05-14-12 CC Work SessionCITY OF SHOREWOOD
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
MONDAY, 14 MAY 2012
AGENDA
1. CONVENE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
A. Roll Call
B. Review Agenda
2. CITY ADMINISTRATOR POSITION
5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
6:15 P.M.
Mayor Lizee
Hotvet
Siakel
Woodruff
Zerby
ATTACHMENTS
Interim Administrator's memo
3. ADJOURN
1: (2 #2A
U2 MEETING TYPE
City of Shorewood Council Meeting Item Work Session
Title/ Subject: Administrator Search Process
Meeting Date: May 14, 2012
Prepared by: Larry Brown
Reviewed by: Jean Panchyshyn
Attachments:
Background:
Staff is seeking direction from the City Council regarding the long term vision, and desired process for
fulfilling that vision, for the position of the City Administrator.
If the City Council opts to solicit credentials from individuals for the position, there are numerous
options or combination of options that are available to the City Council. While not meant to be all
inclusive, the following are a few methods of process that have been traditionally utilized for such
searches. The City Council may wish to discuss these, or provide direction on others methods that are
desired to pursue.
Alternative 1— The Do Nothing and Maintain Current Status
As the Director of Public Works, I was and am very honored to have been asked to perform the position
of the Interim City Administrator. It is humbling to even be considered for this role, as the position
carries great weight and responsibility for the City.
Certainly, the responsibilities and job tasks of a City Administrator and a Director of Public Works have
some major areas of overlap when it comes to management, working with our customers, financial
aspects, budgeting and other details. However, the positions do vary greatly in other areas. The
education, training, gifts and abilities that I have had the pleasure of gaining and using over the years
are far better suited to the role of the Director of Public Works versus the City Administrator position.
Therefore, for the long term benefit and progression of the City, I feel it is better for the City Council to
seek out an Administrator for the long term position that has specific talents and abilities to lead the
City in the progressive direction that the City Council desires.
Alternative 2 - Solicit Proposals and Contract with an Executive Search Firm
In 2008, the City chose to hire an executive search firm for seeking out candidates and hiring for the
position of City Administrator. At that time, the costs for that search was $19,035. Assuming a
moderate rate of inflation, in today's dollars, it is probable that an executive search would cost
approximately $20,000 - $24,000. Attachment 1 is the Request for Proposals (RFP) that was utilized at
Mission Statement: The City of Shorewood is committed to providing residents quality public services, a
healthy environment, a variety of attractive amenities, a sustainable tax base, and sound financial
management through effective, efficient, and visionary leadership. Page 1
that time, to determine the appropriate search firm. Attachment 2 is an excerpt of the proposal from
the successful search firm that summarizes the services that were provided.
If the City Council determines that an executive search firm is the appropriate method, it is anticipated
that issuing an RFP, evaluating RFPs, and signing on a search firm will take approximately 6 -8 weeks.
From that time, it would be anticipated that the actual search and hiring process of a successful
candidate would likely take 3.5 - 4.0 months after the search firm is under contract with the City.
Alternative 3 — Advertise and Solicit Credentials Directly
Many cities choose to perform executive searches internally by advertising with the professional
organizations or web sites that are viewed by administrators. In this case, there appear to be three
main outlets that are used and viewed by this sector. They are:
• ICMA, the International City /County Management Association
• LMC, League of Minnesota Cities
• Internet site of www.government jobs.com
The ICMA posts and Govern mentjobs.com posts would certainly result in the job posting being seen
nationally. While the League of Minnesota Cities site is available worldwide, since it is web based, this
site would cater more towards the local and Midwest area. Posting positions on these sites is done at a
very low cost or even free of charge.
If this method were to be utilized, an independent firm should be utilized to perform a thorough
background and reference check. While costs can vary dramatically by candidate, based on if they have
worked in several states or other contributing factors, it is anticipated that a background investigation
would range between $500 to $1,000 per short - listed candidate.
In addition, if this is the preferred process, the City Council may want to consider appointing a
subcommittee to solicit credentials and narrow the search to the candidates meeting the City Council's
criteria.
Timing of this method is going to vary greatly, based upon the ability of the sub - committee to meet, and
to achieve the specific objectives that the City Council provides.
As stated earlier, these are the traditional methods used by other communities, and even our own, in
the past. Thus, staff seeks direction from the City Council as to how to proceed.
CITY OF SHOREWOOD, MINNESOTA
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
EXECUTIVE SEARCH FOR CITY ADMINISTRATOR
Obiective
The City of Shorewood, Minnesota, is seeking proposals from qualified firms to perform executive
search services in regards to the recruitment and selection of a qualified individual for the position
of City Administrator.
