financial Director would advise and make recommendation on all financial matters. Bear talked about the need for an interim solution and a permanent solution. The permanent solution would be to find a new Finance Director, and the recruitment process could take up to six months. He stated he would like to come back to Council with recommendations on how the process should occur. He talked about the immediate need to appoint an Interim Finance Director to manage the day-to-day operations, finish the audit, begin the budget cycle and work on upcoming bond related issues. An Interim Finance Director would assign and reallocate work and would require support. Bear stated he would like to hire outside help to assist specific staff