Interview the Police Captain for the Police Chief Position

The purpose of this work-session is to interview Captain Jeff Katers for the City of Ramsey's Police Chief position.  

As the City Council will recall, at the August 11, 2014 work-session, staff presented information regarding Police Chief Jim Way's upcoming retirement and options for filling the position.   Staff indicated that Captain Jeff Katers is a qualified internal candidate for the position.  The City Council, via a consensus, directed staff to conduct an internal recruitment, followed by an external recruitment if needed.    

As a result, the following occurred:   1) Captain Jeff Katers submitted his letter of interest and resume, 2) staff conducted a Police Department survey seeking feedback regarding the future leadership of the Police Department, 3) the City Administrator met with Captain Katers to discuss  the results of Police Department survey, the role of the position, and the City's expectations for this position going forward, and lastly 4) a comprehensive leadership assessment was conducted.   Based on the findings of all four of these items, staff recommends considering Captain Jeff Katers for the position of Police Chief with the City of Ramsey.  The interview panel will be made up of the City Council, the City Administrator, the Fire Chief, Police Chief Philip Johanson from the  the Anoka Police Department, and the Human Resources Manager.   Note:  Prepared interview questions will be distributed to the City Council at the work-session. 

If the consensus of the City Council is to appoint Captain Katers as the city's next Chief of Police, a case will be brought forward to the City Council at the October 14, 2014 City Council meeting and the process of back-filling will begin; if not, an external recruitment will be conducted. 

Note:  The August 11, 2014 case and minutes (pages 6-8 ) are attached. 

One to two hours.

There is no funding required at this time.

Colleen Lasher, Human Resources Manager

Consensus agreement to consider promotion of Captain Jeff Katers as the next Chief of Police at the next regular meeting, or direct staff to conduct an external recruitment.