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City
Administrator
Position Profile
The Community
The City of Staples is a vibrant, growing community situated on
the beautiful Crow Wing River in central Minnesota. The City is
positioned on the borders of Todd and Wadena Counties at the
junction of U.S. Highway 10 and Minnesota Highway 210. Staples
offers residents a well-balanced mix of commerce and industry,
recreation, churches, schools and colleges, and residential
neighborhoods. The community has a population of 3,104 and
serves as the cornerstone of a regional community of cities and
towns including Motley, Pillager, Lincoln, Leader and Aldrich.
Staples is served by a Municipal Airport and features an
Industrial Park with businesses in mechanical rubber goods,
machinery manufacturing and optical instruments. Employing 65
workers involved in fabricating and repairing production
machines, 3M is a major employer in the community. The Staples
Economic Development Authority, Downtown Revitalization Board
and other community improvement groups work with the City on
development activities. Presently, Staples is poised for change
with many redevelopment projects underway. The realignment of
Hwy 10 will set the stage for downtown revitalization and
rezoning of the highway corridor and reconstruction of the
current highway will begin this year. In addition, a north/south
corridor and railroad overpass plan is moving forward. The
recent completion of the new Lakewood Health System Facility and
the scheduled expansion of the West Campus of Central Lakes
College represent community vibrancy and pride.
Health Care
Lakewood Health System is an independent hospital and health
care facility, opened in December 2006. The facility serves
residents in Staples and surrounding communities and offers
emergency services, specialty services, rehabilitation,
radiology, and obstetrics care in a setting designed to maximize
health and well being. Lakewood employs 600 individuals and
features a critical access hospital, care center, home care and
hospice services, and two senior service and assisted living
facilities.
Recreation
The City of Staples maintains approximately 170 acres of
parkland. Most notable is the Dower Lake Recreation Area,
located two miles west of Staples. This beautiful lakeside park
features a publicly-owned campground, outstanding softball
fields, sand volleyball courts, picnic shelters, and a 9-hole
disc golf course. Dower Lake covers 60 acres and features a
600-foot fishing pier, swimming beach staffed with lifeguards
and public boat access. Pine Grove Park is a favorite playground
where families enjoy picnics, games and relaxation among
majestic white and red pines. Other community and neighborhood
parks feature amenities to serve the recreational needs of
residents and visitors including, lighted tennis courts,
ballfields, beaches, playgrounds, picnic areas, hiking trails
and public canoe access.
An excellent Community Center boasts a new swimming pool,
exercise room, gym, senior citizen center and meeting rooms, and
offers recreation and fitness programming.
The Crow Wing River and the many small lakes and stream
locations scattered around the area draw thousands of outdoor
enthusiasts annually. Canoeing, camping, bird watching, fishing
and hunting are popular pastimes and canoe access and rest areas
are found along the river that runs through Staples.
Golfers take advantage of two excellent 18-hole courses in the
area - Vintage Golf Course north of Staples and Pine Ridge south
of Motley.
In the winter, hundreds of miles of snowmobile trails connect
the cities of Staples, Aldrich, Motley, Leader, Pillager and the
Lincoln Lakes Area. Wintertime also offers opportunities for
cross country skiing and ice fishing.
Culture
The Centennial Auditorium was built in 1991 and contains a
409-seat theater that is used extensively for school and
community music, band, orchestra, and theater performances as
well as for special programs. The Centennial Auditorium has been
host to exceptional talent from the Children's Theater Company,
the Minnesota Opera Company, the University of Minnesota
Orchestra and the Heartland Symphony.
The Staples/Motley Area Arts Council guides continued
programming in theater and arts events in conjunction with the
Minnesota State Arts Board and local community organizations.
The Staple Area Men's Chorus, Staples Area Women's Chorus and
Central Minnesota Boys Choir perform for local and regional
audiences. The Lamplighter Theater group provides summer theater
programs and Music in the Park concerts are held on Sunday
evenings.
Education
The consolidated Staples Motley School District employs 230
people and serves approximately 1,850 students in four schools.
