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CR 94-218 Search Firm Hiring Public Works Director . November 10, 1994 ~ Council Report 94-218 . AUTHORIZE HIRING OF A SEARCH FIRM TO ASSIST IN HIRING A PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR Proposed Action Staff recommends that the Council approve the following motion: Move that the Hopkins City Council authorize the City Manaaer to enter into an aQreement with The Brimeyer Group, Inc. to assist in the hirina of a new public works director. Adoption of this motion will enable staff to work with The Brimeyer Group, Inc., to begin the process of searching for a new public works director to replace Lee Gustafson. Overview Mr. Gustafson will be leaving the City as of January 1, 1995. The process to replace him should begin as soon as possible. Unfortunately, at least six other cities are currently trying to fill the same position. Staff feels that it is necessary to do more than place an advertisement in the paper. An active search will be required to find the right candidate. This search will have to be . done by a professional search firm. The City has used The Brimeyer Group for the last City Manager search, for the community development director search, and when Mr. Gustafson was hired. The cost of such a search will be between $10,000 and $14,000. Primary Issues to Consider . Why is it necessary to hire a consultant? . What steps will the consultant undertake? . Where will the money come from for this project? d . Genellie . tant City Manager . -----.--- -- -- -- -.-- ~ Council Report #94-218 . Page 2 . Why is it necessary to hire a consultant? A search firm, such as The Brimeyer Group, has the expertise and resources to devote to this process. They maintain an extensive network of individuals who they can contact as possible candidates or who can suggest other candidates. They will perform interviews in person or on the telephone with prospective candidates to narrow the field to a manageable number. . What steps will the consultant undertake? The first step will be to prepare a position profile. The position profile describes, not only the position, but the City, the type of organization, and the type of management style preferred. This profile will be prepared cooperatively with the City Manager, Assistant City Manager, and public works supervisors and employees. The next step will be the actual search. Besides placing advertisements, the consultant will personally contact individuals who might interested in such a position or who know people who might be interested. Following this, the consultant will review resumes and phone potential candidates to determine their suitability. The City will be provided with a list of 10 to 12 individuals who . best meet the qualifications of the position. At that point the City Manager will choose five or six individuals to interview. . Where will the money come from for this project? The cost of the search depends on how long The Brimeyer Group is involved in the process. The $14,000 fee has the consultant involved all the way through the offer of employment. The $10,000 fee will result in the consultant ending his involvement with the selection of candidates to be interviewed. Part of the cost of this process will be recovered through salary savings which the City will experience during the period of time after Mr. Gustafson leaves but before a new director is hired. The remaining funds will have to come from contingency. Alternatives 1. Authorize hiring of The Brimeyer Group, Inc. to assist in the hiring of a new public works director. The Brimeyer Group, Inc. would be involved in the process up to the point of providing candidates to be interviewed at a cost not to exceed $10,000. 2. Authorize hiring of The Brimeyer Group, Inc. to assist in the hiring of a new public works director. The Brimeyer Group, Inc. would be involved in the process up to and including negotiating a compensation package with the candidate chosen at a cost not to exceed $14,000. tit 3. Do not authorize the hiring a consultant at this time. Staff recommends Alternative number 1 .