8.2 SR 05-06-2024The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional service, and community
engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity
Request for Action
To
City Council
Item Number
8.2
Meeting Date
May 6, 2024
Prepared By
Cal Portner, City Administrator
Item Description
Police Chief Recruitment
Reviewed by:
Cal Portner
Lauren Wipper
Tina Allard
Action Requested
Direct, by motion, city staff to solicit quotes for the recruitment for a police chief.
Background/Discussion
Police Chief Ron Nierenhausen has announced his retirement from law enforcement and public service
effective May 31, 2024, after 35 years of faithful service. The city practice is to go to market for employee
replacements. A police chief recruitment requires additional layers of evaluation and possible testing. The city
administrator recommends using an executive recruitment firm to conduct the search.
The Elk River Police Department has at least two viable candidates who are encouraged to apply. Staff will
review the job description to ensure relevant experience is accounted for to provide the strongest pool of
candidates.
In the interim, the city administrator recommends the administrative captain and patrol captain continue in
their roles and manage the department in the upcoming absence of the chief taking the necessary actions in
the city's interest.
The city administrator met with nearly the entire department (41 members) who clearly expressed their
support for the captains in the interim.
Financial Impact
The department budget includes sufficient funding due to the delayed hiring/onboarding of the newly added
receptionist, patrol officers, CSOs and the chief vacancy after May 31.
Mission/Policy/Goal
The City of Elk River Mission
Attachments
None
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