Consider a Resolution to Accept the Resignation of the Public Works Director, Appoint the Fire Chief and the City Engineer to 3-month Interim Assignments, and to Authorize a Recruitment

Mr. Brian Olson, Public Works Director, submitted a letter of resignation on April 18, 2012. Mr. Olson has been with the city of Ramsey for nearly 12 years.  Mr. Olson accepted a position with the city of Edina as the Public Works Director; his last day with the city of Ramsey is May 15, 2012.

Dean Kapler, the city's current Fire Chief previously served as the city's Public Works Director/Fire Chief until 2006.  Tim Himmer, the city's current City Engineer works closely with Mr. Olson and is very familiar with the Engineering side of operations. 

Mr. Olson's position is currently responsible for the following duties:

1. Oversee, coordinate and supervise the Engineering Department and staff
2. Direct and update and implementation of the 5-year Capital Improvement Program
3. Act as liaison to the Anoka County Rail Authority
4. Provide leadership and management for the Ramsey Star Express commuter coach service
5. Collaborate with other agencies to accomplish a wide range of City goals such as TH10 freeway conversion (3 interchanges) and a Ramsey rail station
6. Effectively communicate with the Ramsey City Council, Planning Commission, Parks Commission, Environmental Protection Board, and Public Works Committee as well as residents and businesses of our community
7. Provide leadership and direction for the planning, design, and construction of public infrastructure and park system to keep up with the rapidly increasing demands of growth
8. Provide leadership and direction for the Update of Capital Equipment List (Fleet management)
9. Oversee, supervise and direct Public Works department staff in an effective manner that promotes team building
10. Develop and recommend a Public Works budget program
11. Coordinate activities and resources of the Building Maintenance, Parks, Streets and Utilities divisions to maximize effectiveness of the Public Works Department
12. Develop and implement, in conjunction with other departments and outside agencies, an action plan for dealing with natural disasters
13. Provide community service/public relations activities
14. Perform other duties as assigned (within the ability and resources of the Public Works Director) at the verbal or written direction of the City Administrator

To accept Mr. Olson's resignation and Appoint the Fire Chief and the City Engineer to 3-month interim assignments.  Staff recommend that Fire Chief Kapler oversee the following divisions within Public Works:  Building Maintenance, Parks, Streets, and Utilities.  Staff recommends that City Engineer Himmer oversee the Engineering Division.  During this interim appointment, staff recommends proceeding with an internal and/or external recruitment process to meet the needs of the Public Works Director position. 

There are no funding requirements to accept Mr. Olson's resignation.  There are no funding requirements needed at this time to make Chief Kapler's and Engineer Himmer's interim appointments.  

The 2012 funding for Mr. Olson's position, including salary and benefits is $130,939 annually, detailed as follows:

Engineering 30% $48,768
Traffic Engineering 10% $11,738
Street Maintenance 10% $11,738
Park and Recreation 20% $23,477
Water Utility 10% $11,738
Sewer Utility 10% $11,738
Strorm Drainage Utility 10% $11,738

Motion to approve resolution 12-05-XXX confirming the recommendation of the Personnel Committee to do the following:

1) Accept Mr. Brian Olson's resignation as the Public Works Director
2) Appoint Dean Kapler, the Fire Chief and the Tim Himmer, the City Engineer to 3-month interim assignments
3) Direct staff to proceed with an internal and/or external recruitment process to meet the needs of the Public Works Director position.