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HomeMy WebLinkAbout8. Economic Development Staffing #8 CITY OF SHAKOPEE Memorandum TO: EDA FROM: Mark McNeill, Executive Director SUBJECT: Economic Development Staffing DATE: October 12,2006 INTRODUCTION: The EDA is asked to consider a change in the staffing for economic development activities in Shakopee. BACKGROUND: Several weeks ago, the EDA was presented with some alternatives for staffing economic development activities in the City. This resulted from a reorganization which left the Assistant City Administrator with no the time to devote to economic development, which had been assigned to her on a half-time basis previously. The EDA was given the choice of trying to combine the position with another staff position (for which there was not a candidate readily available with the time to devote to the new duties), or re-creating the full time position, such as when Paul Snook had held the job. Council opted for the latter, and an advertisement was made for an Economic Development Coordinator position. Because of a reduction in qualifications sought, the advertisement was made for a position being paid at a Grade 7 level, one less than where it had been slotted previously. Twenty applications were received. In reviewing those applications, I noted that at least one candidate had experience serving an economic development function for another city as a contract employee. That was not an option which was presented to the EDA previously, and before interviews are set, I felt that it was worthwhile to at least explore whether that is something that you would want to consider. It would not be the first time that Shakopee has employed a contractor to do economic development - Jeff Jansen was the contract individual for several months during the transition between the departure of Paul Snook, and the arrival ofKris Wilson. During that time, Mr. Jansen followed up with prospects - Open Systems is an example of something that he helped to facilitate. I do have concerns that a full time position at this time would not be fully utilized - there are very few economic incentives that the City can offer to assist businesses seeking to locate to Shakopee, unless they are going into new construction. Even then, there is only a limited amount of tax abatement available. Due to the "Kelo" case, even if it wanted to do so, it is unlikely that the City would ever be in a position of assembling land for a future industrial park - that will need to be done by the private sector. There was also previous discussion by the EDA about the City doing more marketing of existing properties (specifically, vacant buildings in the Valley Green area). However, other than assisting the current brokers of that property in getting the word out, is there anything that the City could offer as an incentive to get businesses moved to those properties? A full-time staff Economic Development Specialist could visit existing businesses to determine their level of satisfaction with the City of Shakopee, and find if there were particular issues with which the City could help. However, other than the Public Relations part of that effort, it is unlikely that much actual economic assistance could be offered to those requesting it. A staff position could travel to trade shows with DTED to market the State as a place to locate businesses, but is that the best use of City dollars? If the EDA is interested in the concept there would have to be a decision as to the scope of services for a contractor. In theory, we could have that individual stationed at City Hall with regular hours, but I believe a more efficient use oftime would be to have them "on call", and have either Community Development Director Michael Leek or I field the initial requests, and determine which ofthose to forward to the contractor. If the decision is made to go this route, a contractor would report to the Community Development Director. It is likely that the EDAC, which has not been active since early this year, would continue in an inactive status, at least until such time that a policy issue needed to be considered. None of this should be a negative reflection on the qualifications of the twenty individuals who made application for the staffposition. Before filling a staff position, the EDA should confirm what the mission of that EDA staff person would be. (The recently revisedjob description for an Economic Development Specialist is attached.) Ifnothing else, a contract employee would allow the opportunity to more fully analyze whether work exists for a full time position. BUDGET IMP ACT: While the hourly rate of a contractor would likely be significantly higher than that of a staff member assigned to this duty, because there would be fewer hours, it should result in a savings to the EDA budget. RECOMMENDATION: I recommend that EDA direct staffto put together a Request For Proposal for a contract economic development professional to serve the City of Shakopee. RELATIONSHIP TO VISIONING: This supports Goal D - Vibrant, resilient and stable. ACTION REQUIRED: If the EDA concurs, it should, by motion, direct staffto prepare a Request For Proposal for economic development professional services. ~~ Mark McNeill City Administrator MM:th Job Description Job Title: Economic Development Specialist Grade: 7 Department: Community Development Location: City Hall Reports To: Community Development Director FLSA Status: Exempt Prepared By: R. Michael Leek, Community Development Director Prepared Date: 07/25/2006 Approved By: City Council Approved Date: 8/2/2006 Salary Range: $48,610 to $60,818 Hiring Range: POSITION SUMMARY Under the direction of the Community Development Director, and general guidance of the Executive Director of the Economic Development Authority , the Economic Development Specialist is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining economic development programs that have as their focus the following: 0 Retention of existing businesses; 0 Aiding the expansion of existing businesses; 0 Attracting new businesses that enhance the availability ofliving wage jobs in the community, and enhance the City's tax base. Related duties include providing staff support to the City's Economic Development Authority (EDA) and Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC), and serving as a liaison to the Shakopee Chamber of Commerce and such other boards and commissions as may be appropriate. The position is also responsible for the administration oflocalloan programs and state or federal grants for economic development. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. 1. Develop strategies, policies, and programs that support the implementation of the City's adopted economic development goals and objectives. 2. Develop and maintain positive relationships with other city staff, members of city commissions and committees, business owners, property owners, developers, real estate brokers, lending institutions and similar or related organizations. 3. Act as the primary staff contact for business inquiries, maintain a log ofinquiries, and provide follow-up assistance as required. 4. Provide assistance to businesses seeking to stay or expand in Shakopee, or wishing to relocate to Shakopee. 5. Prepare agendas and reports for, attend and act as liaison to the City's EDA, EDAC, and attend Shakopee Chamber of Commerce meetings as required. 6. Develop and update the City's information related to taxes, utility costs, market characteristics, demographics, vacant land availability, etc. 7. Assists/directs consultants retained by the City to analyze Economic Development projects and makes recommendations to the Community Development Director regarding City ordinances and policies affecting economic development. 8. Prepares attractive financing packages utilizing block grant funds, tax increment financing, Department of Trade and Economic Development programs and other public and private financing techniques. 9. Effectively markets the City as a place to establish, maintain and grow businesses that provide living wage jobs and enhance the City's tax base. 10. Performs other such duties as are consistent with the tasks of the position and as may be assigned by the City. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES . Understanding of commonly utilized economic development tools and programs (tax increment financing, tax abatement, state workforce training programs, etc.) . Working experience with MS Office 2000/2003;, and Microsoft Windows/2000 Server and NP Workstation; . Good organizational and planning skills; . Ability to work independently and in teams; . Ability to work well with end users of City technologies and applications; . Ability to prioritized and work on multiple projects; . Ability to learn new applications and technologies; . Ability to communicate effectively and clearly in both oral and written form; . Knowledge of and ability to use effective marketing techniques. QUALIFICATIONS: . Bachelor's degree in business, public administration, finance, economic development, marketing, or closely related field; . At least two years related experience; . Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office products, including Excel and Access; DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS: Master's degree in economic development, marketing, finance or closely related field. OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES Broad understanding of the role, functions, and responsibilities of city government. Ability to work effectively with a variety of people. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative ofthose that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations maybe made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative ofthose an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The work environment is a generally quiet office setting, although site or field visits may occasionally be required.