HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/21/2020 05 City Manager Recruitment UpdateB US INE S S O F T HE C I T Y C O UNC I L
YAK I M A, WAS HING T O N
AG E ND A S TAT E M E NT
I tem No. 5.
F or Meeting of: April 21, 2020
I T E M T IT L E :City Manager Recruitment Update
S UB M IT T E D B Y:Connie Mendoza, Director of Human Resources
S UM M ARY E X P L ANAT I O N:
A t the A pril 7, 2020 City Council meeting, Council directed staff to move forward with a
competitive recruitment process to fill the City Manager position. A ttached for Council review is a
proposed recruitment timeline, recruitment brochure, and City Manager job description.
I T E M B UD G E T E D:NA
S T RAT E G I C P RI O RI T Y:
AP P RO V E D F O R S UB M IT TAL B Y T HE C IT Y M ANAG E R
RE C O M M E ND AT I O N:
AT TAC HM E NT S :
Description Upload Date Type
CM Recrutiment Update Memo 4/16/2020 Cover Memo
Recruitment Timeline Estimate 4/15/2020 Cover Memo
City Manager Recruitment Brochure 4.15.2020 4/16/2020 Cover Memo
City Manager Job Description 4.15.2020 4/16/2020 Cover Memo
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Human Resource Department
129 North Second Street
Yakima, Washington 98901
Phone (509) 575-6090 • Fax (509) 576-6358
MEMORANDUM
April 15, 2020
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the Yakima City Council
From: Connie Mendoza, Director of Human Resources
RE: City Manager Recruitment Update
Per the Council’s direction on April 7th, the City Manager Recruitment process has been
initiated. Draft copies of the recruitment schedule, job description and recruitment brochure
have been provided to each Council Member via email over the past couple of weeks and are
included as part of this packet.
A brief overview of the proposed timeline and the steps taken so far are detailed below. Please
be advised that the timeline is fluid and subject to change depending on the applications
received, etc. I will be working with Cally Price to coordinate calendars and propose some
possible dates for interviews over the next few weeks.
Job Announcement/Advertising Campaign
Human Resources worked with the City’s Legal Department and the Community Relations staff
to update the job description and create the recruitment brochure. The job will be posted and
advertised on Friday, April 17th with applications due by the close of business on Wednesday,
June 3rd.
Advertisements will be posted as follows. Other sources may be added.
International City/County Management Association (ICMA)
Association of Washington Cities (AWC)
American Public Works Association (APWA)
League of Oregon Cities
California City News
Western City Magazine
Public CEO
Yakima Herald
Spokesman Review
Tri-City Herald
Facebook
LinkedIn
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Applicant Screening/Candidates presented to Council
Applications will be pre-screened as they are received to ensure they meet the requirements of
the position. Once the deadline to submit applications has passed, Council will be presented
with the most qualified candidates’ information during an executive session. An invitation will
then be extended to those selected to participate in the interview process.
Interviews/Community Reception
The proposed interview process includes each candidate participating in three interviews and a
Community Reception. The three interviews will consist of a public interview with the Council, an
interview with a Community Panel, and Senior Staff Panel. The Community and Senior Staff
panels will provide feedback to the Council regarding their assessment of each candidate’s
strengths and potential challenges they might bring to the role of City Manager. Council can
use this feedback as part of their discussions when deciding on a finalist. Depending on the
interview schedule and if time allows, candidates will be provided a brief tour of the City hosted
by Communication & Public Affairs Manager Randy Beehler. If necessary, a second interview is
included in the recruitment timeline for the following day.
A Community Reception would be held the evening of the interviews to allow interested
community members, staff and the Council to meet the candidates in a less formal setting and
to ask additional questions. Comment cards will be made available to gather input from those in
attendance. The comment cards will be provided to the Council for their consideration as well.
Background/Reference Checks
Once Council has identified the finalist(s), a thorough background check of the candidate(s) will
be performed by a third party. Reference checks will be completed as well.
Contract negotiations can commence during this time; however, a contract cannot be finalized
until the background process is complete.
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4/10/2020-CM
City Manager Recruitment Timeline Estimate
*Timeline is subject to change dependent on applicant submissions, etc..
Search Process Timeline April May June July August September October
Action
Marketing/advertising campaign
developed
Job Announcement posted
Applicant screening
Top candidates presented to
Council
Interviews
Community Reception
Second Interview
(If necessary)
Conduct background/reference
checks on finalists
Extend/Negotiate offer
City Manager Starts
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QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will possess a master's degree in Public
Administration, Business, Law, Political Science or closely
related field and a minimum of five (5) years experience as a
City Manager, Assistant City Manager, exempt level
department head or other senior administrative officer.
The successful City Manager candidate will have outstanding
interpersonal and communication skills while being open
and approachable.
She/he will work in the best interest of the City of Yakima in
accordance with the City Charter and policies determined by
the City Council.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
•Plans, directs and coordinates the City's administrative
functions. Administers and executes the City's laws and
ordinances.
•Prepares/submits annual budget to Council and performs
budget administration. Regularly advises Council of the
financial conditions, makes recommendations, and
submits annual report of the City's finances and activities
for the preceding year.
