08/06/1980 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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r. Mr. Lieuallen stated that at the July 31 meeting, several implicit deci- sions were made, one of which was the need for a recruitment firm. This was not explicitly discussed. He feels this is a relatively expensive process including both consultant fees and related expenses and could cost . as much as $8,000-$10,000 depending upon travel time, the number of trips, etc. He feels there are two arguments for hiring a consultant: 1) these people have files with names of people who have sought them out to be considered for these types of positions and who might not respond to just an ad; and 2) the consultant will assist in writing the profile and screening applications for minimum qualifications. These arguments need to be balanced with whether City staff could do the screening and whether the City Manager could assign a staff person to do this. The cost must be balanced against the half-dozen applicants who would not otherwise apply and he does not feel it is worth it. Mr. Delay stated this item was not discussed because it was never ques- tioned at the July 31 meeting. He feels that more money will be spent on phone calls and flying candidates in than on the consultant. This kind of firm does more than the City could. He does not feel that other city managers would normally write resumes for a position of this kind and he thinks they must be actively recruited. The proposal from this consultant for basic fees was $6,000. He feels that files of applications are not necessarily the answer and that this firm has strong, active contacts with ICMA, NLOC, and State leagues of cities, as well as a whole network of people who are not currently managers and those who are managers in various parts of the country. It is not a routine matter for city managers who are doing well to apply for jobs elsewhere. A consultant who performs this service on a regular basis is a professional and will help define the profile to use. Regarding the screening process in the subcom- e mittee, Ralph Andersen and Associates were not chosen just because they are least expensive and closest, but for their rapport and abilities to deal with the council. They indicated that the councilors could be involved in any way in which they would like to be in this process. Mr. Andersen's attitude is that the more the council is involved, the better. He is open and flexible on the screening process. Mr. Delay stated that his question is why not use a professional firm with a network and con- tacts to identify and talk with potential candidates. Mayor Keller noted that it is an expensive process and the council may make it even more expensive if they want the consultant here more fre- quently. He would estimate that the firm will probably make 25 to 50 personal contacts. He felt there is a cost even if our staff were to do the work. He does not feel he would have time to work up a screening process. He thinks this is a chance to use a professional and incurred expenses will be paid back many times over. Mr. Lieuallen stated he feels the burden of proof is for the council to prove that the money should be spent for this purpose. There are about a half-dozen minor supportive reasons but no substantial ones. There will be fixed costs and he questions whether they will find "greatly" better 8/6/80--10 e