Discuss the Planning Manager Interview Panel

The purpose of this discussion is to consider the make-up of an effective and efficient interview panel for the vacant Planning Manager position.  As the City Council is aware, Planning Manager Chloe McGuire Brigl's last day with the City was February 4, 2022.   Among many other key roles, this position serves as the staff liaison to the Planning Commission.  As such, the City Council may want to consider including non-employee panel member(s) to the interview panel.  

Staff suggests that two rounds of interviews take place during regular daytime business hours with the following panel members: 

First Interview Panel Members                                              Second Interview Panel Members
Brian Hagen, D.C.A./C.D. Director                                        Brian Hagen, D.C.A./C.D. Director     
Colleen Lasher, Administrative Service Director                      Colleen Lasher,  Administrative Service Director         
Chris Anderson, Senior Planner                                            Kurt Ulrich, City Administrator
Bruce Westby, City Engineer                                                Bruce Westby, City Engineer
Matt Kohner, Fire Chief                                                         Jeff Katers, Police Chief
                                                                                          Planning Commission Chair
                                                                                          City Council Member   
                               
First Interviews are planned for Tuesday, March 1, 2022, and if needed, Wednesday, March 2, 2022.  Second Interviews are planned for Wednesday, March 9, 2022.  Staff suggests following our normal selection process of scoring applications, determining a logical cut point (if needed), and interviewing applicants within that range. Staff hopes to have approximately up to ten first interviews and approximately up to five second interviews; but this is an estimate based on the qualifications of the candidate pool.        

Recruitment Process/ Hiring Timeline:
Staff is currently conducting an external, open competitive recruitment; the application period is January 21 through February 21, 2022.  and the position has been advertised locally and nationally. Staff will conduct the normal pre-employment background checks and testing, including a work style assessment conducted by the City's consulting psychologists. If all goes as planned, a case to hire the new Planning Manager will appear on the March 22, 2022 agenda and the new Planning Manager will begin working on or near Monday, April 11 -  Monday, April 25, 2022.
 
Temporary Impact to Other Staff
In the interim, Senior Planner Chris Anderson will be taking on addition responsibilities, including project management and additional meetings.  Staff is seeking City Council feedback on granting an additional 5% increase in Mr. Anderson's pay to recognize his temporary expanded role.  

This case is expected to take 10 minutes.
 

Not Applicable.
 

Colleen Lasher, Administrative Services Director

 

The intended outcome of this work-session is for the City Council to provide staff, by consensus, feedback as to if the City Council agrees with the stated course of action to fill the position of the Planning Manager.