3.c 1) Proposal from DDA Human Resources (1)St. Bonifacius Office:
4796 Merganser Drive
St. Bonifacius, MN 55375
(612) 920-3320 x111 | fax: (612) 605-2375
liza@daviddrown.com
www.ddahumanresources.com
February 8, 2019 Sent via email only
Mr. Neil Soltis, City Administrator
City of Scandia
14727 209th Street
Scandia, MN 55073
Dear Mr. Soltis,
Thank you for the opportunity to submit a proposal to assist the City of Scandia with the search for your
next City Administrator. Our firm has extensive experience with local governments, and we thoroughly
understand the complexities faced by City Councils in Minnesota.
The attached proposal includes several elements that set us apart in our approach to providing this
service. Highlights include:
• Knowledge: Our firm comprehensively understands local government in Minnesota, and
our consultants are former Administrators with significant experience. Due to our broad
experience, we have better connections to potential candidates.
• Communication: We will be on site multiple times throughout the search process and will
provide weekly email updates to the City Council throughout the process.
• Brochure/Profile: We develop a detailed, professional profile to present the City in the
most positive manner. A sample is attached.
• Experience: DDA has conducted more Minnesota City Manager/Administrator searches in
the last five years than any other firm, by a wide margin.
• National and local outreach: We advertise nationally, regionally and locally to attract a
greater pool of candidates.
• Adherence to deadlines: When a deadline is established, we will meet it.
• Video Interview: DDA uses video interviews in the screening process to get quality data
that may not be apparent on resumes. These videos are made available to the Council
prior to selecting candidates for final interviews.
• Work Personality Index: Prior to deciding on final candidates, the Council will also
receive a personality index report on each person being considered for an interview.
• Background check process: Instead of doing a comprehensive background check on a
single finalist, we do a comprehensive background and reference check on all finalists
interviewed by the City Council. This is all included in the price.
• Intellectual Profile: Each finalist will complete an intellectual profile measuring verbal
reasoning, mathematical and logical reasoning, and overall mental aptitude.
• More service for the money: Our rate is lower than our competitors and our service is
better. We all work in home offices and do not have a large corporate structure to support
meaning Scandia receives more service for the money.
I look forward to discussing our process with you. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Liza Donabauer
DDA Human Resources, Inc.
Enclosures
City of Scandia: City Administrator Search Proposal 1
Proposal for the City of Scandia
City Administrator Search
February 8, 2019
DDA Human Resources, Inc.
City of Scandia: City Administrator Search Proposal 2
Contents of the Proposal
Description of the Firm Process Details
Approach to the Process Fees
Service Team Assurance
Timeline References
Description of the Firm
Approach to the Process
David Drown Associates (DDA) is a full-service consulting firm with more than 20 years working with
local governments providing a full range of fiscal and economic development services, along with
compensation and classification services and executive searches, to over 450 government clients
throughout Minnesota. Over these years, we have gotten to know local government well, and we have
worked hard to keep our services up-to-date to meet the ever-changing needs of our clients.
In 2013, we expanded our scope to provide human resources services — we started with executive
recruitment and organizational studies and more recently added classification and compensation
studies. Because of growth in our human resource service area, a new Human Resource affiliate
company was created in 2017. DDA Human Resources Inc. currently employs seven individuals
serving cities, counties, and special districts throughout Minnesota. The vast majority of our consultants
are recent practitioners having served as Administrators or Human Resource Managers. In addition,
the scope and breadth of experience levels we bring to this project is second to none.
We take great pride in providing the best service at a fair and equitable price. We think you will find that
our small company is nimble, efficient, and personable. We know and understand local government,
and that will always guide our work.
Our approach to this search will be to focus on finding the best fit for the City of Scandia. This is
accomplished, first and foremost, by listening to what you are saying, understanding your goals and
objectives, and building the search process off of that foundation.
After gathering background information, we comprehensively advertise the position and make sure that
the posting gets into the hands of prospective candidates. In some cases, those persons are not active
job seekers, so we will make every effort to find those folks through direct outreach efforts. After the
posting closes, an analysis of candidates will be completed so that, when the semifinalists are
presented to the City Council, you will be confident that these people are the best matches from the
submitted applications.
After the Council selects the finalists, these candidates will be fully researched, and all necessary
hiring information will be available prior to the Council making a decision.
