Position Profile New Prague, Minnesota is a progressive, growing city of 6,787, located just 45 miles southwest of the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. The city, which was founded in 1856 and named after the capital of the Czech Republic, is an attractive community rich in Czech, Bavarian and Bohemian culture. New Prague bridges the borders of LeSueur and Scott Counties and is located 10 miles east of Highway 169 and 20 miles west of I35W. New Prague boasts a thriving business and agricultural community. Recent development may be influenced by the sprawl of the Twin Cities, but New Prague has managed to retain its small-town flavor and many of the buildings in the historic downtown appear much as they did in the beginning of the 20th century. New developments include a $2.2 million retail store, two-story office building, $12 million addition to the New Prague High School plus additions to several commercial businesses. Presently under construction is a $3.1 million bank and office building, grocery superstore and the expansion of strip mall and industrial warehouse space. Major employers within the city include Chart Industries, Inc. with 350 employees, Independent School District 721 with 250 employees, Queen of Peace Hospital with 265 employees, and Mala Strana Health Care Center providing nursing and assisted living care with 145 employees. With easy commuter access to the Twin Cities, New Prague has seen a significant growth in housing since 2000. The city has 2,600 single-family homes and 345 multi-family units. Last year there were 31 new home starts. Recreation and Community Festivals There are currently 12 municipal parks located within the City of New Prague plus school district recreational areas and private recreational facilities. Activities for New Prague residents range from library programs to extensive summer recreation programs for adults and children. Facilities include 249 acres of parkland, playgrounds, outdoor swimming pool, hiking/biking paths, baseball park, school tennis courts, indoor ice arena and a wildlife area. Nearby Cedar Lake provides a popular destination for fishing, ice fishing, water skiing, and jet skiing. The New Prague Golf Club is an 18-hole public golfing facility that offers annual memberships for individuals and families Doνnky, patterned after a Czech Harvest Festival, is held on the third Saturday of September each year. Main Street is transformed into an open-air market with vendor booths, a beer garden and many demonstrators and entertainers. Festival events include a parade featuring antique and modern farm equipment, cars, and horse-drawn units. Ethnic bands on three separate stages and authentic Czech dancers and singers share their talents. The 23rd Annual New Prague Half Marathon & 5K run will take place on Saturday, May 10, 2008. Education and Health Care There are five schools in the New Prague Area Schools (District 721): New Prague Senior High School (9-12), New Prague Middle School (6-8), Falcon Ridge Elementary in New Prague (K-5), Raven Stream Elementary in New Prague (K-5) and Eagle View Elementary in nearby Elko New Market (K-5). The total enrollment in the district is 3,205 students. The High School Trojans participate in Baseball, Softball, Boys & Girls Basketball, Boys & Girls Cross Country, Boys & Girls Hockey, Boys & Girls Tennis, Track, Swimming, Football, Cheerleading, Wrestling, Golf, Volleyball, Adapted Floor Hockey and Adapted Softball. New in the fall of 2007 is Boys & Girls Soccer. The St. Wenceslas Catholic School serves grades K-8 school and provides basketball for grades 6-8th. Additionally, Holy Cross Catholic Schools serves part of the New Prague District. Post-secondary education opportunities are available at Normandale Community College in Bloomington, Minnesota State University in Mankato, and Carlton College and St. Olaf College in Northfield. Queen of Peace Hospital is a 25-bed facility, sponsored by the Sisters of St. Benedict, that serves a patient base of roughly 60,000 in four counties. The accredited hospital offers a variety of specialty services, a network of family physicians and access to specialists in virtually every field of medicine. The facility partners with Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Minneapolis Heart Institute, Mayo Clinic, North Memorial Medical Center, and many others. Mala Strana Health Care Center is a 90 bed skilled nursing facility featuring on site licensed nursing personnel 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Organization New Prague was organized in 1891 and has a Home Rule Charter form of government adopted on January 1, 1995. The city has a Council-Administrator form of government. The Mayor is elected to serve a two-year term and four Councilmembers serve overlapping four-year terms. The City Council is assisted by the EDA Board, Golf Club Board, Park Board, Planning Commission and Utility Commission. City Services The New Prague Utilities Commission manages the Water Utility and Electric System owned by the City. A five-member Utilities Commission is appointed by the City Council and serve four-year terms. The Electric Utility is a member of the Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency. The Water Utility has approximately 2,500 municipal connections and is served by two elevated storage tanks, one ground storage tank and five wells. The Sewer Utility has approximately 2,600 municipal connections. The City owns and operates the New Prague Golf Club, which is open to the public as well as offering annual memberships to local, as well as out of town individuals and families. Fire services are provided through a 30-member