Adopt Resolution #14-03-066 to Hire a Replacement Community Service Officer

The purpose of this case is to request authorization to hire a Community Service Officer.    This position was left vacant when Mr. Schiferli was promoted to the Fire Marshal position on January 15, 2014 and the recruitment to replace the vacant C.S.O.  position was discussed at that time.  The position is included in the 2014 budget and is considered a replacement.  

As background, the City employed two Community Service Officers through July 2008, at which time, one C.S.O. was promoted to a Patrol Officer and the vacant C.S.O. position was not refilled.   Currently, the position has been vacant since January 15th and the duties have been either temporarily left undone or handled by Patrol Officers.   With Spring upon us and with the snow melting, there is sure to be a surge in the number of code enforcement related issues needing attention, correction, and follow-through -- code enforcement activity puts a high volume of work on the Police Department and Community Development and requires extensive recordkeeping -- perfectly suited for the C.S.O.

The Community Service Officer position is needed to support the City's basic daily work and the  Strategic Plan.   This position particularly touches on strategic imperative four -- an effective organization.   Specifically, it works to maintain a highly functional staff by employing a dedicated/cost effective person to handle somewhat routine police and community development tasks.  The current method of either leaving the work undone, or to assign the work to a Patrol Officer, is ineffective and inefficient.  

In summary, the position is responsible for handling: animal control duties, code enforcement activities, support services to patrol officers, administrative errands, vehicle maintenance and repairs, receiving and investigating ordinance complaints and documenting findings, as well as assisting with crime prevention issues.

A recruitment was conducted and four candidates were interviewed.   The finalist, Ms. Kroll, was interviewed a second time; this included Chief Way, Captain Katers, and Human Resources Manager Lasher. 

The evaluation criteria for vacant and new positions is attached.  

Option #1: Hire a fulltime Community Service Officer.   Staff recommends hiring one fulltime Community Service Officer to help fulfill the routine public safety and customer service needs, including code enforcement in the City and to meet the goals of the strategic plan as it relates to this position.

Option #2 Not hiring a fulltime Community Service Officer.  Staff does not recommend this option due to likely repercussions such as a reduced ability to provide effective customer service both internally and externally, as well as timely routine public safety response, including code enforcement activities. 

The funding required for these positions is well within the 2014 budget and is estimated to be a general fund amount of $39,819 or less.  This figure is based on an April 1, 2014 hire date at fulltime hours; however, Ms. Kroll will begin on a part-time basis initially and then move to fulltime in May.   Overall, the budget impact results in a $30,753 savings over what approved in the 2014 budget.

Authorize staff to move ahead with option #1 above: hiring Ms. Laura Kroll as  fulltime Community Service Officer, on or near April 1, 2014 at $17.57 per hour which is step 1 of the 2014 wage scale.

Motion to adopt resolution #14-03-066, to hire Ms. Laura Kroll as  fulltime Community Service Officer, on or near April 1, 2014 at $17.57 per hour which is step 1 of the 2014 wage scale.