Communication with the City Council is a high priority. In addition to our Consultant Liza Donabauer
being on site regularly, the City Council will receive weekly email updates, and she will always be
available for questions.
City of Scandia: City Administrator Search Proposal 3
Service Team
Gary Weiers
Liza Donabauer
Liz Foster
Gary joined DDA in 2013 and has conducted over 65 executive searches and numerous
organizational studies. Prior to joining DDA, Gary had over 20 years of county government
management experience, the last 11 years as County Administrator in Rice County. Prior to becoming
Administrator, Gary served as the Social Service Department Director in Rice County and worked as a
Social Service Supervisor in Mower County and Sherburne County. Gary received his bachelor ’s
degree from the University of St. Thomas and has honed his skills by working his way up from an entry
level social worker position to be the head of a $50 million organization with over 350 employees.
Gary has worked with local governments ranging in size from a couple thousand residents to
communities of over 150,000 persons.
In addition to conducting executive searches, Gary has done work with communities on sharing
services, organizational analysis, strategic planning, and other management related work.
Liza is a Management Consultant. Like all DDA HR consultants, she has a background in public
administration at both the city and county level, most recently in Kansas and Minnesota. Liza worked
in Wright County providing administrative support to the Commissioners, Coordinator, and Human
Resources Dept. This path lead her into city management for Clearwater, Kansas, and Arlington,
Minnesota.
During her four years as City Administrator in Arlington, she completed a reorganization of the
administration department, developed an orientation and capital planning process for two new
Councils, conducted compensation studies for several departments, and engaged in a strategic
planning session. She received her MBA with an emphasis in public administration from St.
Scholastica.
Since joining DDA, Liza has completed several Administrator/Manager searches, Pay Equity and
Compensation and Classification Studies. Liza will be the lead consultant on this project.
Liz is an Assistant Consultant that provides support and assistance within our Human Resources
Division. Since joining DDA in 2015, Liz has been involved in numerous executive searches and other
HR projects.
Some of Liz’s duties include community research, creating position profiles, assembling interview
materials for our clients, and providing general administrative support to our consultants.
City of Scandia: City Administrator Search Proposal 4
Tentative Timeline
This timeline is tentative. The final timeline will be set after the City Council’s decision to proceed.
ITEM TASK COMPLETION
DATE
Decision by City
Council to proceed
February 19, 2019
Information gathering
Gather all pertinent background information
Gather salary information and review job description
Meet individually with each member of the City Council
March 11, 2019
Professional profile Develop position profile and advertisement March 26, 2019
Approve position
profile
City Council approves profile, job description, salary range,
and hiring process April 3, 2019
Candidate
recruitment
Post position immediately upon approval of profile
Comprehensively advertise
Email and phone calls to prospective candidates
April 4, 2019-
May 2, 2019
Screening of
applicants
DDA will review and rank applicants based on job related
criteria and select semifinalists May 3, 2019
Video Interview Each semifinalist will complete a video interview May 13, 2019
Personality Index DDA will administer a work-related personality index to all
semifinalists. May 13, 2019
Selection of finalists City Council selects finalists for interviews
DDA will notify candidates not selected as finalists May 21, 2019
Background check of
all finalists selected
for interviews
Includes:
• Criminal background: county, state, national
• Sex offender registry
• Social Security number verification
• Employment and education verification
• Credit Check
June 4, 2019
Reference check on
all finalists
DDA will conduct reference checks with current and former
employers on all finalists June 4, 2019
Intellectual profile
DDA will administer an intellectual profile measuring verbal
reasoning, mathematical and logical reasoning, and overall
mental aptitude
June 4, 2019
Finalist Packet
DDA will provide the Council information including:
• Summary of references
• Results of background checks
• Personality index reports
• Video interview
• Resumes, etc.
June 5, 2019
Interviews
DDA will prepare all interview materials and be present at all
interviews and other functions. It is recommended that
interviews be at a special meeting
June 12 & 13, 2019
Decision City Council will select candidate for offer June 13, 2019
Offer and agreement DDA will negotiate agreement with selected person June 14, 2019
Projected start date New Administrator begins July 15, 2019
Follow up DDA will follow up periodically with the new Administrator July 2020
City of Scandia: City Administrator Search Proposal 5
Step 1: Information Gathering
Step 2: Development of Position Profile
Step 3: Advertisement and Recruitment
DDA will comprehensively advertise the position and make direct contact with possible candidates who
are not active job seekers. Some of the places the position will be advertised include: League of
Minnesota Cities, International City/County Management Association, Minnesota Association of City/
County Managers, Association of Minnesota Counties, and municipal associations in Iowa, Wisconsin,
North Dakota, and South Dakota. In addition, the posting will be shared with professional networks
through Minnesota State University Mankato, Hamline University, St. Cloud State University, and the
University of Minnesota. Other local advertising will be done as per direction from the City. Regular
communication with candidates will occur throughout the process.