In addition, Sacred Heart Parochial School in Staples offers
classes for grades K-6 and currently enrolls over 100 children.
The Staples Elementary School and the Motley Elementary School
house classes from Kindergarten through Grade 5. Grades 6, 7 and
8 are housed in the Motley Middle School. The Senior High School
serves Grades 9 through 12 and is located in Staples. The
Elementary and Middle School buildings feature team teaching
concepts and integrated curriculum programs that foster enhanced
learning. At the high school level, Advanced Placement and other
college level courses are routinely taught. The Staples Public
Library serves the community and is located in the Staples
Government Center. Residents of the community can also access
materials and programs through the Great River Regional Library
System.
Central Lakes College, with campuses in Staples and Brainerd,
has an annual enrollment of 4,000 students and provides
Associate of Arts degrees and certificates in subject areas,
including; robotics and automated systems, machine trades,
drafting, manufacturing technology, photography, nursing, and
graphic arts. One of the unique programs is a heavy equipment
operators course, offering hands-on operation of various pieces
of equipment, from drag lines to road graders. Central Lakes
College cooperates with Bemidji State College and other
post-secondary schools to provide extension classes on the
Staples campus.
The Central Lakes Agricultural Center is a 320-acre research and
demonstration farm and the site of the Living Legacy Garden a
ten acre public garden developed in partnership with the
University of Minnesota.
The Living Legacy Garden is sustained through volunteers and
community donations. The Garden highlights wildflowers, herbs,
shrubs and trees, and features a shoreline restoration project.
Educational programming is available at the center for beginner
to master gardeners.
The Organization
The City is governed as a Home Rule Charter City under a
Council-Administrator form of government. The City Council
consists of a Mayor who is elected to a two-year term and six
Councilmembers elected to four-year terms. The Council is
assisted by various advisory boards and commissions including
the Water and Light Board, Community Services Board, Planning
and Zoning Commission, Charter Commission, Forestry and
Beautification Board, Board of Adjustment, Housing and
Redevelopment Authority and the Airport Board.
There are 21 full-time employees and 8 part-time personnel. The
general fund budget for 2007 is $5 million.
City Services
The City operates water and electric utilities. Electricity is
purchased from the Missouri River Energy System and the Western
Area Power Association and the City provides transmission and
distribution. Water is supplied by three wells, a 500,000 gallon
water tower and a 200,000 gallon ground storage tank. Pumping
capacity is 500 gpm and average demand is 305,000 gpd. The
sewerage treatment plant is an activated sludge facility
renovated in 1992. A new water treatment plant was built in
2004.
Police services are provided 24/7 through a department staffed
by five full-time and five part-time officers. Dispatch services
are contracted through Todd County. The volunteer fire
department is comprised of 25 members and maintains a fire
insurance rating of 6. The City operates the Community Center,
Municipal Airport, and the Housing Authority.
The Position
The City Administrator reports to the City Council and directs
the overall administration of the City as provided by City
Council action, and state and federal statutes. The City
Administrator carries out supervisory responsibilities including
interviewing, training, directing work, performance evaluation,
discipline, suspension, grievances, addressing complaints and
resolving employee problems. The City Administrator is
responsible for recommending, hiring, promoting, demoting and
discharging employees.
Specific duties include:
Directly supervise the departments of Clerk, Public Works
Director, Police Chief, Park and Recreation, and all other
Department Heads.
Prepare reports and summaries relating to proposed municipal
projects and improvements and submit them with recommendations
to the City Council for study and subsequent action.
Formulate and coordinate the Citys Comprehensive Plan to be
updated and approved by the City Council.
Represent the City at official functions as directed by the
City Council and maintain good public relations with citizens
and other municipalities in the region.
Administer all capital improvement projects and service
programs as approved by the City Council.
Plan, develop, and implement administrative policies and
direct all personnel matters. Participate in labor union
negotiations, grievances and arbitration.
Oversee the preparation of an annual budget working with
Department Heads and submitting to the Council. Keep Council
informed of the financial condition of the City.
