Discuss the Community Development Director Interview Panels

The purpose of this discussion is to consider the make-up of an effective and efficient interview panel for the vacant Community Development Director position. 

Section 6.2.2 of the Charter states: “The city council shall by resolution hire or remove heads of departments, and such other future officers and personnel as may be required to operate the city efficiently. The council shall determine the qualifications thereof and prescribe the duties to be performed by each, except as otherwise prescribed in this Charter.”

Among many other key roles, this position serves as the department director over three staff liaisons (to the EDA, EPB and Planning Commission).  As such, the City Council may want to consider including the Commission Chairs or other representative for each commission in one or both of the interview panels.  Additionally, staff is looking for the City Council's feedback on their desired role in the interview process. Staff suggests that two rounds of interviews take place during regular daytime business hours.  It is very likely that not all the individuals listed below will be available. 

First Interview Panel Members                                             
City Administrator
Administrative Services Director
2 Department Heads
3 C.D. Division Managers 
Up to 3 Commission Chairs or other representative

Second Interview Panel Members   
City Administrator
Administrative Services Director
Finance Director
Interim Public Works Director
Fire Chief
Police Chief
3 C.D. Division Managers 
Up to 3 Commission Chairs or other representative

First Interviews are planned for the week of August 1st and second Interviews are planned for the week of August 15th.  Staff suggests following our normal selection process of scoring applications, determining a logical cut point (if needed), and interviewing applicants within that range.  If members of the Council would like to review the applications in the human resources office after the closing date, this can be arranged with the Administrative Services Director.

Recruitment Process/ Hiring Timeline:
Staff is currently conducting an external, open-competitive recruitment; the application period is June 28 through July 24, 2022, and the position has been advertised locally and nationally. Staff will conduct the normal pre-employment background checks, professional reference checks and the leadership assessment(s) which will be conducted by the City's consulting psychologists.  At this time, staff reserved two appointments with the consulting psychologist.  Once the reports are received, the Council will have the opportunity to read the report(s) in the HR office prior to discussing the candidate(s).  Depending on the circumstances of the recruitment, the City Council may wish to schedule a special work session to discuss the finalist(s).  If all goes as planned, a case to hire the new Community Development Director will appear on the September 13, 2022, agenda and the new Community Development Director will begin working on or near Monday, October 3 or Monday, October 10, 2022.

This case is expected to take 10 minutes.
 

Not Applicable.
 

Colleen Lasher, Administrative Services Director

 

The intended outcome of this work session is for staff to answer any questions the City Council may have, and for the City Council to provide staff, by consensus, feedback as to if the City Council agrees with the suggested course of action regarding the interview panels.  Should the City Council desire involvement in the interview process, representative(s) should be identified as well.