HomeMy WebLinkAbout5.E.3. Hiring of Mechanic E.3
CITY OF SHAKOPEE
Memorandum Lt P 1 a-4_ d
TO: Mayor and City Council
Mark McNeill, City Administrator CaNsENT
FROM: Kris Wilson, Assistant City Administrator
SUBJECT: Authorization to Transfer One Current Mechanic and Hire One New
Mechanic
DATE: February 14, 2011
INTRODUCTION:
The City Council is asked to authorize the transfer of mechanic Keith Weckman to the position
of Maintenance Operator and the hiring of Tom Larson to fill the position of Mechanic.
BACKGROUND:
Rodney Beck resigned his position as a Maintenance Operator with the Public Works
Depaitment in early June of 2010. The position was left vacant until the completion of the 2011
budget process, at which time the Council authorized staff to proceed with filling the open
Maintenance Operator position. Following the terms of the union contract, the position was first
posted internally. Keith Weckman, who is currently employed by the department as a mechanic,
applied and is being recommended to fill the open Maintenance Operator position.
Staff then proceeded to advertise for and interview candidates for the mechanic position
currently held by Mr. Weckman. An interview panel consisting of Public Works Director Bruce
Loney, Public Works Superintendent Mike Hullander, Mechanic Gene Jeurissen and myself
interviewed a total of 9 candidates. Based on these interviews, and subsequent reference checks
and a background check, the interview panel recommends that Tom Larson be hired to fill the
open mechanic position. Mr. Larson worked for Mahowald Motors, a Chevrolet dealer in New
Prague, for more than 22 years, with the title of Shop Foreman at the time the dealership closed
in 2008. He is currently employed as a fleet mechanic by Schmitty & Sons Transit.
VISIONING RELATIONSHIP:
This agenda item relates to Goal E: Deliver effective and efficient public services by a staff of
well - trained, caring and professional employees.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that Keith Weckman be transferred to the position of Maintenance Operator at
Step 8 ($24.54 per hour) of the current union contract, effective March 1, 2011.
Additionally, staff recommends that Tom Larson be hired as a full -time mechanic at Step 4
($23.31 per hour) of the current union contract, contingent upon the successful completion of a
pre- employment physical and drug test and subject to a one -year probationary period. The
anticipated start date for Mr. Larson would be on or about March 7, 2011.
In both cases, starting wages above the normal Step 1 are being recommended based on the
individual's years of experience and current salaries.
ACTION REQUESTED:
If the Council concurs, it should offer a motion to authorize the transfer of mechanic Keith
Weckman to the position of Maintenance Operator at Step 8 of the current union contract,
effective March 1, 2011.
Additionally, it should offer a motion to authorize the hiring of Tom Larson as a full -time
mechanic, at Step 4 ($23.31 per hour) of the current union contract, contingent upon the
successful completion of a pre - employment physical and drug test and subject to a one -year
probationary period.
CITY OF SHAKOPEE
Memorandum
TO: Mayor and City Council
Mark McNeill, City Administrator
FROM: Kris Wilson, Assistant City Administrator
SUBJECT: Authorization to Hire Mechanic
DATE: February 11, 2011
5, E 3,
INTRODUCTION:
At Tuesday night's meeting, the City Council will be asked to authorize the hiring of a full -time
mechanic in the Public Works Department.
BACKGROUND:
The City has an opening for one full -time mechanic in the Fleet Division of the Public Works
Department. Staff has advertised the position and completed interviews. Reference checks and a
background check on the top candidate are currently underway and we expect to have a
recommendation to bring forward at Tuesday night's meeting.
RELATIONSHIP TO GOALS:
This agenda item relates to Goal E: Deliver effective and efficient public services by a staff of
well- trained, caring and professional employees.