4.9 SR 04-03-2023To
Mavor and City Council
Agenda Section Meeting Date
Consent Agenda April 3, 2023
Item Description
Hire Assistant City Administrator/Business Services
Director
Request for Action
Item Number
4.9
Prepared by
Lauren Wipper, Human Resources
Reviewed by
Cal Portner, Cii � Administrator
Reviewed by
Action Requested
Approve, by motion, the hiring of Joe Stremcha to the position of Assistant City Administrator/Business Services
Director effective April 30, 2023.
Background/Discussion
When Finance Director Lori Ziemer retired, the finance department and parks and recreation department were
merged and the Assistant City Administrator/Business Services Director position was created. This new position
serves as the department director to the finance, IT, liquor, recreation, and community event center divisions.
We went to market to fill this position and received 30 applications. We held first round interviews with five
candidates and moved three candidates on to second interviews. Following leadership assessments, background
check, another interview with City Administrator Portner, and an interview with the City Council earlier tonight,
we recommend Joe Stremcha for this position.
4.
Mr. Stremcha has been the City Manager for the City of Springfield for the last 4.5 years. He is also an Assistant
Hockey Coach for New Ulm Public School's girls' varsity hockey team. He holds a bachelor's degree in political
science with a minor in public administration.
Mr. Stremcha will start at step A for this position. All pay and benefits will be consistent with city policy.
Financial Impact
This is a budgeted position.
Mission/Policy/Goal
The Elk River Mission
Attachments
None
The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional
service, and ^ommuni y engagement that encourages and inspires pro rperi y.
T I If I I I I I r
NATURE
Updated January 2023
City Council Interview Questions
Assistant City Administrator/Business Services Director
April 3, 2023
Candidate: Joe Stremcha Interviewer: _ _
1. Ask the candidate to introduce himself and include the factors that led him to apply for this position?
2. Based upon your tour of the community and your meetings with our management teams, what things
impressed you about our community and what areas do you see needing attention?
3. Describe how your previous positions have prepared you for this position.
4. As a department head for five divisions located in multiple facilities, how do you stay connected with the
various divisions while still giving sufficient attention to all the other aspects of your position?
5. If hired for this position, what would you do in the first 3 months?
a. Year?
b. Where do you see yourself in 5 years in relation to your career?
c. 10 years?
6. Do you have any questions for the City Council?
7. Open discussion.