The simple DDA online application process will be used unless the City prefers to use an existing City
methodology.
Step 4: Initial Screening and Review
Process Details
DDA will gather and assemble background information pertaining to the City and position. In addition,
Liza will meet individually with all Council members to discuss candidate attributes, experience, and
other important qualifications. A group meeting with senior staff will also take place if requested. Others
will be interviewed as per the direction of the City. At the same time, the job description will be
reviewed and, if needed, we will gather relevant comparative salary information for consideration by the
Council. We will quickly develop a comprehensive understanding of the organization, community, and
position.
Based on the information received from the City Council and others, DDA will develop a professional
position profile that is customized to present the City of Scandia in the most positive manner and
provides prospective candidates with meaningful information. A draft will be presented to the City
Council for consideration and approval prior to advertising. A sample profile is attached for your review.
DDA will complete a comprehensive analysis of every application received and determine
approximately 10-12 semifinalists based on job related criteria. Each semifinalist will complete a video
interview and a work related personality index. About one week prior to the selecting finalists for
interviews, the video interview, personality index, cover letter, and resume from each of the 10-12
semifinalists will be made available to the Council for viewing. This will allow the Council ample time to
comprehensively review candidates prior to determining who to bring in the for the final interviews.
After the Council selects finalists, those not selected as finalists will be notified by DDA.
City of Scandia: City Administrator Search Proposal 6
Step 5: Selection
Step 6: Offer
After interviews are complete, we will assist the City Council with deliberations and facilitate the offer
to the selected candidate. We will negotiate the terms with the candidate based on the parameters
established by the City Council.
Step 7: Follow Up
DDA will make periodic contact with the new Administrator for at least the first year of employment.
After the City Council selects finalists, DDA will complete comprehensive background screenings
including criminal history, civil court history, verification of recent employment, verification of education,
driver’s license review, credit check, and other items. Along with background checking all finalists, DDA
will check employment references on each person.
In addition, DDA will administer an intellectual profile measuring verbal reasoning, mathematical and
logical reasoning, and overall mental aptitude.
About a week prior to the final interview process, the City Council will have access to each candidates
application materials, video interview, background check results, reference information, a work
personality report, and an intellectual profile on each person.
Early in the search process, Liza will discuss interview possibilities including department head
participation options and possibilities for community involvement through a meet and greet event,
interview, or other functions.
Prior to interviews, Liza will prepare questions and then facilitate all interviews and other activities the
City Council determines appropriate. Our goal is to make the process smooth and painless so the City
Council can focus all its energy on finding the right person for the job.
City of Scandia: City Administrator Search Proposal 7
List of Search Clients From the Past Two Years
Fees
In addition to the specific references listed on the following page, the City of Scandia is encouraged to
speak with any of the entities listed above.
DDA is currently conducting searches for the Cities of Olivia, Faribault, New Ulm, Dundas, Maple Lake,
and Melrose, as well as Mahnomen and Brown Counties and the Kitchigami Regional Library System.
The fee for the search process is $18,000. This all-inclusive fee covers professional services and all
expenses including travel, advertising, personality index, intellectual profile, background checks on all
finalists, etc.