Scope of Work
The firm is to perform an executive search for the position of City Administrator.
The firm is to utilize their experience and knowledge of executive searches to perform the
following:
Translate the city's needs into a detailed recruiting specification, to encompass a
search within the five -state Midwest Area;
2. Document procedures to be carried out, including timeliness for their
accomplishment;
3. Prepare recruiting materials that present an accurate profile of the position and
environment;
4. Contact potential candidates through written material, advertising, and direct
recruiting;
5. Screen and evaluate candidates to establish a qualified semi -final group;
6. Develop a list of finalist utilizing generally accepted screening practices and
procedures, to be detailed in the report;
7. Research personal, professional, and academic qualifications thoroughly and
discreetly; Consolidate the findings of the final candidates in a clear, objective profile
detailing:
a. Current situation,
b. Past experience,
Skills and performance that is directly appropriate to the position;
8. Develop and participate in the selection process, to include meetings with the Mayor
and City Council.
9. Prepare a list of final candidates and coordinate interviews with the City;
10. Assist in final negotiations with the final candidate; and
11. Report progress in all phases regularly to the City Council.
ATTACHMENT 1
City of Shorewood, Minnesota
Request for Proposal
Page 2 of 3
Preparation and Submittal Instructions
Submittal of the proposal shall consist of eight (8) copies of the proposal enclosed in a sealed
envelope and sent to:
Larry Brown,
Acting City Administrator
5755 Country Club Road
Shorewood, MN 55331
The deadline for receipt of the proposal is 10:00 a.m., March 13, 2008.
The outside of the envelope shall show the notation "Executive Search for City Administrator" in
the lower right hand corner. Only sealed proposals will be accepted.
There will be no disclosure of contents to competing firms, and all proposals will be kept
confidential during the negotiation process. Except for trade secrets and confidential
information, which the respondent identifies as proprietary, all proposals will be open for
public inspection after the contract is awarded.
Respondents may withdraw their proposal at any time prior to the time specified as the closing
time for acceptance of proposals. However, no respondent shall withdraw or cancel his or her
proposal for a period of sixty (60) days after closing date for acceptance of proposals.
All cost directly or indirectly related to preparation of a response to the RFP or any oral
presentation required to supplement and /or clarify a proposal which may be required by the City
shall be the sole responsibility of and shall be borne by the respondent.
During proposal development, respondent's questions regarding the RFP or the process should be
directed to Larry Brown, Acting City Administrator, via email at Lbrown o shorewoodpw.com
The City reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals, to waive any and all
informalities and technicalities, and to accept the offer considered to be in the best interest of the
City of Shorewood.
The City also reserves the right to reject the proposal of any respondent who previously failed to
perform properly or complete on time, agreements of similar nature, or to reject the proposal from
any respondent who is not in a position to perform specified requirements contained herein.
City of Shorewood, Minnesota
Request for Proposal
Page 3 of 3
Consideration of Proposal and Selection Criteria
The contract will be awarded to the respondent who submits a proposal that, in the judgment of the
City of Shorewood, is best able to produce a quality program for the best price. The past
performance of the respondent, as verified by references, will be of important consideration.
Successful placement of qualified City Administrators/Managers will be of significant
consideration.
It is anticipated that firms to be considered as final candidates by the City Council, will
interview with the City Council for final selection and award. These interviews are
tentatively scheduled for the evening of Monday, March 17, 2008.
Proposal Requirements
The proposal should provide the following:
1. A statement of qualifications of personnel that will supervise and be directly involved in the
executive search. Specifically, qualifications are to provide documentation as to that person or
persons experience in working with municipalities, and their respective role(s) within the
project.
2. A brief explanation of the firm's objectives and approach to an executive search.
3. Brief description searches performed previously or currently being performed. Of key
importance are searches performed previously for the position of City Administrator or
Managers.
4. A statement of services or qualifications for your firm that distinguishes it from other executive
search firms.
5. A list of required information needed by the firm to perform the requested services.
6. An outline of the process to be utilized, along with a timeline in which the
recruitment can be expected to proceed up to the final offer.
7. An estimated cost of professional fees and expenses for the project with a stated cost not to
exceed.
8. A statement that indicates other types of searches performed by your firm, outside of
municipalities or public sector positions.
9. A minimum of three (3) references with contact information.
Services Offered
3. Services Offered
Executive Search Process Overview
City of Shorewood, Minnesota
ATTACHMENT2
City of Shorewood, Minnesota. Proposal to Provide Executive Search Services