5.6. SR 06-05-1995ITEM NO. 5.6
of
MEMORANDUM
River
TO: Mayor & City Council
FROM: Pat Klaers, City Administrator
DATE: June 5, 1995
SUBJECT: Consider Proposals for Planning Positions
There aze a number of employee issues in the Planning and Building and Zoning
departments that need to be "cleaned up." These issues include replacing the planning
intern with a full time city employee and updating the job description of the plauning
assistant. Staffwill be asking the City Council to approve a number ofintemal changes
along with the advertisement of a vacancy for a new position. Please see the attached
material from City Planner Steve Ach, Building and Zoning Administrator Steve Rohl;
and Assistant City Administrator Lori Johnson on these employee issues.
In general, the city has lost its planning intem, Troy Langer, to another city. Troy was
• hired to help City Planner Steve Ach with work associated with the Comprehensive Plan
update and with some general planning duties. Since Troy has left the city, staffhas felt
the need for another employee to help both Steve Ach, in general phuuvng work, and
Steve Rohlfwith code enforcement activities. If the Council concurs with hiring an
additional employee, we would like to restructure some duties.
The duties of the new employee are proposed to be essentially what Gary Schmitz used to
do under the title of `recycling coordmator." When Gary became the zoning assistant he
was, in theory, 50 percent planning and 50 percent recycling and environmental. When
Troy was hired, he was to be all planning. In reality, Gary has been about 70 percent
planning and 30 percent recycling/environmental and Troy spent his time in a similar
fashion towazd planning and code enforcement issues.
What is now desired is to have Gary work almost 100 percent for Steve Ach on planning
activities. The new employee would work approximately 70-80 percent his/her for Steve
Rohlf in environmental, recycling, solid waste, and code enforcement issues. Whatever
time is left would then be applied to general phmning activities under Steve Ach. It is
anticipated that at least 20 or 30 percent of this new employee's time would be dedicated
towazd planning. The new employee would be doing very similar work to what Gary did
a few years ago. Recently Gary has become much more involved in planning as recycling
and solid waste activities have needed less ofhis time. However, $ is anticipated that this
new employee would still dedicate the majority of his/her time to Buildmg and Zoning
• activities due to a need to increase our code enforcement efforts.
13065 Orono Parkway • P.O. Box 490 • Elk River, MN 55330 • (612) 441-7420 • Fax: (612) 441-7425
llnring the Comparable Worth work, the City Council approved a recommendation to
officially change Gary's title due to the nature of the work he was doing. We should now
also approve a new job description for this planning assistant position. In addition to the
change in Gary's job description, the Council should also consider adjusting Gary's pay.
During the comp worth evaluation of duties, Gary's posifion increased in points more than
any other city position and Gary has been doing these more highly ranked duties for a
while. Similar to the 1/1/95 retroactive adjustment that we made for the Senior Citizen
Coordinator and the Chief of Police, we should also make a retroactive pay adjustment for
Gary based on the fact that he has been performing higher ranked duties for some time.
It is recommended that the City Council:
• Approve the revised job description for the PLmning Assistant;
• Lrcrease the Planning Assistant wages appro~mately one step to Step H (from
$15.99 to $17.03) retroactive to 1/1/95;
• Approve the revised Zoning Assistant job description;
• Repeal the job description for the Recycling Coordinator;
• Approve the point ranking and pay range for the Zoning Assistant position;
and,
• Approve the advertisement for this position along with the starting pay range.
•
s
Ver MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Steven B. Ach, City Planner
DATE: June 5, 1995
SUBJECT: Title Change and Job Description for
Planning Assistant
Oueruiew
Attached is a job description for the planning assistant position which is
currently held by Gary Schmitz. This position was previously shared
between the Building and Planning departments, and was a multi-
disciplinary position. The new job description focuses more of the duties
towards specifically planning functions.
Although this position will primarily perform planning responsibilities, there
will continue to be the tie with the Building and Zoning Department on
various environmental issues such the Wetland Conservation Act, Shoreland
and Floodplain Ordinance, and Wild and Scenic River Ordinance. The duties
that were previously included with this position will be shifted to the revised
description of a Zoning Assistant as proposed by Steve Rohlf, Building and
Zoning Administrator.
