8.1. SR 12-19-2005
Item # g . 1.
MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
Mayor and City Council
Scott Clark, Community Development Direct~
December 19,2005
DATE:
SUBJECT:
Authorization to Proceed with Hiring a Planning Manager
The purpose of this memorandum is to seek authorization to start the hiring process for a
Planning Manager position (the previous employee held the tide ofPIanning Director but
the position is being renamed illustrating a few less responsibilities). The goal will be to have
a new person hired by mid to late February, and it will be important to select an individual
by that time as the Department moves into the busy planning and building months. In
addition, one of the two existing planning positions also provides services to the park
department, and it is anticipated that the work load for that particular function will be higher
than usual in 2006.
The Personnel Committee met and is recommending that this position be slotted at the 6E
pay range (former position was 7E) which will have a pay range of $54,749 to $72,046, based
on the recommended 2006 pay resolution rates.
Recommendation
Staff recommends the authorization process to commence for the hiring of a Planning
Manager within the 6E hiring range.
S: \ Community Development\Scott Clark\ CC 10-19-05 Planning Superviosr.doc
City of Elk River
Planning Manager
Position Description
Department:
Communi
Pay Grade:
6E
Positions Supervised:
Senior Planner, Park Planner/Planner, Administrative Plannin
FLSA Status:
Exem t
Immediate Supervisor:
Communi Develo ment Director
Last Updated: (date)
12/13/2005
Assistant
Position Summary
The Planning Manager is responsible for researching and analyzing the comprehensive plan and
zoning issues; reviews development proposals; provides information to callers about planning and
zoning matters; coordinates activities relating to current and long range planning issues, coordinates
activities of the Planning Commission, and supervises planning staff.
Essential Functions
1. Develops and administers the City's comprehensive plan.
A. Plans, directs, and presents the development/revision of comprehensive plan.
B. Designs/develops or updates portions of the comprehensive/master plan.
e. Prepares projections and plans for land use, zoning, land subdivision, streets, schools
and parks.
D. Reviews and approves planning staff evaluations of development plans and land use
requests, variance, rezoning, and conditional use permits, ensuring compatibility and
consistency with development goals/plans.
E. Monitors law changes and recommends/drafts revisions to zoning and subdivision
ordinances and city land-use regulations, plans, policies, and procedures.
F. Coordinates long-range land-use planning, future zoning, and subdivision
development with other jurisdictions.
2. Administers the zoning and subdivision ordinance.
A. Provides interpretation of zoning and subdivision ordinance.
B. Regularly updates the zoning and subdivision ordinance.
3. Coordinates activities for Planning Commission and/or Board of Zoning Adjustments.
A. Oversees and participates in preparation of agenda and agenda materials.
B. Schedules meetings and notifies members of Planning Commission of upcoming
meetings.
e. Receives and responds to correspondence for Planning Commission and/or Board
of Zoning Adjustments.
D. Attends appropriate planning and planning-related meetings.
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4. Reviews development plans/requests.
A. Establishes and coordinates plan review/procedures, and ensures
preparation/ development of proposals/recommendations for Planning Commission.
B. Analyzes and reviews ordinance amendments, rezoning variance, conditional use and
platting requests, and submits to appropriate agencies or department.
C. Analyzes and reviews capital improvement projects for compliance with the
comprehensive plan.
D. Coordinates preparation of development agreements and financial guarantees for
development projects.
5. Provides and obtains planning advice and/or information.
A. Responds to questions from citizens, civic groups, etc., on interpretation of overall
plans, city projects, or ordinances.
B. Meets with developers, citizens, and neighborhood groups to explain a development
plan and the plan's compatibility with overall plan and applicable regulations.
C. Presents cases and reports on studies and plans to citizen groups, commissions, and
governing board.
D. Establishes and maintains communication with other jurisdiction's interests.
6. Performs communication activities.
A. Composes documents and edits written material.
B. Writes routine correspondence and reports.
C. Delivers presentations to various internal and external groups to provide
information, encourage use of services, request approval.
D. Receives and responds to requests for information and complaints.
8. Supervises planning staff.
A. Directs the workload of the Planning Division.
B. Performs timely annual performance reviews of all employees supervised
C. Serves as part of the Community Development Department's management team.
D. Assists the Community Development Director in developing strategic goals and
objectives as directed by the City Council and the City's various boards and
COmtnlSSlons.
E. Assists in developing/monitoring Planning Division budget.
9. Administers special planning projects.
A. Coordinates special planning projects working with internal City and other
governmental entities.
B. Initiates request for professional services as needed.
C. Selects and manages contracts.
D. Coordinates consultant services with staff and Boards and Commissions/City
Council.
10. Performs other essential job duties.
A. Regular and timely work attendance.
B. Follows all safety procedures.
C. Participates in safety training.
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Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
D Skill to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to a variety of groups.
D Skill to research and conduct studies related to land economics, property uses, and trends.
D Ability to manage several projects at one time.
D Ability to interpret and apply zoning ordinances, subdivision laws and regulations.
D Ability to understand and apply urban planning principles and practices.
D Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the City Council,
Planning Commission, developers, residents and community groups, and other employees.
D Ability to supervise staff and motivate employees to work to their full potential.
D Ability to remain up-to-date on professional knowledge and skills.
D Ability to review and update maps.
Minimum Qualifications
D Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning or related field.
D Five years experience in municipal planning.
D One year supervisory experience.
Preferred Qualifications
D Master's Degree in Urban Planning or Public Administration.
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