4.3 SR 07-06-2020
Request for Action
To Item Number
Mayor and City Council 4.3
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
Consent July 6, 2020 Lauren Wipper, Human Resources Representative
Item Description Reviewed by
Compensation for Part Time Cablecaster Cal Portner, City Administrator
Reviewed by
Action Requested
Approve pay increase for part time cablecaster to $19 per hour.
Background/Discussion
The cablecaster’s primary responsibility is to prepare for and record city meetings, and shoot scheduled events
and production work. It is part-time, 25 hours per week and mostly nights, weekends, and some holidays.
Current starting pay is $14.94 per hour. We went to market for this position and advertised heavily, reached out
to schools, and left the vacancy deadline open. We received one application from a candidate who didn’t meet
the requirements for the position.
A survey of our peer cities was completed to gauge the current market and is attached for your consideration.
Pay ranges vary quite a bit. Staff would recommend setting the rate slightly higher than the rate paid by the
cities of Ramsey and Champlin to be able to attract an applicant pool for this tight market. With the
multipurpose facility coming online shortly, there could further be a need for this position to assist with video
sponsorship promos for the new scoreboard.
Financial Impact
Pay for this position is defined each year in the Compensation Plan for Non-Organized Employees rather than
our compensation plan for regular positions. This position is PERA eligible but with no other benefits. It is
anticipated this rate will increase by the approved Cost of Living Adjustments each year. This pay rate has not
been tested in the market for quite some time as the position has been filled.
Attachments
Pay Comparison Survey with Peer Cities
Position Description
The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional service, and
community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity
Part-time Cablecaster
City
Champlin Contracted with cable commission (QCTV) $17-18.50
Chanhassen Part time city recorder $22.53-33.80
Fridley No similar position -
Golden Valley Contracted with cable commission $16 per hour w/no experience
$17-18 per hour w/experience
With Target’s new minimum wage of $15 per hour they
are considering a reassessment for an increase
Hastings No response
New Brighton Contracted with cable commission $33 per hour up to 144 hours
$40 for add’l services
Prior Lake Part-time, $14.75
Minimum 3 hours
Ramsey Contracted with cable commission (QCTV) QCTV part time $17-18.50
White Bear Lake $55 per hour up to 2 hours
For time exceeding 2 hours, $23/hr
Otsego Don’t video record -
Rogers Don’t video record -
Big Lake Contracted $75 per meeting
Buffalo Meetings only: $50/hr w/guarantee of 1 hr.
Contract out for other production work
Elk River $14.94
Comment from QCTV: The part time market for these duties is tight. We recently went through an upgrade of the wages for part-time
staff in 2019. We offer $17 per hour to start. Once experienced and available to do gov’t meetings, the wage can be $18.50 per hour. These
positions are PERA eligible but no other benefits.
City of Elk River
Part-time Cablecaster
Position Description
Department: Accountable to:
Administration City Clerk
Pay Grade: FLSA Status: Last Updated:
$14.94/hour – 4 hour minimum per evening Non-exempt 12/2018
Position Summary
The Cablecaster prepares equipment, DVDs, videotapes, and other material for live telecast and
video/audio recording of city meetings for the cable channel and webcasting. Monitors technical
problems and reports them to the cable coordinator; and performs other tasks as assigned.
Essential Functions
1. Videotapes and cablecasts for city meetings.
A. Prepares equipment, DVDs tapes, and materials for live telecast and video recording
of city meetings.
B. Creates video agendas with a graphics generator.
C. Prepares Council Chambers for meetings.
D. Closes City Hall after meetings.
E. Communicates with the Cable Coordinator to facilitate any pre/post production
arrangements that may be necessary for meeting and program coverage.
F. Monitors equipment in the control room and Council Chambers meeting room and
notes any technical problems and/or discrepancies and reports them to the Cable
Coordinator
G. Monitors signal quality of the cablecast on the cable system and the video recorders.
H. Operates equipment for webcasting of city meetings on the Internet.
I. Completes logs and media labeling, and shuts off necessary systems when meeting
coverage is completed.
J. Responsible for all instructions, procedures, and policies governing the live cablecast,
webcast, and video recording of city meetings.
K. Occasional filming and production work on editing equipment.
L. Performs other such duties as are consistent with the tasks of the position and as
may be assigned.
2. Performs other essential job duties.
A. Regular and timely work attendance.
B. Follows all safety procedures.
C. Participates in safety training.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Ability to work flexible hours as needed.
Ability to lift equipment.
Ability to adhere to all Cable Television Channel Usage Guidelines.
S/Administration/Cable/PT Cable caster
Ability to follow all city Safety Policies.
Ability to present a positive and professional image of the city to the public.
Ability to work independently and assume responsibilities with minimal direct supervision.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with city staff, City Council,
boards and commissions and the public.
Minimum Qualifications
Vocational or technical training in video/audio production or demonstrated equivalent
experience.
Demonstrated experience with personal computer environment.
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Ability to work evening shifts.
Minimum age of 18 in accordance with Minnesota Child Labor Standards.
Valid driver’s license and good driving record.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of government affairs.
Knowledge of PowerPoint and Word software.
Minimum of one year experience with multi-camera meeting coverage.
Operational proficiency with equipment including, but not limited to: automated camera
systems, video switchers, tuners/monitors, audio mixers, digital video recorders, audio and
videotape recorders, graphics and title generators, computers, scan converters, LCD
projectors, audio/video routers, editing equipment, and public address systems.
Ability to operate other equipment or technology necessary for televised coverage of city
meetings.
Attendance
Monthly attendance of meetings is required.
This Position Description is not intended to be all-inclusive. It is within the City of Elk River’s discretion
to assign additional duties and responsibilities or remove duties and responsibilities at any time.
This Position Description does not constitute a Contract of Employment.
S/Administration/Cable/PT Cable caster