volunteer Fire Department. The New Prague Ambulance Service provides ambulance services, first-response and EMT services. The Police Department responds to approximately 5,000 calls per year and employs ten full-time officers, two part-time officers, six reserves and two office staff. The city has 50 full-time employees. The total 2008 budget is $4.7 million. The Position The City Administrator is the chief administrative officer of the city and is responsible for the administration of city affairs. The position has been held by one person since the adoption of the City Administrator form of government. A broadening of activities is possible with newly placed emphasis on economic development and strategic planning. The duties as specified in the Charter include: Ensure the enforcement of laws, ordinances and resolutions of the city. Make recommendations to the City Council for adoption of measures that are necessary for the welfare of the people and the efficient administration of city affairs. Keep the Council advised on the financial condition and needs of the city and prepare and submit the annual budget and capital improvement program. Serve as chief purchasing agent and oversee all contracts entered into by the city. Inspect work and report on progress of projects the Council. Direct and supervise all departments and officers of the city. Direct the City Clerk in duties including the keeping of public records and custody and disbursement of public funds. Serve as liaison to various Boards and Commissions, meet with local business groups, citizen groups and other government officials regarding city issues. Background and Experience Candidates for the City Administrator position will possess a Bachelors degree (Masters preferred) and have a minimum of five years City Administrator experience. Experience with a stand-alone and/or growing community is a plus. Qualified candidates will possess: Strong budgeting and financial management background, including experience with Enterprise Funds. Knowledge of public funding techniques. Experience working directly with elected officials. Background in a growth environment and experience with planning processes. Experience in housing and economic development. Knowledge of public works and utilities operations. Understanding of current technology related to municipal functions. Experience with unions and labor negotiations. Management Capabilities/Relationship with the Community Candidates for the position will have a history of success heading their organization(s) with integrity and proven leadership. The successful candidate will demonstrate a desire to get involved with the community and be willing to commit a significant amount of time to this position. The successful candidate will also exhibit the following skills and qualities: Be approachable and accessible to community and staff. Take the necessary time to meet with employees and learn city operations. Be politically aware without being politically active. Take a strong leadership role without being dictatorial. Be collaborative, open minded and fair when dealing with staff. Allow staff flexibility in decision making. Be a good communicator and listener with residents and employees. Be a change agent who is willing to take chances and try a new approach. Promote professional development for all staff. Share budget and financial information with staff. Maintain the positive relationship that exists between the business community and the city. Be inclusive of community members in planning projects. Position Priorities Oversee construction of a new fire/ambulance facility. Oversee plans for construction of the new wastewater treatment plant. Initiate a strategic planning/visioning process (The strategic plan will be used to identify and address City issues and priorities. Will be used as a guide to direct work and performance). Examine the financial solvency the golf course operation and develop a Golf Course Management Plan. Monitor the on-going process with the building/opening of Wal-Mart. On-going Position Expectations Continue to work cooperatively with the schools and counties. Continue yearly Capital Improvement Plan for infrastructure. Work with the Chamber and EDA on retail development activities, including downtown. Develop long term financial projections for pending city projects. Evaluate department duties, strengths and staffing and make appropriate adjustments. Establish regular staff meetings and a system for sharing department information. Set up a team building process for all employees. Initiate the process to develop a community newsletter. Plan for the use of technology to increase efficiency and effectiveness. Announcement City Administrator, New Prague, MN (pop 6,787). Starting Salary, mid $80s to mid $90s. A progressive, growing city located just 45 miles southwest of the Twin Cities Metro Area, New Prague is rich in Czech, Bavarian and Bohemian culture. Position requires a Bachelors Degree (Masters preferred) and a minimum of five years experience in municipal management. Qualified candidates will have experience in municipal utilities, economic development and a desire to participate in the community. Position Profile available. Send electronic resume by 4/21/08 to The Brimeyer Group Executive Search, Fifty South Ninth Avenue, Suite 101, Hopkins, MN 55343. Phone: (952) 945-0246 E-mail: brimgroup@aol.com web: www.brimgroup.com For additional information, please visit www.ci.new-prague.mn.us Timetable 4/21/08 Application Deadline 5/19/08 Present Candidates/Select Finalists 6/13 and 6/14/08 Interviews/Selection July 2008 Start Date |
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