This proposed job description will better define the duties Gary has actually
been performing while allowing a greater emphasis and time dedicated
towards planning issues.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the new job description for the
Planning Assistant as outlined in the attached description.
CJ
s:plnnningplanast2
13065 Orono Parkway • P.O. Box 490 • Elk River, MN 55330 • (612) 441-7420 • Fax: (612) 441-7425
Adopted Date:
• Revised Date:
Position Title:: Planning Assistant
Department: Planning Department
FLSA Status: [ ]Exempt [ X ]Non-Exempt
Summarv Description
Perform work relating to community development matters which includes
processing and reviewing planning and environmental applications. This position
will be involved in a variety of advanced planning functions relating to both short
and long range planning. This position will report to the City Planner.
D u t ies/Resn o ns i b i l i t ies
1. Planning Applications -Prepare initial reports on planning applications
required to be reviewed by the Planning Commission and City Council. This
includes, without ]imitation, conditional use permits, variances, rezonings,
subdivision and land use amendments, and attend meetings to present
• findings.
2. Environmental - Provide a supporting role to the Building and Zoning
Administrator on environmental applications as necessary in the
development review process. This includes, without limitation, Wetland
Conservation Act, Shoreland and Floodplain Ordinance, and Wild and Scenic
River Ordinance.
Communication -Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing to the
Planning Commission, City Council and other community groups. Must be
able to effectively work with public groups and developers on various
matters.
4. Performance Requirements - Coordinate and assist in the administration of
City development performance requirements, including but not limited to the
review of site plans and other development plans. Ability to complete
necessary follow-up inspection of sites for compliance with approved plans.
5. General Inauiries and Complaints - Provide assistance in responding to
planning inquires and complaints.
• 6. Reports and Records -Perform assigned tasks such as coordinating the
completion of various required reports and studies to address planning
issues, and provide proper documentation and maintenance of departmental
• records.
7. Administrative Activities -Assist the City Planner in activities necessary to
ensure enforcement of zoning ordinances and the City's comprehensive plan.
8. Interpretation of Zoning Codes -Work with developers, consultants,
community organizers, and private citizens, to interpret and ensure
understanding of, and compliance with, the City's zoning ordinances.
9. Other - The duties and responsibilities enumerated above are not intended
to be all inclusive and maybe expanded to include other duties and
responsibilities that the City of Elk River may deem necessary from time to
time.
0ualifications
1. Education -Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning or related field with
proven writing and public speaking skills.
2. Experience - Two years experience in planning with an understanding of
zoning ordinance enforcement.
• 3. Specific Skills -Knowledge of planning, zoning and subdivision theory and
practice. Understanding of required environmental permits and regulations
associated with development issues. Ability to prepare and manage multiple
work programs in an efficient and productive manner. Ability to maintain an
effective working relationship with City staff, City officials, and the
community. Ability to effectively review and analyze various applications
and communicate that information effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to work independently and assume responsibilities with minimal
direct supervision. Ability to effectively interpret zoning ordinance
requirements. Ability to provide a timely and complete review of proposals
and ensure the accuracy and comprehensives of recommendations made to
developers, the Planning Commission, and City Council.
This Job Description Does Not Constitute a Contract of Employment.
•
s:planning:planasst
MEMORANDUM
of _ .1 ~ +~
Rlve~. TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Stephen Rohlf, Building and
Zoning Administrator
DATE: May 31, 1995
SUBJECT: Hiring a Zoning Assistant
Staff is proposing to replace the Planning Intern position with an entry level,
full time, employee. This position's duties would include coordinating the
city's recycling program, assisting the Building and Zoning Administrator on
various environmental activities, assisting the City Planner with review,
reports, and graphics for planning applications, and respond to public
nuisance and zoning complaints, and general inquiries.
In the past, Gary Schmitz dealt with the city's recycling program, several
other environmental issues, and public nuisance and zoning complaints. Mr.
Schmitz was ahalf--time Planning Department and half-time Building and
• Zoning Department, employee. In the future it is proposed that Mr. Schmitz
is exclusively a Planning Department employee.