Entity Type of Search Entity Type of Search
City of Sleepy Eye, MN Manager City of Blooming Prairie, MN Administrator
Albert Lea Econ. Dev. Agency Executive Director City of Prior Lake, MN Manager
Yellow Medicine County, MN Administrator Mower County, MN Administrator
City of Dodge Center, MN Administrator City of Brainerd, MN Comm. Development Director
City of Winsted, MN Administrator City of Springfield, MN Manager
Todd County, MN Coordinator Houston County, MN Administrator
City of Waseca, MN Manager Crow Wing County, MN Human Resource Director
City of Hector, MN Administrator City of Wadena, MN Administrator
City of Mountain Lake, MN Administrator City of Lake City, MN Administrator
Wadena County, MN Coordinator City of Breezy Point, MN Administrator/Clerk/Treasurer
Rice County, MN Chief Financial Officer City of Plainview, MN Administrator
City of Redwood Falls, MN Chief of Police City of Faribault, MN Administrator
City of Brainerd, MN Administrator City of Fairfax, MN Clerk/Treasurer/Administrator
City of Amery, WI Administrator City of Marshall, MN Administrator
City of Arlington, MN Administrator City of Staples, MN Clerk/Finance Director
City of Warroad, MN Public Works/Utility Director City of Mayer, MN Administrator/Clerk
City of Nisswa, MN Administrator/Clerk City of Granite Falls, MN Finance Director
City of Lake City, MN Ambulance Director Goodhue County, MN Finance Controller
Pope County, MN Coordinator City of Isanti, MN Finance Director
City of Baxter, MN Administrator City of Willmar, MN Administrator
City of Scandia: City Administrator Search Proposal 8
Roy Srp
Mayor, City of Waseca
Manager Search
Phone Number: 507-521-1185
Email: roy.srp@pinnaclefoods.com
Royal Ross
Council Member, City of Faribault
Administrator Search
Phone Number: 507-456-2932
Email: rross@ci.faribault.mn.us
Rich Nagel
Mayor, City of Arlington
Administrator Search
Phone Number: 507-964-5141
Email: rwnagel@frontiernet.net
Roger Ziebell
Mayor, City of Plainview
Administrator Search
Phone Number: 507-534-2681
Email: r.ziebell@plainviewmn.com
References
Assurance
If the newly hired Administrator leaves the organization within the first 24 months of employment, DDA
will complete another search without professional service fees. Only actual expenses will be billed to
the City.
“After working with then, City Administrator Liza Donabauer for over 2 1/2 years, I can truthfully say she
is the epitome of hard work and dedication to her profession. Her communication skills and procedures
are without compare, and she did not shy away from any challenge. I have no doubt that she will
continue to provide exemplary service in any work endeavor.”
-Rich Nagel, Mayor
City of Arlington, MN
“We hired David Drown Associates to facilitate our search and subsequent hire of our new City
Administrator. They did an outstanding job of walking our City Council through all stages of the hiring
process. Liza Donabauer was in constant contact with me and able to quickly answer any question that
came up. I would highly recommend DDA Human Resources, Inc. to any city.“
-Mike Nelson, Mayor
City of Mountain Lake, MN
“Liza demonstrated the highest degree of integrity, candor, and professionalism.”
-Roy Srp, Mayor
City of Waseca, MN
You and your organization have been a blessing in this process, and I am so glad we have been able
to work with you. You are the ultimate professional!”
-Bill Ketchum, Mayor
City of Dodge Center, MN
City of Scandia: City Administrator Search Proposal 9
Sample Position Profile
DDA Human Resources, Inc.
COMMUNITY INFORMATION
Lake City, Minnesota, is a vibrant
community situated in the Mississippi
Bluffs Regions of Southeast Minnesota.
With a population of 5,129 residents, the
City is part of both Goodhue and
Wabasha Counties. The City lines the
shores of Lake Pepin which is a naturally occurring lake on the Mississippi River. Located on
Highway 61, Lake City sits just 68 miles southeast of Minneapolis/St. Paul and 34 miles east
of Rochester, MN.
One of Lake City’s greatest assets is its water recreation availability. The City began its
acquisition of the Marina and Point in1913 and continued development of the shoreline
through the acquisition of the former Lake City Clinic property in 2003. This municipally-
owned Marina is the largest small craft marina on the Mississippi River.
Known as the “Birthplace of Water Skiing,” Lake Pepin is considered one of the best sailing
lakes in the nation. There is also an abundance of other year-round recreational
opportunities including fishing, golfing, birding, hiking, biking, skiing, ice boating, and
snowmobiling. Lake City offers breathtaking bluff views and is rich in history and natural
resources. The City has a large manufacturing base, numerous dining establishments,
specialty retail and service shops, and strong civic leadership making Lake City a great place
to live, work, and visit.