•Recommends measures for Council adoption. Oversees
preparation and presentations of reports and
recommendations for Council action. Attends all Council
meetings and assures follow-up on all actions and staff
assignments.
•Possesses appointing authority for department
directors. Provides departments direction, problem solving
and assistance while encouraging input and
communication. Supports the administration of the City's
personnel policies in compliance with collective bargaining
agreements, City Charter and Civil Service.
•Serves as local liaison with state and county agencies.
Attends a variety of meetings as the City's official staff
representative, including community groups, service clubs
and professional organizations.
•Ensures timely resolution to operational issues, anticipates
potential crises and acts to prevent their occurrences or
reduce operational impacts.
•Fosters cooperation, coordination and efficient use of
resources. Provides ongoing efforts to improve
processes and provide quality customer service.
City of Yakima Departments & Staff
The City of Yakima employs
750+ permanent employees
in addition to approximately
200 temporary employees.
Operating departments:
•City Administration
•Public Works
•Finance & Budget
•Human Resources
•Community Development
•Yakima Air Terminal
•Municipal Court
•Legal
•Police
•Fire
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DEMOGRAPHICS
GEOGRAPHY and CLIMATE
Yakima is located in the south central region of
Washington State, approximately 150 miles east
of Seattle. Yakima covers about 28 square miles.
Sunshine is the norm with 270 to 300 blue sky
days per year. The area enjoys four separate
and distinct seasons , with hot and dry
summers while winters are cool with light
snowfall.
Yakima is the largest city in Yakima County and serves as the county seat. With a population of more than 94,000, Yakima is the 11th largest city in Washington State.
Most of the people who founded Yakima were of European descent, although significant numbers of African-Americans and Asian-Americans homesteaded in the area as well.
Over the past 30-plus years, the Valley has experienced a large influx of Latino immigrants, accounting for approximately 45% of the population in Yakima County.
Today, the Yakima community enjoys a rich mixture of people from many cultural and ethnic backgrounds -74% of the population have at least a high school diploma and 18% have a bachelor's degree or higher. The median annual household income was estimated to be $49,871 in 2018.
COST of LIVING
The cost of living in Yakima is below the national average at 95% and there is no •state-imposed income tax. The mediansales price of a home is approximately$200,000 and the average commutingtime to work is about 15 minutes.
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Beyond K through 12, the area boasts a private technical college, a community college, a university, a medical school, and a number of vocational education programs.
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hr/csinfo/class specs/1100 series
City of Yakima
Class Specification
1110
CITY MANAGER
DEFINITION: The City Manager is responsible for directing the administration of City government in accordance with the municipal management principles, City ordinances, Yakima City Charter, applicable local, state and federal laws, and policies set forth by the Yakima City Council. The City Manager appoints all Civil Service exempt employees including but not limited to Department Heads as provided by City Ordinance; supervises activities of all City departments and divisions, including public works, collection and disbursement of revenues, personnel management, public safety, code enforcement, City legal services, and City communications; oversees annual budget preparation and management; submits an annual budget to the City Council for approval; plans for future development to provide for population growth and expansion of public services. The City Manager provides guidance, support, and problem solving assistance to all Department Heads in handling daily activities and responsibilities for the City of Yakima, making independent decisions on operational issues, managing and evaluating the effectiveness of technical operations, monitoring implementation of the City budget and ensuring that the City’s programs are implemented in a manner consistent with City goals and policies. The City Manager reports to the City Council and is the appointing authority for all other City of Yakima employees.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Plans, directs and coordinates the City’s administrative functions and administers and executes the City’s laws and ordinances. Provides City departments appropriate direction, encourages feedback and communication, and provides problem solving guidance and assistance. Appoints, manages and, when necessary for the good of the City, removes from employment personnel of the City, all in compliance with Civil Service rules, regulations and laws; may authorize the heads of departments or offices to appoint and remove subordinates in such departments or offices. Prepares the budget annually, submits it to the City Council and is responsible for budget administration after adoption. Prepares a complete report of the City’s finances and administrative activities of the City for the preceding year and submits it to the City Council at the end of the fiscal year.
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hr/csinfo/class specs/1100 series
Recommends measures considered necessary and expedient for adoption by the City Council. Keeps the Council advised of the financial condition of future needs of the City and makes such recommendations as may deem desirable. Administers all finance and fiscal matters of the City, countersigns all warrants, approves all claim vouchers and authorizes all travel for administrative personnel. Oversees preparation of reports and recommendations for Council action, attends all City Council meetings and assures follow-up on Council actions and completion of assignments to staff. Serves as a resource to the City Council and staff through positive interactions and collaboration. Attends a variety of meetings as the City’s official staff representative and is required to speak to a wide variety of community groups, service clubs, professional organizations, etc.; serves as local liaison with State and County agencies. Work regularly requires attendance at meetings outside of normal working hours. Supports the administration of City personnel policies in compliance with appropriate Collective Bargaining Agreements, City Charter, and Civil Service Rules and Regulations. Ensures timely resolution of operational issues, anticipates potential crisis and acts to prevent their occurrence or reduce operational impact. Contributes to the effective administration of City government by fostering an attitude that encourages cooperation and coordination of efforts and efficient use of resources. Provides continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality customer service. Performs such other duties as may be required by the City Council.
