5.6. HRSR 04-17-1996 *(
City of Item 5.6.
WEIlS di•
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MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Pat Klaers, City Admin'sia •r
DATE: April 1, 1996
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SUBJECT: Economic Development Coordinator
Task Force Update
The Economic Development Coordinator Task Force met with the Executive
Search Consultant Jim Brimeyer on Friday, March 22, 1996. At this
meeting, the Task Force evaluated the position profile and recommended
some changes in this material. Attached for your review is the final version
of the position profile.
One of the items discussed on 3/22/96 was the title of the position. It was the
• consensus of the Task Force that the position title be changed from economic
development coordinator to director of economic development. If this is
acceptable to the City Council, this title change should be approved by
motion of the City Council.
Another issue discussed by the Task Force was the pay range for this
position. The pay range being suggested is 5E versus the current pay range
of 3E, but this pay range change needs to be justified by the comparable
worth point ranking and the actual duties of the position. The starting pay
listed in the community profile of$45-52,000, fits into either pay range. No
action is being requested of the City Council on this issue at this time and
there will be more discussion on this topic at a later date.
Attached for your review are the draft 3/22/96 Economic Development Task
Force minutes.
s:\council\edtfupdt.doc
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13065 Orono Parkway • P.O. Box 490 • Elk River, MN 55330 • (612) 441-7420 • Fax: (612) 441-7425
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Director of Economic Development
Position Profile
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• Elk River
Where city and country flow together...
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The Conwnunity
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° The City of Elk River is located on Hwys. f169 and #10 within a thirty minute drive time to the
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Twin Cities metropolitan area or to St. Cloud. The City is situated at the confluence of the
Iviississippi River and the Elk River creating a peaceful setting for 14,000 residents. Elk River
serves as the county seat of Sherburne County. Sherburne County is currently one of the fastest
growing counties in the State of Minnesota.
HISTORY
The blending of the two rivers created a natural setting for transportation and trade and in 1849
Bottlers established a trading post. At about the same time, a farmer named Oliver H. Kelley
craved out his own plot of land in the area. In 1867, Kelley founded an organization known as
the Grange which grew nationwide to nearly one million members and over the years has helped
to improve social and economic conditions for hunters. Today the Kelley Pane is a living
wry farm where visitors can experience life from the years 1860 to 1876 in authentic detail.
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COMMERCE AND DEVELOPMENT
An historic downtown area with active retail
and businesses serves residents in the
surrounding trade area. In addition,
° substantial commercial and retail development
has taken place along the Highway 169
collider and the Highway 10 corridor has
excellent potential for additional retail and
industrial development. Several industrial
m sites are located adjacent to major
transportation links and house a variety of
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The Kelley Fame
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United Power Association is the City's largest tax payer and employs 431 workers. UPA supplies 3
electricity to 15 dista'butiion cooperatives in Minnesota and Wisconsin. In 1988 they constructed a x
receiving and storage building which has since become part of the Anoka County Resource Recovery
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ty. Municipal solid waste is brought to tine facility from five counties and recycled or processed ‘e
or fuel. A $2.2 million expansion of the plant was completed in 1993. �o
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The Sherburne County Courthouse also expanded in 1993 and currently employs 265. The Guardian
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Angels nursing facility employs 230 and has recently completed oounstruction of a third wing.
Numerous manufacturing companies are located in the City's five industrial parks. Elk River
Industrial Park is a fully developed 80-acre park. Another business park has a 40-acre capacity with is
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the potential to expand an additional 20 acres. Two office projects were completed in 1992 with a N
total space of 15,300 square feet,
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In 1994, infrastructure improvements supported the development of a 310,000 0
opm square foot retail cent= �
on a 52-acre site. Tenants include Target, Wendy's International,Taco Bell, and First National Bank a
of Elk River. Recent developments include Hillside Crossing -a 14-acre commercial site housing Sax
Food and Drug. A new 160,000 square foot Menards is currently ender construction on Highway
169.