A revised zoning assistant job description, which matches staffs proposal, is
attached for the council's review and approval. Staff recommends that the
job description for the recycling coordinator is repealed. Although this
position would be a shared position between the Planning Department and
Building and Zoning Department, there is enough work in both department's
to warrant two employees. Included in this packet, is a memo from the
comparable worth committee regarding an appropriate salary range for this
position.
•
ec-6-31/Lzfstaver
13065 Orono Parkway • P.O. Box 490 • Elk River, MN 55330 • (612) 441-7420 • Fax: (612) 441-7425
Adopted Date:
• Revised Date:
Position Title-- Zoning Assistant
Department-- Building and Zoning; and Planning
FLSA Status-- [ ]Exempt [ x ]Non-Exempt
Summary Description
This position is to provide assistance and report to the Building and Zoning
Administrator regarding solid waste and other environmental issues; in
order to maintain and improve the quality of the environment as it relates to
the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Elk River.
This position will perform work relating to ensuring compliance with the City
Ordinance and following up on code violations.
This position will assist and report to the city planner in regards to
processing and review of planning applications.
Duties/R,esponsibilities
• 1) Recycling Prog' am-- Aid in the administration of the city's recycling
program, as well as develop and implement new landfill abatement programs
including curbside recycling, yard waste removal, and drop-off sites. Develop
public information and educational material for landfill abatement program.
2) Other Environmental Issues -- Assist in the city's efforts to review and
regulate various environmental issues.
3) Zoning Applications -- Assist in the preparation of initial reports and
graphics on zoning applications required to be reviewed by the Planning
Commission and the City Council. This includes, without limitation,
conditional use permits, variances, rezonings, and subdivisions; and attend
meetings to present findings.
4) Code Enforcement -- Initiate investigation and legal action on zoning,
nuisance, and pollution complaints filed with the city.
5) General Inauiries -- Receive and respond to general inquiries relating to
zoning ordinances and city functions.
6) Other -- The duties and responsibilities enumerated above are not
. intended to be all inclusive and maybe expanded to include other duties or
responsibilities that the City of Elk River may deem necessary from time to
• time.
Qualifications
1) Education -- College degree in an environmental discipline, urban
planning, or related field.
2) Experience -- One year governmental experience required.
3) General Skills -- General knowledge of local, state, and national laws
pertaining to city operation.
4) Snecific Skills -- Knowledge of local, state, and national environmental
laws. Understanding of planning theory and practice.
5) Abilities --
(a) Ability to effectively communicate city policies and procedures to other
public agencies and the general public.
(b) Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely both orally and in
• writing.
(c) Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with
city staff and the public.
(d) Ability to prepare and manage multiple work programs in an efficient
and productive manner.
(e) Ability to effectively review and analyze various applications and
permits.
(f) Ability to work independently and assume responsibilities with
minimal direct supervision.
(g) Ability to effectively interpret zoning ordinance requirements.
(h) Ability to timely and completely process proposals and to ensure the
accuracy and comprehensiveness of recommendations made to
developers, the Planning Commission, and the City Council.
•
job-srlbz/staver
-~ ~ ~{
i
ity of ~
~lk River
TO: Pat HIaers, City Administrator
FROM: Comparable Worth Committee
DATE: May 31,1995
SUBJECT: Zoning Assistant Point Ranking
In reviewing the job description for the new Zoning Assistant position, the Committee has
estimated that the position will have a point ranking of 63 points. This would fall in pay
grade 8 which is the same pay grade as the senior citizen coordinator, maintenance II
employees, administrative secretary, wastewater treatment operators, and the payroll and
senior accounting clerks.
The starting pay for pay grade 8 is $9.09 per hour and the top is $14.82 per hour. It is
estimated that the Council will have to pay between $9.00 and $10.50 (Step A-D) as
starting pay.
• The Committee is recommending that this position point ranking be reviewed in 9 to 12
months. It is anticipated that the position will vary depending upon the skills and interests
of the employee. Therefore it is very difficult to determine the duties and the time
allocated to each of the duties for this position.
•
13065 Orono Parkway • P.O. Box 490 • Elk River, MN 55330 • (612) 441-7420 • Fax: (612) 441-7425