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City of Kenyon

City Administrator

Position Profile

The Community

The Boulevard of Roses welcomes and delights travelers to the City of Kenyon in southeastern Minnesota . Located on the Zumbro River and surrounded by fertile farmland, Kenyon is a beautiful rural community conveniently located between Rochester and the Twin Cities and within 15 miles of the City of Faribault . Kenyon is situated at the intersection of Minnesota State Highways 56 and 60.

The city’s 1,700 residents are proud of their well-maintained, friendly and peaceful community. The school system is highly ranked within the state, job opportunities may be found within the city and surrounding areas and recreational activities abound in city parks and nearby Nerstrand State Park .

Through the efforts of an active Economic Development Authority, Kenyon has maintained a viable and thriving business district. A downtown improvement project resulted in an attractive, tree-lined commercial main street featuring cafes, specialty shops and services. Over 50 businesses provide services to the community including the Mayo Family Clinic of Kenyon, Gunderson Gardens assisted living unit, Kenyon Sunset Home, Foldcraft, Interstate Mills Elevator, AG Reliant Genetics, Kenyon Ag. Service, South State Bedding, Emerson’s Fine Furniture, Tatge’s Jewelry, Jerry’s ACE Hardware, Dahlen’s Jewelry, Fred’s IGA Foods, Bergh Pharmacy, NAPA, Third World Friends, Thunhorst Law Office, Peterson Law Office, Kenyon Lumber Mart, Marathon Oil, and BP Motor Mart.

Recreational Attractions

The Kenyon Municipal Swimming Pool is a large, well-used outdoor facility. Adjacent to the swimming pool is the Depot Park featuring a refurbished railroad depot, which serves as a popular picnic shelter for families and group events. Two ice skating rinks accommodate hockey and open skating. The Meadow Creek Nature Area and Riverside Park offer hiking trails. The Kenyon Country Club is a 9-hole regulation length golf course offering a short layout that provides a fun golf outing for everyone.

The Gunderson House is a Victorian style home built in 1895 by Martin Gunderson, a miller and stockholder in Portland Cement. The house was donated to the city by the Gunderson family and is managed by the Kenyon Area Historical Society which provides tours and maintains the many antiques inside the home.

Nerstrand-Big Woods State Park is a botanical reserve for the temperate hardwood forest that once covered much of central Minnesota . Park facilities include individual and group campsites, picnic areas, a playground, and an extensive network of hiking trails.

Education and Health Care

Independent School District #2172 serves the Cities of Kenyon and Wanamingo. The District Mission is to create a caring partnership among students, family and community to maximize each learner’s academic, physical and social development.

The Kenyon/Wanamingo High/Middle School serves students in grades 5 – 12. School grounds feature a football field, large track, softball and baseball diamonds and playground equipment.

The District operates an elementary school that is located in Wanamingo and serves students in K-4^th.

The community is served by the new Mayo Family Clinic of Kenyon. The clinic is located adjacent to the 62-bed Kenyon Sunset Home nursing facility and the new Gunderson Gardens assisted living units.

The Organization

The City of Kenyon was organized as a municipality in 1885. The city operates under a statutory form of government consisting of a five-member City Council of which the Mayor is a voting member. The Mayor has a two-year term, and the Councilmembers are elected at-large to four-year terms.

The Council operates with a committee system. Various boards and committees advise the City Council including the EDA, Library Board, Planning Commission and Public Utilities Commission. The EDA was established in 1990 and is governed by a Board of five Commissioners. The City Council members serve as the EDA Board.

City Services

A City Police Department was established in 2007 and is staffed by three full-time and two part-time officers. A 30-member volunteer Fire Department provides fire services. Ambulance service is provided through North Memorial on a contractual basis.

The Public Works Department provides sewer operations and street maintenance. Refuse collection is licensed by the city and is provided through a contract with a private hauler. The city owns and operates an on-sale/off-sale municipal liquor store and bar.

Kenyon Municipal Utilities provides electric and water services. The Public Utility Commission (PUC) provides oversight for the operation.