POSITION: CITY ADMINISTRATOR
LOCATION: CITY OF LAKE CITY, MINNESOTA
POPULATION: 5,129
SALARY RANGE: $98,152 TO $121,943
“TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN AN ATTRACTIVE AND VIABLE COMMUNITY”
Lake City continues to show its
commitment to the growth and
development of a strong, diverse, and
expanding economy. The Economic
Development Authority (EDA) of Lake
City was established in 1987 to promote
these values and advocate for the business community. Collaborating with local groups,
area utilities, the Small Business Development Center, and state government, the EDA
continues on the path of developing a stable place to do business. Also providing assistance
to local businesses is the Chamber of Commerce. They serve its members with information
and resources to further their business success.
One major contributor to the success of the City’s economy is the Lake City Marina. The
Marina is open seven days a week, April through October. It offers state of the art floating
docks and is just steps from shopping, food, and entertainment. One of the most significant
changes that occurred to the Marina came between 1965-1967. The Marina Board applied
to the federal government for a half million-dollar loan, and received approval, for dredging
and expanding the area of the harbor. These changes paved the way for what the Marina
is today.
Some of the major employers in the City include the Mayo Clinic Health System-Lake City,
Hearth and Home Technologies, and Federal Mogul-Lake City. Mayo Clinic Health System is
a network of clinics and hospitals supported by the expertise and resources of the world-
renowned Mayo Clinic. Hearth and Home Technologies is the largest manufacturing plant
of gas fireplaces in the world and was recognized as one of the 400 Best Big Companies in
America by Forbes magazine in 2004. It was also considered one of America’s Most
Admired Companies in the furniture industry by Fortune magazine in 2004. Federal Mogul
is a leading global supplier of products and services to manufacturers and servicers of
vehicles and equipment in automotive, marine, rail, aerospace, power generation and
industrial markets. This company employs almost
53,000 people globally.
Hoping to revitalize downtown Lake City and
attract business to the area, the City of Lake City
and the Lake City Economic Development
Authority have started the Downtown Façade
Improvement Program for commercial buildings
located within the City’s Downtown Zoning
District. Funds are granted to businesses to make façade changes to their buildings in order
to highlight the City’s rich architectural heritage and enhance visual appeal of the area.
ECONOMIC VITALITY
Lake City is committed to providing a diverse, well
-balanced education for its students. Public
education is provided by Lake City Independent
School District 813. They believe in a personalized
team approach to education, and preparing all
students for the opportunities and challenges of
the 21st century. Bluff View Elementary School is
a pre-kindergarten through sixth grade facility serving 680 students with 68 certified staff
members and 5 paraprofessional support staff. They offer small class sizes and are able to
provide special education services and a gifted and talented program. Lincoln High School
is comprised of nearly 600 students and 57 staff and houses the 7th- 8th grade middle
school and a 9th-12th grade high school. For the past four years, the school was
recognized as one of a handful of schools in Minnesota on the “Challenge Index,” which
recognizes the best schools in America based on student participation in Advanced
Placement courses. The community recently showed its support for its school system by
approving a $12 million bond referendum which will be used to implement site upgrades
and building additions and remodeling at its Bluff View Elementary School campus.
One private option is available for education in Lake City. St John’s Lutheran School
provides education for students in preschool through 8th grade.
EDUCATION
HEALTHCARE
A full spectrum of healthcare services is
available in Lake City. Mayo Clinic Health
System-Lake City delivers Mayo Clinic care
right in the City. Outpatient and inpatient
medical services, surgical and emergency
services, and long-term care are all
available right on the main campus, which
provides easy access for their patients and
care center residents.
A merger recently took place between the former Family Physicians Clinic and Olmsted
Medical Center (OMC) healthcare system, creating the new Olmsted Medical Center– Lake
City facility. The Clinic provides a number of services including pediatric & adolescent care,
chronic disease management, preventative healthcare, minor surgical procedures,
immunizations, sports, camp, school, work, annual physical and DOT exams, and much
more.
Known as Minnesota’s South Shore, Lake City is
booming with recreational opportunities for
residents and visitors alike. All four seasons offer an
abundance of activity to those seeking indoor and
outdoor excitement. Whether you are looking to
spend your time boating or fishing, golfing,
snowmobiling, camping, or browsing the local
shops and galleries, Lake City offers it all!
Two full-service marinas and four public boat launches make it easy to get you out on the
water. Guided kayak tours, fishing guides, and sailboat rides are all available. Lake City has
nearly 7 miles of shoreline offering ample
opportunity for shore fishing.
