00:36In a concerted effort to streamline operations and improve efficiency, the council deliberated on the proposal to merge two existing roles into the new Economic Development and Finance Manager position. Director Stevens provided insights into how combining the roles of budget/project manager and economic development coordinator could lead to a more cohesive approach in managing the department’s workload.

Council members acknowledged the potential benefits of this structural change, noting that the department has faced turnover and challenges in project completion. The chair of the meeting emphasized the necessity of finding a qualified candidate who can navigate the complexities of the role. The chair further noted the significance of this move as a strategic decision to address past inefficiencies and improve the overall function of the department.

13:13The conversation also highlighted previous issues of “siloing” within the department, where responsibilities and knowledge were concentrated among few individuals, leading to communication gaps. To counteract this, the council discussed implementing one-on-one and weekly team meetings to foster a more collaborative environment. A council member emphasized that these measures could lead to a more holistic understanding of projects and finances among the team, potentially reducing delays and costs associated with miscommunication.

In addition to restructuring efforts, the council explored the integration of the economic development role into a broader master plan process. This comprehensive plan aims to guide city projects and initiatives over the next two decades, encompassing areas such as economic development and housing production. The council discussed the importance of aligning the new position with this long-term vision.

09:55The discussion also touched on the return of former budget project manager Katie Medina, who agreed to assist the department on a contractual basis. Her expertise with federal reporting software used for grants is anticipated to help clear backlogs and provide essential training for new hires, setting up the new staff member for success.

22:34Further deliberations focused on the financial implications of the new position, with a suggestion to analyze the proposed salary against those in neighboring towns to ensure competitiveness. A council member proposed preparing this analysis ahead of the next economic development committee meeting, scheduled for April 22nd, to ensure thorough vetting of the role’s responsibilities and compensation.

In tandem with discussions on the new position, the council addressed Item 11511, an ordinance to amend the city code regarding personnel, specifically to include the new economic development and finance manager role. The council agreed to keep both the economic development items and the Mackie Park project update on the agenda for the next meeting, allowing time for further information gathering and discussions.

24:26The meeting concluded with an update on the Mackie Park project, which remains stalled due to pending work by Verizon to address double poles. Despite efforts by both the project engineer and a council member to expedite progress, the work order had been closed and a new one opened. A suggestion was made to formalize communications via email to maintain a public record of interactions, advocating for a documented approach to follow up on the project.