EDUCATION/HEALTH CARE
The City's largest employer is Independent School District 728 with 600 employees. The School
District serves nearly 8,000 students. The public school system includes a high school, two junior
• h schools, and seven elementary schools. Five parochial schools serve students from 5-12.
unity Education offers many classes for children and adults. In addition, a technical college and a
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a mniunity college are located nearby and universities arc found in Minneapolis and St. Cloud. m
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A regional hospital located in Coon Rapids is within a 15 minute drive. Medical,dental, optometric, N
chiropractic, and veterinary facilities are found within the con!mlmity. The Rum River Medical Clinic
is comprised of 15 family practice physicians. The Guardian Angels long-term care facility serves the
needs of the elderly and includes a 36-unit apartment building for moderate income clients.
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PARKS AND RECREATION/COMfUNITY EVENTS
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Elk River maintains 13 parks and a State park is located in the area. Lake Orono offers residents • •
• a variety of recreational water activities. A grand 4th of July celebration is held at Orono Park
on the lake. Events include music, family games, food, and a water ski show. A fireworks
display ends the day. The Sherburne County Fair is an annual summer event which features a
parade, tides, and exhibits.
Among the many organizations and clubs available to join are the Art Guild, Arts Council,
C.ornmnnity Band and Chorus, Land of Lakes Choirboys, and the Elk River Community Theater. M�
A variety of active fraternal and service organizations are available. Also serving the community .,:
m is the Elk River Public Library which is part of the Great River Regional Library.
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Lake Oron(!
CITY SERVICES
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m Police protection is provided by 15 sworn officers, a 19 member reserve force, and three •
community service officers. The 35 member volunteer Fire Department is headed by a full-time
Fire Chin' ff. The Fire Department also responds to medical
emergencies and supplements the
local ambrniaaoe service. The City owns and operates an off-sale liquor store.
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The City of Elk River offers municipal sewer and water services. The mmicipal water supply is .
drawn from a series of wells. The storage capacity exceeds 2 million gallons. The wastewater
N treatment plant has a current capacity of over 1 million gpd and is undergoing expansion to
acconu modate 2.2 gpd. Electrical power is distributed through the Elk River Municipal Utilities
Q and the Anoka Electric Cooperative. The City of Elk River contracts through private haulers to •
provide weekly refuse service and biweekly recycling services.
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In 1980 the City established a Housing and Redevelopment Authority. In 1988 the City established an
Economic Development Authority which is charged with promoting the City's development efforts. tD
Cite Organization
The City of Elk River was incorporated in 1 890 and was consolidated in 1977 with Elk River '0
Township resulting in a 44 square mile municipal corporation. The governing body consists of a
Mayor, elected at large, and four Councilmesmbers. The City employs a total of 62 full-time
el and 37
personnel part-time workers. The general fund budget for 1996 is$4.2 million.
The Position
The Director of Economic Development position was created in 1987. The position reports to the City °'
Adn, nistrator and is responsible for economic development activities for the City including marketing,
analysis of financial assistance resources, and serving as liaison to commerce and industry developers.
The position also bolds the title of Executive Director for the Economic Development Authority and
the Housing Redevelopment Authority. Specific responsibilities include: .
* Assist in the preparation of an annual work plan and implement economic development plans as
directed by the City Council, HRA,and EDA.
* Represent the interests of the department with other City officials, government agencies, community
organizations,developers, and the general public.
* Attract new development and assist in the retention and expansion of the current industrial and
commercial businesses.
* Provide information regarding land and building availability,markets, work force availability,taxes,
transportation,utilities,and financing to businesses.
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likerform marketing and promotional functions.
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* Work with the Finance Director to develop strategies for the allocation of financial assistance
including Tax Increment Financing,Industrial Revenue Bonds, Community Development Grants, N
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Federal, State and local funds, and the City's Revolving Loan Fund.