Three 18-hole golf courses can also be found within
minutes of downtown, each offering fantastic river
valley, lake, and bluff views.
For those looking to hike, bike, ski, or snowmobile,
hundreds of miles of maintained trails can be found
along the river and in the surrounding forests. Tour
de Pepin, a popular bike event that starts and ends
in Lake City, is a tradition held on the first Saturday of June and offers an opportunity for
spectating or enjoying an exciting ride.
Another popular event in Lake City is Water Ski Days. This annual event features water ski
shows, food, arts and crafts, a grand parade, music and brew, and much more. The event
offers plenty of activity for the whole family to
enjoy.
Hok-Si-La, a 252 acre, municipally owned and
operated park located on Lake Pepin, offers tent
camping, swimming on the beach, a play area,
and facilities to use for family gatherings, company
parties, schools, and other clubs. Groomed cross-
country trails are also available.
A number of local gift shops, antique stores, and
unique restaurants make Lake City an exciting place to visit. Visitors can spend the day
downtown enjoying these amenities, or venture out and find excitement throughout the
City.
RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
The City of Lake City provides services to the Lake
City community. The tracking, monitoring, and
reporting of the administrative functions of the City
is handled by general administrative departments.
These areas include Council, City Administrator, City
Clerk, Finance, Elections, Annual Audit, Legal, and
Planning.
The City Council acts as the governing body and
provides leadership and direction for the City. There are six Council members and the
Mayor. The Council exercises the legislative power of the City and determines all matters of
policy. The City Charter defines the powers of the City Council.
The City Administrator oversees the administration of all City affairs consistent with the
policies and direction of the Council. The Administrator gives advice and recommendations
to the Council and to boards and commissions relative to the functions and operations of
the City.
THE ORGANIZATION
2018 BUDGET SUMMARY
Fund Operating Revenues Property Tax Levy Expenditures
General Fund $4,261,765 $2,689,876 $6,951,641
Library 198,350 108,393 306,743
EDA 40,100 71,713 111,813
Debt - 474,624 493,073
Electric 14,314,771 - 13,068,818
Water 674,982 - 735,643
Sewer 1,463,500 - 1,554,387
Storm Water 140,350 - 166,332
Garbage 577,800 - 605,925
Marina 2,166,555 - 1,785,080
Municipal Buildings 431,100 - 431,100
Capital Projects Fund 417,374 - 636,073
Total Budget $24,686,647 $3,344,606 $26,846,628
ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
Electorate
City Council
CITY ADMINISTRATOR
City Attorney
(Contracted)
EDA
(Contract)
Boards and Commissions
Planning/
Community Development
Ambulance
Police
Fire
City Clerk
Finance/Treasurer
Marina
Library
Public Works
Water/Sewer Streets & Parks
Hok Si La
Electric
Oversees the preparation of the annual budget and
reports to the Council on the financial status of the City.
Prepares the annual budget including reviewing and
revising department budget proposals, consolidating
department budgets, preparing the budget message,
presenting the final budget proposal, and administering
the approved budget.
Advises the City Council, committees, and Mayor on the
City’s financial status, capital improvement needs, operating and staffing conditions,
expenditures, financial controls, and related concerns.
Manages all City staff through direct supervision or through department heads. Makes
recommendations to the City Council on the hire and dismissal of employees.
Confirms all new appointments, promotions, demotions, transfers, and other personnel actions.
Adjusts and finalizes grievances, oversees discipline and discharge.
Negotiates or oversees negotiation of labor contracts.
Reviews staff development needs and recommends training as appropriate.
Develops and issues administrative rules and procedures necessary to ensure proper
functioning of all departments.
Oversees departmental operations; issues administrative orders, rules, and directives; outlines
procedures for provision of City services; interprets Council and administrative intent.
Reviews City services to determine if processes are effective or should be changed as needed
to provide for optimal organization and growth.
Coordinates, consults, and advises department heads in the implementation of the executive
policies of the Council and Mayor.
Monitors City operations to ensure effectiveness and compliance with applicable laws,
regulations, rules, policies, and ordinances. Directs department managers to make changes as
needed.
Interprets and executes ordinances and City Council directives and makes
recommendations to Council for improvement of City services.
Reviews and enforces implementation of Council decisions and encourages department heads
to set appropriate goals and timetables to complete projects.
