Consider Hiring a New Deputy City Administrator/Community Development Director

The purpose of this case is for the City Council to consider hiring Mr. Brian Hagen for the position of Deputy City Administrator/Community Development Director.

Background:  This position has been vacant since June 22, 2021.  Staff conducted a nationwide recruitment and 19 candidates were interviewed by a team of several people, including:  three Councilmembers, one Planning Commissioner, one Economic Development Authority member, and four members of staff.  Five candidates were invited to second interviews which included a team of the following panel members:  all seven Councilmembers, all six department heads, and three managers from the Community Development Department.  Following second interviews, the City Council selected two finalists for further consideration.  After careful consideration, Mr. Brian Hagen was selected for the position.  

Mr. Hagen has passed the City's pre-employment testing which included reference checks, employment verifications, drivers license check, degree verification, extensive leadership assessment and a physical and drug screen.  Mr. Hagen will be subject to a one year probationary period and the City's Personnel Policy.

The City would like to sincerely thank Finance Director Lund for serving as Interim Deputy City Administrator and City Engineer Westby for serving as Interim Community Development Director during the very busy time.  Their  5% interim pay will discontinue once Mr. Hagen is on board. 

This position is responsible for the planning and implementation of programs for development and redevelopment of residential, commercial and industrial land that help shape a vibrant, sustainable community.  In addition, the Deputy City Administrator/Community Development Director works to provide cross-functional administrative project leadership, capital development project administration, and management analysis for the organization.  The full job description is attached.

The funding for this position has already been included in the 2021 budget and represents a savings over the current budget.

Staff recommends hiring Mr. Brian Hagen as the City’s Deputy City Administrator/Community Development Director, effective on or near November 1, 2021 at $53.819 per hour, which is step 2 of  the 2021 pay scale with a credit of 5 vacation days.

Motion to hire Mr. Brian Hagen as the City’s Deputy City Administrator/Community Development Director, effective on or near November 1, 2021 at $53.819 per hour, which is step 2 of  the 2021 pay scale with a credit of 5 vacation days.