Oversee and prepare an annual budget working with the Public
Works Director and submitting to the Water and Light Board.
Manage and review rate studies with the assistance of the
Public Works Director and make recommendations on rate changes
for electric, water, and wastewater departments.
Supervise the investment of City funds.
Attend or appoint City employees to attend Water and Light
Board meetings and carry out policies and Commission directives.
Serve as the Airport Manager with responsibilities for
day-to-day operation and long term planning.
Serve as ex-officio member of the Staples Economic Development
Authority.
Oversee and monitor local elections in accordance with state
and county requirements.
Coordinate and oversee the work of consultants hired by the
Council.
Background and Experience
Candidates for the City Administrator position shall possess a
Bachelors degree (Masters preferred) in Public Administration
or a related field and three to five years of related experience
in public sector management. Qualified candidates will possess
general knowledge of municipal government operations and
procedures including public relations, personnel management,
economic development, organizational management, finances,
purchasing, city planning, legal procedures and administrative
requirements for city operations.
Specific background includes:
Experience in community and economic development and
redevelopment with specific experience in downtown
revitalization.
Background in planning for infrastructure replacement and
general knowledge of public works functions.
Understanding of utility operations to include franchise
agreements and water/wastewater regulations.
Experience in strategic planning and land use planning.
Strong background in budget development, accounting and
financial management.
General knowledge of computer operations and technology
pertinent to city operations.
Understanding of issues facing a growing community.
Experience in intergovernmental relations and working
cooperatively with professional and community organizations.
Human resources background and experience in labor union
negotiations.
Knowledge of public sector financing methods including grant
writing.
Understanding of planning and zoning activities and annexation
procedures.
Experience working in a rural environment.
Strong customer service orientation.
Management Capabilities
Take a strong leadership role in the community through
involvement in local organizations. Work in partnership with the
Citys professional development network.
Seek out partnerships with local colleges and the medical
center.
Be approachable, outgoing and visible in the community and at
city hall.
Be an innovative and forward thinking manager. Encourage
elected officials and staff to develop new ways of looking at
problems and finding effective solutions.
Possess strong communications skills and the ability to
represent City Council plans and directives.
Possess strong organizational skills and the ability to give
clear directions.
Position and Community Priorities
Take the appropriate time to meet community leaders and learn
about issues facing the City.
Facilitate plans to develop the new Hwy. 10 corridor
incorporating economic development options. Facilitate plans for
design theme and beautification of the old Hwy. 10 redevelopment
project.
Guide the process to implement the proposed railroad overpass.
Appraise current technology and develop plans for better usage
and/or enhancements.
Establish regular staff meetings and explore staff training
and development opportunities.
Develop a process to provide meaningful performance
evaluations for all staff and Department Heads.
Explore options for developing a new government center
facility.
Facilitate plans for expanded biking/hiking trails.
Facilitate/develop long term plans for airport improvements.
Announcement
City Administrator; City of Staples, MN (pop. 3,100). Starting
Salary $70s to $80s. Vibrant, growing city in central Minnesota
on the beautiful Crow Wing River offers residents a
well-balanced mix of commerce and industry, recreation,
churches, schools and colleges, and residential neighborhoods in
a regional community setting. Candidates for the City
Administrator position shall possess a Bachelors degree
(Masters preferred) in Public Administration or a related field
and three to five years related management experience. Qualified
candidates will have experience in economic and community
development/redevelopment, finance and budgeting, staff
development and a desire for community involvement and building
partnerships. Position Profile available. Send resume by June
11, 2007 to The Brimeyer Group Executive Search, 50 South 9th
Ave. #101, Hopkins, MN 55343. Phone: (952) 945-0246. Fax: (954)
945-0102
e-mail: brimgroup@aol.com web: www.brimgroup.com
For additional information, please visit:
www.staples.govoffice.com
Timetable
6/11/07 Deadline for Application
7/10/07 Present Candidates/Select Finalists
7/20 and 7/21/07 Candidate Interviews/Selection
August 2007 Start Date
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