Presents information to the City Council and, as necessary, its committees. Presents reports and
studies, summarizes and discusses issues, makes recommendations, and gives advice regarding
alternatives and courses of action, projects, programs, operations, citizen concerns and requests,
and other matters of administrative concern.
Prepares correspondence for the Council, ensures all parties are notified and advised of relevant
issues, directives, decisions, requests, etc.
Makes recommendations of City policies, and oversees changes mandated through legislative
updates.
Researches studies, analyzes, and interprets data concerning city government and prepares a
thorough analysis with recommendations to the Council.
Recommends the content and oversees the drafting of City ordinances, resolutions, and policies
for City Council approval.
ADMINISTRATOR CORE DUTIES
Oversees purchasing procedures.
Prepares and analyzes quotes and bids for products
and services; recommends selection of firms or
individuals to provide products and services; executes
or recommends execution of contracts to Council for
approval and approves purchases as the Chief
Purchasing Officer.
Represents the City at all official or semi-official functions as directed by City Council.
Maintains positive relationships and open communication with City Council, boards,
commissions, government agencies, Chamber of Commerce, and general public.
Acts as a liaison with other governmental agencies, citizens, advisory boards, committees,
commissions, task forces, and associations to foster development of cooperative ventures, solve
problems, reduce duplications, provide or obtain assistance, and improve city services and
delivery capabilities.
Promotes effective community and media relations; acts as City’s chief media contact.
Responds to concerns, issues, complaints, and questions from the public and employees;
mediates disputes and resolves issues as appropriate.
Meets with and speaks to public assemblies, civic organizations and other interested groups as a
representative of the City to provide information and solicit opinions in the formulation of public
policy.
Coordinates the activities of City commissions and
boards; provides administrative support and
guidance as needed.
Investigates complaints in relation to matters
concerning the administration of departments and
offices.
Conducts internal investigations as needed.
Serves as Step 3 designee in the established
grievance process; resolves grievances at Step 3 or
refers to subsequent steps as appropriate according
to the labor agreement.
Completes other duties and special projects as needed.
Meets with land developers, real estate and banking representatives, entrepreneurs and others
involved in large scale projects having a major impact on the City to assist in locating, expanding,
relocating, donating or selling, obtaining City services, or seeking the Administrator’s professional
opinion or indication of City Council response.
ADMINISTRATOR CORE DUTIES– CONT’D
DESIRED ADMINISTRATOR ATTRIBUTES
PRIORITIES AND GOALS
Be respectful and honest.
Have significant public finance skills.
Have well developed conflict resolution skills and
abilities.
Be visible to staff and the community.
Be professional and diplomatic in dealing with
issues.
Have a thick skin.
Be a collaborative and inclusive leader.
Understand and appreciate the uniqueness of the community.
Be passionate about the City of Lake City.
With the Council, develop and implement a
strategic plan for the organization that will guide
policy making and financial investment for the
next 2-3 years.
Help shepherd major projects such as the
Highway 61 redesign.
Continue to enhance teamwork with
organizational leaders and the Council.
With the Council, develop methodologies for enhancing transparency and
communication with the public.
Implement a new City website, and enhance opportunities for citizens to conduct City
business electronically.
Help the Council develop protocols for interactions with each other and with employees.
Develop approach that enhances recognition of staff.
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
City Administrator: City of Lake City, Minnesota
Salary Range: $98,152 to $121,943
Lake City, Minnesota, is a vibrant community situated on the banks of the Mississippi River in
Southeast Minnesota. Its rich history, stable economy, and wealth of recreational
opportunities make this City a great place to live and work.
Minimum qualifications for the position include a bachelor’s degree in Public or Business
Administration, Finance, or a related field, and extensive experience in municipal government
administration, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
The position profile is available at https://www.ddahumanresources.com/active-searches.
To apply, go to https://daviddrown.hiringplatform.com/17973-lake-city-city-
administrator/47335-application-form/en, and complete the process by February 6, 2018.
Finalists will be selected by the City Council on February 26, 2018. Final interviews are
scheduled for April 6 and 7, 2018.
Please direct questions to Gary Weiers at gary@daviddrown.com or 612-920-3320 x109.
Faribault Office
1327 Merrywood Court
Faribault, MN 55021
Phone (612)920-3320 x109
Fax (612)605-2375
gary@daviddrown.com