11-14-22 CC WS Agenda Packet
CITY OF SHOREWOOD 5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION COUNCIL CHAMBERS
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2022 6:00 P.M.
AGENDA
1. CONVENE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
A. Roll Call
Mayor Labadie _____
Siakel _____
Johnson _____
Callies _____
Gorham _____
B. Review Agenda
ATTACHMENTS
2. ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT REORGANIZATION Interim City Administrator Memo
3. ADJOURN
City of Shorewood Council Meeting Item
Item 2
Title/Subject: Discuss Proposed Administration Department
Reorganization Plan
MEETING
Meeting Date: Monday, November 14, 2022
TYPE
Work
Prepared by: Ed Shukle, Interim City Administrator
Session
Reviewed by: Sandie Thone, City Clerk/HR Director
Attachments: Current and Proposed Compensation Schedules; Staff Report and
Attachments from October 24, 2022 Regular
City Council meeting
Background: At the October 24, 2022 Regular City Council meeting, the City Council
was presented with a proposed reorganization plan for the Administration Department.
The plan came about as a result of the resignation of Julie Moore, former
Communications/Recycling Coordinator. (See attached staff report from the October
24, 2022, Item #7B). After presenting this information to the City Council, the
consensus was that the subject be reviewed at a Work Session.
The City Clerk/HR Director and I reviewed various options to fill the vacancy left as a
result of Ms. Moore’s resignation. The option of reorganizing the department to allow
for career advancement of existing personnel within the department made the most
sense. Each employee within the department brings different skill sets and
qualifications that we believe can fit the duties and responsibilities required to
accomplish the tasks of this job.
The reorganization plan basically involves breaking up the communications/recycling
position and shifting responsibilities. Under the plan, staff would post and recruit for a
new-part-time administrative assistant (20 hours per week) to perform the duties of the
current part-time administrative assistant (Miechelle). Miechelle then becomes full-time
and her title becomes “Administrative and Recycling Coordinator” She would be
handling many of the administrative duties at the front desk in addition to the recycling
program (see job description attached).
Current Administrative Assistant (Nelia), who is full-time, becomes the Administrative
and Communications Coordinator. She would continue to be working in customer
service, providing front desk information and other administrative duties. In addition,
she would be responsible for communications i.e., preparing the monthly newsletter,
managing the website and other communications (see job description attached).
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
Current Deputy City Clerk (Brenda), who is full-time, becomes the City Clerk. The City
Clerk performs statutory duties of the city such as maintaining all municipal records and
coordinating city elections (see job description attached).
Current City Clerk/HR Director (Sandie), who is full-time, becomes the Administrative
Services Director and remains the department head of the Administration Department..
The position is primarily responsible for all Administration and Human Resources
related functions for the city. This position assists and supports the City Administrator in
the management of administrative activities and responsibilities. (See job description
attached). The proposed job title change more accurately reflects the current work
duties and responsibilities that Sandie is performing.
As indicated in the staff report attached that was presented to the City Council on
October 24, staff explored other options that would support development and
advancement of current employees to retain the high level of service that is expected.
After the recent turnover in staff, it was determined that this is a unique opportunity to
be able to develop and advance employees from within the organization. This
opportunity presents numerous advantages at a time when employee retention is
extremely critical and stability is of the essence. It is an opportunity for people to grow
in their jobs and careers creating a greater sense of appreciation for the work that they
do. We believe the suggested changes are going to make the organization better.
We realize that this proposal may have come as a surprise. We also understand that
you have questions about the plan and that it appears to be “rushed.” Staff certainly
was not trying to create these perceptions. We are trying to address the current
workload of the Administration Department. Staff is “stretched” and action needs to be
taken to address these concerns. The timeline to be fully staffed under this plan is
January 31, 2023. However, if Miechelle were promoted to full-time, immediate
workload can be addressed sooner.
If you do not agree with the proposed changes, we can leave things the way they are
until we are able to recruit for a full-time Communications/Recycling Coordinator. This
process will take some time and it is estimated that the city can be fully staffed by
January 31, 2023. In the meantime, many of the tasks related to the
Communications/Recycling position will be delayed or not completed until fully staffed.
In summary, we are requesting permission to advance current staff to the positions
presented above along with recruiting for a part-time administrative assistant. As stated
above, we understand that this is a major change but believe it will work in addressing
workload and staffing needs within the Administration Department.
Financial Considerations: As originally presented, the overall budget impact of this
proposed reorganization plan, including wages and benefits, is $11,484 to the 2023
Budget. There would be minimal impact to the 2022 Budget should the City Council
proceed in approving this plan in 2022. Although the wage increases may appear to be
significant, the proposed compensation brings these positions more in line with their
respective corresponding duties and responsibilities.
It should be noted that attached is the City of Shorewood current compensation plan
indicating where the Administration Department employees are slotted and the
proposed compensation plan indicating where these employees would be placed.
Action Requested: Discuss the proposed reorganization plan as presented and
provide direction as to implementation of this plan or identify other options that the City
Council wishes to consider.
Connection to Vision/Mission: Consistency in 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.