5.3. SR 02-04-2008REQUEST FOR ACTION
To Item Number
Ci Council 5.3.
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
Administration Februa 4, 2008 Lori ohnson, Ci Administrator
Item Description Reviewed by
Authorization Hiring Process for Community Development
Director Reviewed by
Action Requested
The Council is asked to authorize begiiuiuig the hiring process to fill the vacant community development
director position.
Background/Discussion
When the community development director position was vacated, the Council requested that the position
not be filled until the Council had an opportunity to meet to discuss a variety of community development
related questions and issues. Since those planning workshops are underway and it is very likely that it will
take some time to fill this position, I am requesting that the Council authorize starting the process to
recnut a new community development director.
Attached is the current position description for the community development director. No changes to the
position description ox the pay axe recommended. I believe the position description accurately reflects the
duties and responsibilities of the community development director.
Finally, it will be several weeks before the application deadline and some time after that before interviews
are scheduled. Although we have some time before the selection process will begin, the Council should
start to think about Council participation in the process. Past Council involvement in interviewing
department heads has ranged from very limited involvement when the finance duector was hired to the
full Council participating in all interviews when the last community development director was hired.
Each hiring situation is different and the approach may also vary depending on the number of qualified
applicants. I will be prepared to present options and get Council input on the interview and selection
process at the meeting.
Financial Impact
This position is included in the 2008 budget.
Attachments
^ Community development director position description
S:\Councd\Lon\2008\Community Development Due.doc
Action Motion by Second by Vote
Follow Up
S:\Counal\Lori\2008\Community Development Due.doc
1 City of Elk River
.~. Community Development Director
ver Position Description
Department: Immediate Supervisor:
Communi Develo ment Ci Administrator
Pay Grade: FLSA Status: Last Updated: (date)
15 Exem t 02/27/06
Positions Supervised:
Building Official, Environmental Administrator, Planning Manager, Director of Economic
Develo ment
Position Summary
The Community Development Director is responsible for the management, leadership, and
oversight of the planning, economic development, building and environmental ditrisions.
Essential Functions
Directs and supervises department operations to achieve goals within available resources.
A. Trains, develops, and motivates staff.
B. Performs timely annual performance reviews of all employees supervised.
C. Evaluates employee performance on a formal and informal basis and creates job
performance improvement plans as appropriate.
D. Assists in selecting training to develop staff.
E. Studies and standardizes procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness of
operations.
F. Delegates work assigntrients.
2. Develops strategic initiatives to further the mission, goals and objectives of the City Council,
Economic Development Authority (EDA), Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA),
Plaiumzg Commission, Energy City Commission (ECC) and Heritage Preservation
Commission (HPC).
3. Provides leadership and direction in the development of Community Development related
short and long range plans and projects.
A. Gathers, interprets, and prepares data for studies, reports, and recommendations.
B. Coordinates department activities with other departments and agencies as needed.
4. Prepares annual department reports.
5. Monitors inter-governmental decisions and legislative initiatives affecting department
operations and takes appropriate action.
6. Provides information and consultation to the City Administrator, EDA, HRA, ECC, HPC,
City Council, Plamiing Commission, as well as county, state, and federal agencies.
Page 1
Participates as a member of the City Administrator's management team by providing
information and support to other departments on a broad range of issues.
8. Implements the City's comprehensive planning process objectives.
Provides guidance, analysis, and departmental approval on community
development/redevelopment incentive agreements.
10. Analyzes and implements infra-departmental programs and processes to ensure proper
service delivery to the general public.
11. Prepares, submits, and administers annual departmental budget including the controls
necessary to ensure budgetary compliance.
A. Responsible for staff support to monitor revenues and expenditures to assure sound
fiscal control
B. Assures effective and efficient use of budgeted funds, personnel, materials, facilities,
and time.
12. Performs other essential job duties.
A. Regular and timely work attendance.
B. Follows all safety procedures.
C. Participates in safety training.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
^ Thorough knowledge of community development, economic development, redevelopment,
planning, zoning, and urban land use principles, land use law; best practices, and trends.
^ Thorough knowledge of the strategic planning process, code enforcement, building
inspection, environmental health, and budget development and administration.
^ Thorough knowledge of public financing techniques including grants, loans, state and federal
programs, tax abatement, and tax increment financing and the ability to use them to design
effective financial assistance packages fox new or expending businesses.
^ Knowledgeof engineering and building construction principles and concepts.
^ Knowledge of geographic information systems and how to use them in the operation of a
community development department.
^ Knowledge of landscape architecture and traffic engineering.
^ Knowledge of the principles and practices of civil engineering as they relate to planning and
subdivision design and control.
^ Ability to negotiate effectively.
^ Ability to supervise a complex set of department functions.
^ Ability to think in a creative and strategic manner in order to develop alternative program
proposals designed to achieve results consistent with community goals.
^ Ability to communicate effectively orally and to write clearly, concisely, and legibly.
^ Ability to make presentations to a variety of audiences.
^ Ability to analyze technical and statistical information and to prepare and present technical
oral and written reports.
^ Ability to prepare written grant applications.
^ Ability to maintain effective working relationships.
^ Ability to use Microsoft based computer software.
^ Ability to write and administer development-related grants.
^ Demonstrated leadership abilities.
Page 2
Community Development Director
Minimum Qualifications
^ Bachelor's degree in public administration, urban studies, land use planning or closely related
field.
^ Five years supervisory experience.
^ Seven years extensive experience of a progressively responsible nature in economic
development, planning, building code, and general community development activities.
^ Experience as a department or division head fox a community of 15,000 or larger.
^ Valid driver's license.
Preferred Qualifications
^ Master's degree in urban studies, public administration, or closely related field.
^ Supervisory experience in public administration, community development, or closely related
management position.
Page 3
Community Development Director