4.8. SR 03-15-2021
Request for Action
To Item Number
Mayor and City Council 4.8
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
Consent March 15, 2021 Lauren Wipper, Human Resources Manager
Item Description Reviewed by
Hire Park Maintenance Worker Tim Sevcik, Park and Street Superintendent
Reviewed by
Cal Portner, City Administrator
Action Requested
Approve, by motion, the hiring of Cole Hansen to the position of Park Maintenance Worker effective March 22,
2021.
Background/Discussion
Since Jena Murray resigned last June, we have been working to hire a park maintenance worker. We first talked to
the other two finalists from our interviews in May and were unable to hire either. We went deeper into that pool
and were unable to find a candidate to hire. We then went to market, received 102 applications, and the candidate
we offered the position to was unable to find a place to live in Elk River. We reevaluated the priorities of the
position, went back to market, received 167 applications, interviewed nine candidates, had second interviews with
three candidates, and following background and reference checks and pre-employment testing and screening,
recommend Cole Hansen for the position.
Mr. Hansen gained his related experience while working 10 years for Custom Products in Minneapolis. Custom
Products had contracts with the City of Minneapolis to perform landscaping, turf maintenance, tree trimming, and
snow removal. He has worked as a Class A CDL driver since 2014, most recently for Randy’s Sanitation.
This position is part of the IUOE Local 49 and pay and benefits will be consistent with contract and city policy.
Financial Impact
This is a budgeted position.
Mission/Policy/Goal
N/A
Attachments
None
The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional
service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity.
Updated: August 2020