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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—MARCH 15, 2010 8 l.B Public Works Maintenance Staffing and Workload Acting City Administrator/Finance Director Iverson reviewed the current pay steps for the current acting foreman and for the potential superintendent position. She noted the 2010 budget did include funding for the superintendent and maintenance worker. Staff further spoke with the League of Minnesota Cities to review pay scales for a working foreman based on the size of Arden Hills. Councilmember Holden questioned if the foreman or superintendent were paid overtime. Acting City Administrator/Finance Director Iverson stated the superintendent would not be paid overtime but the foreman would for on-call, snowplowing and standby duties. Mayor Harpstead indicated the potential superintendent position could cost the City less money in the long run with the reduction in overtime paid to staff. He asked for a recommendation from staff as to which type of management style would be preferred for the public works department. Public Works Director Hoag stated the superintendent would be preferred and create a separation from the management position and the union positions. Councilmember Holden questioned if the superintendent could operate equipment for the department. Public Works Director Hoag explained the superintendent would not be part of the labor pool. In an emergency situation, assistance could be provided by the superintendent if help was declined by union members. Mayor Harpstead asked how much time would be spent in the office versus in the field for a superintendent. He suggested the skill set of the person hired include the ability to assist the City with rain gardens and correspondence. Public Works Director Hoag estimates the workload to be 70% in the field and 30% in the off ce. Councilmember Holden suggested the superintendent provide the Council with writing samples to assure they could complete the necessary tasks for the City. Mayor Harpstead felt this wasn't an unreasonable request. Councilmember Grant expressed concern with the current performance of the acting foreman and his ability to create and pass along policies. He questioned how this would be resolved with the hiring of a superintendent. However, if a superintendent were hired, he suggested the City hire from outside the current department and create a very specific list of required skills and objectives. Public Works Director Hoag cautioned the Council in the hiring process as he wanted to be assured the candidate had the correct skill sets to work in all areas of the public works department.