The City and Municipal Utilities employ a total of 16 full-time employees and 20-25 part-time and seasonal employees. The general fund budget is $1.1 million and the enterprise fund budgets total $1.1 million. Electric and water budgets are set by the PUC and are currently $2.4 million.

Organizational Chart

The Position

The City Administrator coordinates all municipal operations including the management of finances and investments, budget preparation and administration, payroll administration and oversight of payables/receivables and municipal elections. The position is responsible for statutory Clerk-Treasurer duties, economic development, planning and zoning activities, and general oversight to employees of the Municipal Utilities. City Departments include Administration, Public Works, Police, Parks, Liquor Store, Fire and Library. Specific duties include:

· Oversee the administration of all municipal departments including personnel, equipment and facilities to ensure adequate service is provided to the residents.

· Serve as Personnel Officer and oversee all personnel policies and actions directly or through subordinate supervisors.

· Work with the City Attorney and other appropriate personnel to draft city ordinances, resolutions and policies for Council approval.

· Prepare, submit and oversee the annual city budget and assemble capital equipment requests.

· Keep the City Council informed of the financial conditions of the City.

· Oversee and approve all purchases and bills.

· Oversee and invest city funds.

· Prepare and present reports to the City Council and Council Committees.

· Coordinate the work of consultants (Attorney and Engineer/Architect) and contractors hired by the city.

· Ensure compliance with planning and zoning codes.

Background and Experience

Candidates for the City Administrator position should possess a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration or a related field and three years of experience in a responsible municipal management position.

Qualified Candidates will possess:

· Strong financial forecasting and begetting skills.

· Experience in working with an EDA to develop economic development strategies. Experience in business attraction and commercial development.

· Experience in developing housing options and knowledge of HRA rules and regulations.

· Understanding of public financing techniques including Tax Increment Financing.

· Understanding of public works and utility functions including electric utilities.

· Personnel experience including staff development and performance evaluations.

· Appreciation for living and working in a small, rural community.

· Experience in managing Joint Powers Agreements and contracting for services.

· Strong computer skills with specific knowledge of website technology appropriate to municipal functions.

· Understanding of municipal liquor operations.

Management Capabilities

· Become active and involved in the community. Enjoy regular contact with the public outside of City Hall.

· Assist the Council in determining priorities and moving ahead with action plans.

· Foster strong relationships between the City and the Utilities.

· Work effectively with the County and other governmental entities.

· Focus on maintaining a high level of customer service. Keep citizens involved and informed through newsletters and solicit public opinion on a regular basis.

· Regularly visit public facilities and employees.

· Promote a high level of staff motivation and provide a positive work environment for employees. Respect the tenure and experience of staff.

Position Priorities

· Develop a Capital Improvement Plan with financing options.

· Develop infrastructure for expansion of the Business Park .

· Deal with Inflow/Infiltration issues.

· Finalize design and initiate process for construction of a new Fire Hall.

· Resolve issue of disposition of old school building.

· Evaluate options to make the city website service oriented, e.g., online bill paying capabilities.

Announcement

City Administrator/Clerk, Kenyon, MN (pop, 1,700). Salary range mid-$60s to mid-$70s. Located in southeast Minnesota one hour from the Twin Cities. Reports to Mayor and four Councilmembers. Position is responsible for a staff of 16 full-time in public works, police, liquor, electric and water utility, administration and finance. Responsible for economic development and planning activities. General fund budget of $1.1 million and enterprise fund budgets of $1.1 million. Require Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of three years experience in a responsible public sector management position. Prefer experience in electric, water and sewer utilities and a desire to work and live in a rural environment. Position Profile available. Apply by 4/15/08 to The Brimeyer Group Executive Search; Fifty South Ninth Ave., Suite 101, Hopkins , MN 55343. Phone: (952) 945-0246 Fax: (952) 945-0102 e-mail: brimgroup@aol.com web: www.brimgroup.com

For more information, please visit www.cityofkenyon.com

Timetable

4/15/08 Deadline for Application

5/6/08 Present Candidates/Select Finalists

5/16 and 5/17/08 Interviews/Selection

June 2008 Start Date