* Coordinate development issues with the City Administrator, City Planner, Building and Zoning
Administrator and Finance Director.
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* Make frequent oral and written reports on development issues.
* Develop and monitor the departmental budget.
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i Background and Experience
Qualified candidates will have a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or Public
411 Administration and a minimum of five years experience in economic development with an
emphasis on marketing and public/private financing. Five to seven years experience in municipal
gov n meat is desired The highly qualified candidate will possess:
* Significant experience in the development of public/private partnerships.
* Broad understanding of public financing techniques including Tax Increment Financing and
N various grants and loans including SBA, DTED, and Initiative Funds. Experience in using
private lenders and knowledge of bank guidelines and tax law.
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a * Corme buns to other professionals in the industrial development area.
* Eirperience working with elected officials and an understanding of the political process.
* Experience in cooperative efforts with county economic development officials.
* Experience in developing successful business incubator programs.
* Understanding of planning and zoning concepts.
* Knowledge of creative marketing techniques.
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ti Metropolitan municipal al experience is desirable.
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Management Capabilities
Bea proficient spokesperson for the City along with the Mayor and EDA Chairman. Serve as the
u contact person on development issues. Be active in the Chamber of Commerce and service
clubs.
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* Take an aggressive and competitive approach towards putting programs together while being
mindful of City policies.
• Maintain close communication with elected officials and City staff to keep them informed of the m
ro of development projects.
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progress proj ••
* Be able to make decisions and willing to act independently within the government framework.
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' Recognize the strengths and capabilities of others and be able to coordinate an effective project
team. W
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* Be regarded as friendly,positive, and helpful-
* Deal honestly and directly with people while remaining tactful.
• Have the ability to explain complex financial proposals to developers and elected officials.
Position Priorities
* Meet with the business and industry leaders to gain an understandeng of the industrial leadership in
the City. Learn the operations of the City's companies.
Council, the EDA, and the HRA in developing policies and strategies concerning public A
and City subsidies.
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* Initiate a strategic planning program focusing on long-range goals. co
* Maintain a relationship with the City's current businesses and encourage their growth and future
expansions.
* Continue to attract business to the industrial parks with an emphasis on light industry.
* Implement an industrial business incubator program working closely with the County and the EDA
consultant.
* As municipal utilities are extended, work with adjacent property to allow for industrial expansion. v
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• Utilize private sector contacts and work towards achieving more public and private sector
arrangements.
11111 • Maintain the City's Star City designation. S
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a Assist in the effort to promote a viable retail environment, working towards filling vacancies in
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the downtown and mall areas.
Announcement u ?
a Direc 0 to S52,000.Economic Development; City of Elk River, MN(pop. 14,000). Starting salary range
responsible
light Position is rrspo for all economic development activities including
n ght iar}ustria1,commercial, retail, and office development. Position reports to the City
Administrator and serves as Executive Director to the Economic Development Authority and
T Housing Redevelopment Authority. Qualified candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in
Public or Business Administration and a minimum of S-7 years in economic development and •
redevelopment. Desirable experience includes successful programs in business retention and
expansion, downtown revitalization,and demonstrated job creation strategies. Send resume by
4126196 to:James L. Bnmeyer, The Brimeyer Group Executive Search, 904 Mainstreet#205,
Hopkins,MN 55343, (612)9450246,fax: (612)945-0102, E-mail: BrimGroup@aol.com
Tlntetable
4/26/96 Deadline for Application
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to 5/14/96 Presentation of Candidates
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,o Week of 6/3196
Interviews, Selection
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N• July, 1996 Start Date
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* Utilize private Lector contacts and work towards achieving more public and private sector
i arrangements,
• • Maintain the City's Star City designation.
: • Assist in the effort to promote a viable retail environment, working towards filling vacancies in
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the downtown sad mall arras.
•A,tnorraeemeirl ;�
N Director of Foanomic Development; City of Elk River, MN(pop. 14,000). Starting salary range ,ii1 -.
