5.0. SR 09-06-1994
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MEMORANDUM
TO:
MAYOR & CITY CO NCIL
MINISTRATOR
The attached letter to Mr. Bruce West outlines the ter s and conditions for
his employment as Elk River's Fire Chief. I feel comfj rtable recommending
this employment package to the City Council. The total package is somewhat
less than what Mr. West would like and somewhat mo e than what the City
would prefer. Overall, I believe the package is reasona Ie and appropriate in
order to retain Mr. West as our Fire Chief.
Most of the recently hired exempt City employees have ad an opportunity to
negotiate terms and conditions of employment. The package offered Mr.
West is similar to what was offered by the City whe we hired our most
recent exempt employee, the City Planner. I reco mend that the City
Council hire Mr. West as our Fire Chief under the te ms and conditions of
employment as outlined in the attached letter.
P.O. Box 490 · 13065 Orono Parkway · Elk River, MN 55330 . (612 441-7420. Fax: (612) 441-7425
FROM:
PAT KLAERS, CITY
DATE:
SEPTEMBER 2, 1994
SUBJECT: FIRE CHIEF
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September 6, 1994
Dear Mr. West:
It was a pleasure meeting with you last Thursday, Sept mber 1, 1994, to
discuss potential terms and conditions of employment fo you to become Elk
River's Fire Chief. This meeting followed the 8/29/94 C uncil meeting where
the Council unanimously voted to have a "contract" neg tiated between you
and City. Additionally, I believe you received most oft e insurance and
benefit related information from our Finance Director w en you came to City
Hall last Thursday. Per our meeting, I am recommend' g to the City Council
that we hire you as our Fire Chief under the following t rms and conditions:
· Beginning Salary - $44,500
· After successfully completing six month proba ion, pay will be
adjusted to $46,250.
· The pay on 1/1/96 will be $48,500. At this poi t your location in the
City Fire Chief pay plan will be established an you will move
through the pay plan consistent with all other ity employees,
· You will start with 20 days of sick time "in the bank" in order to
safeguard you against an emergency situation.
· You will begin with two weeks vacation "in the bank" and will begin
earning vacation at the rate of three weeks pe year. Your rate of
earning vacation will increase according to the established vacation
plan.
· State, local, and national conference attendan
you in a similar manner as to all department
· You will not be allowed to participate in the F'
Association.
· You will be allowed to use the Fire Chief vehic for work purposes
and can take this vehicle home. This vehicle is an old police car
that has been refitted for the Fire Chief. Duri g 1996 budget
discussions, the City Council will consider and valuate the need
will be provided to
ads.
e Department Relief
P.O. Box 490 · 13065 Orono Parkway · Elk River, MN 55330 . (612 441-7420. Fax: (612) 441-7425
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for a new and different type of vehicle for the Fire Chief, but you
should understand that no change is guarant ed regarding the
status ofthe Chiefs vehicle.
· No later than the summer of 1995 (June, July and August) you will
be required to move to a more appropriate firEJ'emergency response
time location. We hope that your new home '1'1 ill be within the City
limits, but this is not a requirement.
· Education and tuition reimbursement will be onsistent with what
is provided to all City employees.
· Your employee benefits will be consistent wit! what is provided to
all of our non union City employees,
· A starting date with the City on Monday, Oct( ber 3, 1994.
I understand that the above employment package is les than you requested,
but I am sure you also understand that the package is sightly more than
what the City desired. The City understands the chang you have to accept
in your insurance expenses and this, in part, allows the Pity to offer a
package that is slightly more than originally desired. A~ in all, I believe the
terms and conditions as outlined are fair and appropria Ie. I look forward to
hearing from you regarding your employment with the ( ity.
Very truly yours,
Patrick D. Klaers
City Administrator