HomeMy WebLinkAbout7.E.3. Authorization to Hire for Communications Coordinator Position
CITY OF SHAKOPEE j.E.3
MEMORANDUM ,
To: Mayor and City Council CONSEtiT
Mark McNeill, City Administrator
From: Kris Wilson, Assistant City Administrato~
Date: September 29,2006
Subject: Authorization to Hire for Communications Coordinator Position "
INTRODUCTION
The City Council is asked to authorize hiring Lori Cram for the position of Communications
Coordinator.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
The 2006 budget includes funding for the creation of a new, half-time Communications
Coordinator position. Following discussion on the City's 2007 budget, Council directed staff to
proceed with the recruitment process for this position. We were uncertain what response we
would receive to this posting, given the fact that it is a professional position, requiring a
Bachelor's Degree, but only part-time and with no benefits. However we were fortunate to
receive a strong group of applicants for the position. An interview panel composed of Mark
McNeill, Mark Themig and myself interviewed a total of8 candidates, and are recommending
that the position be offered to Lori Cram.
Lori has held communications positions with the Missouri House of Representatives, the HMO
Kaiser Permanente, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. Her references had very
positive things to say about her and we believe she will bring strong writing and interpersonal
skills to the position.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council authorize hiring Lori Cram for the half-time position of
Communications Coordinator, with a starting salary at Grade 6, Step F ($21.27 an hour).
This action is contingent on successful completion of the City's pre-employment screenings.
RELATIONSHIP TO VISION
The hiring of well qualified individuals to serve the residents of Shakopee contributes to Goal D
_ a vibrant, resilient and stable community. Furthermore, having a staff member with the
primary responsibility of communicating City news and information to the public should help
advance all of the goals outlined in the City's strategic vision.
REQUESTED ACTION
If Council concurs, it ~h()llld moye to authgrize hiring Lori Cram for the half-time position of
Communications Coordinator at Grade 6, Step F of the 2006 City Pay Plan, contingent on the
successful completion of the City's required pre-employment screenings.