MAJOR WORKER CHARACTERISTICS: Considerable knowledge of the principles, procedures and techniques of municipal organization and administrative operations. Knowledge of federal, state and municipal laws and ordinances, and City of Yakima policies and procedures. Knowledge of best principles and techniques of management, supervision, corrective action, progressive discipline and leadership practices; principles and practices of work flow and systems analysis; record keeping systems, processes, and practices; best principles and practices for project and financial management; municipal records retention procedures, and techniques. Demonstrates knowledge and sound judgement with regard to public disclosure and confidentiality standards. Knowledge of principles and practices of a wide variety of departmental and staff municipal functions including, but not limited to, public works, engineering and related services, community and economic development, airport operations, land
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hr/csinfo/class specs/1100 series
use and zoning, public safety services, budgeting, finance, procurement, legal and personnel administration and labor relations. Strong working knowledge of: computer spreadsheets; databases; industry applications; Microsoft Office Suite including Excel; report writing tools and office equipment; professional office procedures and practices; and computerized municipal budgetary and fiscal management practices. Ability to operate standard office equipment including but not limited to: computer, copy machine, telephone and mobile devices. Knowledge of techniques and strategies for dissemination of complex written and verbal information to a wide range of individuals, including the City Council, staff and members of the public, through effective written and oral reports, letters, and other formal communications such as public presentations or news conferences. Excellent ability to conduct or supervise management and administrative analytical studies and to prepare policy recommendations for action. Ability to analyze and resolve problems; gather, analyze and interpret data; advise and counsel employees and managers. Outstanding ability to communicate calmly, clearly, concisely and tactfully in a wide variety of situations, including under stress. Must possess well developed and effective communication skills, both written and oral, with appropriate use of business English and plain English, including but not limited to correct grammar, vocabulary, letter composition, editing, spelling, and punctuation. Must possess the ability to make informative and persuasive presentations to individuals and groups, conduct public meetings, and participate in public forums. Must routinely and regularly maintain confidentiality and discretion through all forms of communication. Ability to provide effective leadership and guidance to others with strong capacity to establish and maintain cooperative, successful working relationships and public relations credibility with City’s management staff, City Council members, employees and employee associations, civic groups, professional organizations, private citizens, the news media, other local, state, and federal officials and legislative representatives. Ability to absorb and analyze information rapidly, draw sound conclusions, and make decisions and recommendations quickly which address technical, legal, financial, personnel, and other administrative issues. Must be able to work effectively on several projects concurrently; work independently with self-direction and minimal direction or oversight; maintain sustained attention to detail; work under timeline pressures; adapt quickly to changing priorities and demands; prioritize and assign workloads; and make sound decisions within broad guidelines. Ability to respond, implement, and manage an emergency plan of action including but not limited to: technological or operating issues and/or emergency situations.
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hr/csinfo/class specs/1100 series
Knowledge of collective bargaining laws, procedures, and arbitration decisions which impact municipal operations. Must have ability to successfully assist with facilitation and negotiation of collective bargaining agreements in accordance with goals and guidelines of the City Council.
Ability to coordinate the diverse activities of various City departments and City-wide programs and capability to motivate and persuade key staff in City departments to adhere to Council objectives and policies at the City Manager’s directions. Ability to work effectively with Yakima City Council and staff to address strategic priorities. Ability to develop, present and gain acceptance for long-range programs and budgets. Must be able to locate grant resources and prepare grant proposals for projects. Ability to work extended hours as needed to carry out the executive management and supervisory responsibilities and functions for the City of Yakima.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Work is performed primarily in an office environment while sitting at a desk or computer terminal for extended periods of time or while standing for a period of time. Occasionally needs to move inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, and department records. Constant use of both hands in reaching/handling/grasping/fingering while performing duties and operating computers. Occasional heavy work includes lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds. Occasionally ascends/descends stairs while maintaining balance. Constant use of all senses including feeling/talking/hearing/seeing while performing duties and communicating with co-workers, general public and completing all tasks as assigned. Must be able to distinguish color and maintain long-term and short-term memory. May work in remote locations or in noisy work areas. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS: May work with angry or upset individuals including those who may be unhappy with City policies and/or City decisions. May require extension of workday or work week with short notice including evening or weekend work to address workload and/or when meeting with the public. Required to carry a cell phone and respond to technological or operating issues and/or emergency situations outside the normal work schedule, including weekends and holidays. May require occasional travel from site to site for attendance at meetings, including evening meetings.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES: Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid Washington State Driver’s License within 6 months of hire.
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hr/csinfo/class specs/1100 series
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor’s Degree from a four-year college or university in business administration, business, law, public administration, political science, or a closely related field is required. Five (5) years of experience as a City Manager, Assistant City Manager, exempt level department head or other senior administrative officer. Master’s Degree is strongly preferred. Must pass background investigation regarding applicant’s aptitude, character, judgement, credit, driving record and criminal history.
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