$45,000 to$52,000. Position is responsible for all economic development activities including
a light industrial, commercial, retail, and office development. Position reports to the City
n Administrator and serves as Executive Director to the Economic Devel
opmeat Authority and
r Housing Redevelopment Authority. Qualified candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in
Public or Business Administration and a minimum of 5-7 years in economic development and
redevelopment. Desirable experience includes successful programs in business retention and
expans ion, downtown revitalization, and demonstrated job creation strategies. Send resume by
4/26/96 to: James L. Brimeper, The Brimeyer Group Executive Search, 904 Mainstreet#205,
Hopkins,MN 55343, (612)945-0246,fax: (612)945-0102, E-mail: BrimGroupaaol.com
7htetabte
4/26196 Deadline for Application
ti ,.: F
r 5/14/96 Presentation of Candidates
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4 Week of 6/3/96 °
r Interviews, Selection
N• July, 1996 Start Date ..
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MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
• ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TASK FORCE
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY HALL
FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 1996
Members Present: Mayor Duitsman, Councilmember Farber, EDA Commissioners
Dwyer and Gongoll, HRA Commissioner Kropuenske, Chamber of
Commerce Representative Houle,Staff Members Klaers and
Johnson
Members Absent: None
The meeting of the Economic Development Task Force was called to order at 7:30 a.m.
Jim Brimeyer of The Brimeyer Group, Inc., the executive search consultant hired by the
city for the filling of the economic development coordinator position was present and
led the discussion on the results of the 25 interviews that were held with community
leaders on March 5 and March 6. The results of these conversations helped form the
draft economic development coordinator position profile. Input received helped Jim in
defining the management capabilities and position priorities that are included in the
profile. The Task Force went through the draft position profile page by page and offered
1111 comments for changes in the profile so that it would more accurately reflect the position
and community.
The reporting relationship for the position was reviewed and discussed. It was the
consensus of the Task Force that the employee should be the executive director for the
EDA and HRA, but must report directly to the city administrator. The employee would
have the independence to formulate his/her own staff report to the EDA, HRA, and City
Council, but, at a minimum, the city administrator must be advised as to the
recommendations on various proposals and projects.
Discussion took place regarding the pay range necessary for this position in order to
attract quality applicants. Jim reviewed with the Task Force his recent experiences in the
city of Northfield. After further discussion it was the consensus of the Task Force that the
responsibility of the position as outlined and discussed is more than the former economic
development coordinator position. The Task Force agreed to recommend a change in
the title to the City Council to call the position director of economic development. The
Task Force also felt that based on an analysis of the work assignments a change in
comparable worth point ranking and a pay range change of 5E should be
recommended to the City Council. The current pay range is 3E for the economic
development coordinator. Staff explained that in order to increase a pay range, the
position's point ranking must also change. Staff further explained that a change in point
ranking must be justified through changes in position responsibilities and duties and that it
may be most appropriate to reevaluate this after the candidate is selected.
Extensive discussion took place regarding "what the position is to do" once an employee
• is hired. The need for an overall economic development strategic plan was discussed.
Jim reviewed hit experiences in developing a strategic plan for the city of Hopkins and
The Brimeyer Group, Inc.
EXECUTIVE SEARCH CONSULTANTS
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904 Mainstreet
Suite 205
Hopkins,MN 55343
City of Elk River
Economic Development Coordinator
Suggested Search Timetable
2/27/96 Authorization to Proceed
3/1 to 3/15/96 Gather Information for Profile
3/22/96 Place Announcement
3/22/96 Approve Profile
• 7:30 AM
3/27 to 4/25/96 Recruit Candidates
4/26/96 Deadline for Applications
4/29 to 5/10/96 Review, Screen Candidates
30-_.
596 Progress Report
5/20 to 5/31 Check References, Verify Credentials
Week of 6/3/96 Interviews, Selection
July 1, 1996 Start Date
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(612)945-0246 • fax(612)945-0102